Kratom is native to Southeast Asia and is soldas a teaor in capsules and marketed as a natural stimulant.
This herbal product is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Everyday better to do everything you love / Getty Images
Everyday better to do everything you love / Getty Images
Is Kratom Powder an Opioid?
Kratom powder is not an opioid.
Kratom powder is said to have opioid-like effects and psychostimulant effects.
Kratom works on or activates opioid receptors in nerve cells.
The effects are mild compared to those of opioids or heroin.
These plant compounds or kratom alkaloids and receptors are linked to kratom’s stimulating or arousing effects.
What Are Kratom’s Uses?
Kratom Contamination
Contamination in herbal supplements like kratom includes excess traces of heavy metals and bacteria.
Forms of Kratom
Kratom tea and chewing the kratom tree leaves are popular in Southeast Asia.
In the U.S., you may find kratom more commonly sold in powder form.
Where Does the United States Stand on Kratom Legality?
Kratom is not listed under the U.S. schedule of controlled substances.
Many countries have banned kratom use or made kratom illegal.
These include:
Alternatives to Kratom
There is an alternative to kratom called Sakae Naa.
The FDA has placed an import alert on this new dietary ingredient similar to the one placed on kratom.
Kratom is not an opioid.
Kratom in smaller doses has stimulating effects and in larger doses has sedating effects.
People report using kratom for pain relief and to help cope with depression and anxiety.
Kratom has side effects including nausea and digestive upset.
Very rare but serious side effects include psychosis and death.
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