While kratom is not FDA-approved, some consumers report pain relief, mood elevation, and anxiety reduction. Others say kratom helps them break opioid addiction by easing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings for prescription drugs. However the research on kratom benefits benefits is limited and self-reports are often unreliable. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration has classified kratom as a Schedule I substance and recommended banning its use, but the supplement industry and some lawmakers have pushed back against those measures.
Exploring Kratom’s Potential as an Energy Booster
Despite the lack of evidence, kratom continues to be used for a range of purposes. It’s available in a variety of forms, from pills to powders and teas, and its effects can vary depending on the strain, dose and other factors. It can make you feel calm, relaxed and energetic, but in high doses, it may cause nausea, constipation, dizziness and other side effects.
In addition, kratom is unregulated and nonstandardized, and calls to poison centers in some areas have reported tachycardia, altered mental status, seizures, liver damage and other adverse effects. While a few studies have shown potential for kratom as a treatment for opioid addiction, more research is needed to understand its risks and effectiveness. In the meantime, experts recommend staying away from the plant. Instead, they suggest trying other safe ways to manage pain and anxiety:
