The Dangers of Using Kratom Tea To Treat Anxiety or Opiate Withdrawal

Research on kratom’s side effects has deemed products made with this plant to be a public health threat.

Kratom tea, a beverage originating from the leaves of the kratom tree native to Southeast Asia, has emerged as a subject of both fascination and concern in recent years. Advocates of this herbal infusion extol its potential to alleviate pain, anxiety, and depression, while proponents of its stimulating effects champion it as a performance enhancer for sexual prowess and physical endurance. Additionally, kratom tea has been propagated as a natural remedy to mitigate opiate withdrawal symptoms. However, amidst these lofty claims lies a landscape riddled with uncertainties, warnings, and the looming specter of potential dangers. This article delves into the multifaceted world of kratom tea, examining both its purported benefits and the apprehensions cast by regulatory bodies and scientific research.

As with any substance that claims health-enhancing properties, it is essential to scrutinize the veracity of these assertions. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) stands firm in its stance that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the myriad claims attributed to kratom tea. From its alleged efficacy in pain management, anxiety reduction, and mood enhancement to its role in opiate withdrawal, the scientific foundation for these proclamations remains shaky at best. The FDA echoed this sentiment in 2018 when it issued warning letters to two vendors of kratom tea for promoting health benefits unsupported by rigorous research. The FDA’s vigilance in curbing unsupported health claims underscores the necessity of evidence-based information dissemination in the realm of alternative remedies.

Beyond the realm of unsubstantiated health claims lies the shadow cast by potential dangers associated with kratom tea consumption. The FDA has unequivocally cautioned against its use, citing concerns about its potential to foster addiction, abuse, or dependence. This skepticism is grounded in the chemical composition of kratom leaves, which contain mitragynine—a compound suspected to function similarly to opioid pain relievers. While kratom’s stimulating and sedative effects at varying doses contribute to its allure, the FDA’s reservations emanate from its potential for adverse health consequences, particularly when consumed in larger quantities. This concern is intensified by the FDA’s acknowledgment that further research is imperative to unlock the intricacies of kratom’s impact on human health.

The process of brewing kratom tea involves the leaves of the kratom tree, which contain mitragynine—a chemical that exhibits similar properties to opioid pain relievers. The varying effects of kratom, ranging from stimulating to sedative, are contingent on the dosage. At lower doses, kratom tends to act as a stimulant, while larger quantities evoke a more tranquilizing effect. Despite its potential application in opiate withdrawal, the absence of substantive evidence leaves a void of certainty in its effectiveness. Furthermore, the lack of research into the interactions between kratom and other substances, along with potential side effects and impacts on the body, underscores the need for comprehensive scientific investigation.

Expanding on the concerns surrounding kratom tea, the potential dangers associated with its consumption beckon caution. A study published in Neuropharmacology in 2018 highlights that doses ranging from 5 to 8 grams can result in a range of side effects encompassing nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle coordination impairment, dizziness, and more. The journal Pharmacotherapy’s analysis of National Poison Data System records further exposes the concerns, revealing over 2,300 reported cases of kratom-related health issues. The gamut of symptoms reported includes agitation, rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, and even more serious manifestations such as seizures, hallucinations, and coma. The risks posed by higher doses are even more disconcerting, encompassing euphoric highs, anxiety, respiratory distress, heart rate fluctuations, and, in extreme cases, death. These chilling findings have prompted the FDA to unequivocally warn individuals to steer clear of kratom-containing products.

The concerns surrounding kratom’s potential risks are further underscored by grim statistics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 91 deaths linked to kratom products between July 2016 and December 2017. In a subset of these fatalities, substances like fentanyl, heroin, benzodiazepines, prescription opioids, and cocaine were found alongside kratom in the victims’ systems. Furthermore, the interplay between kratom and other drugs exacerbates its side effects, amplifying risks to unsuspecting consumers. The FDA’s apprehension extends to the possibility of kratom being adulterated with opioids such as hydrocodone, raising concerns about its potential role in liver damage and withdrawal symptoms.

The complex legal status of kratom adds another layer of complexity to the discourse. While kratom is legal in some states in the United States, it is classified as a controlled substance in 16 countries. This nuanced regulatory landscape is indicative of the divergent perspectives on kratom’s safety and efficacy. Several U.S. states have banned or imposed regulations on kratom due to mounting apprehensions. The absence of standardized regulations in the supplement industry contributes to the unregulated nature of kratom as an alternative medicine. The lack of oversight hampers the FDA’s ability to monitor the purity and quality of the kratom products available in the market.

As consumers navigate this intricate terrain, California-based nutritionist Maggie Moon, MS, RD, advocates for caution. She emphasizes that given the FDA’s advisory against kratom, individuals should exercise prudence and avoid the substance altogether. The overarching concern for public safety and well-being takes precedence over anecdotal claims of kratom’s therapeutic benefits. In a world rife with uncertainties, it is imperative that individuals prioritize evidence-based approaches to health and wellness, steering clear of substances whose potential dangers outweigh their touted advantages.

In conclusion, the allure of kratom tea as a natural remedy and mood enhancer must be tempered with a judicious assessment of its scientific foundation and potential risks. The chasm between claims of health benefits and empirical evidence, as highlighted by reputable organizations like NIDA and the FDA, underscores the necessity of skepticism. The labyrinthine legal landscape surrounding kratom accentuates the complexity of the issue and the need for standardized regulations in the supplement industry. In an era