The kratom leaf powder plant (Mitragyna speciosa) is native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves are chewed, brewed into tea or placed into capsules. Its psychoactive properties range from stimulant-like, energizing and uplifting, to opioid-like, causing drowsiness and euphoria. The leaves contain dozens of active compounds, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These two chemicals interact with the brain’s opioid receptors to create sedative and pain-relieving effects.

Unveiling the Potential: The Health Benefits of Kratom Powder

In the United States, kratom is sold over-the-counter as a dietary supplement and in head/smart shops. It can also be purchased on the Internet from companies claiming to manufacture it as a legal herbal remedy. Despite this availability, it has not been officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or formally studied for safety. It is not considered a controlled substance, but it can cause side effects that mimic opioid addiction, such as opioid withdrawal.

Some health care professionals have expressed concerns about kratom’s effectiveness and its potential for harm. One psychiatrist reported that a teenager she treated with opioid addiction had taken kratom tea to relieve anxiety and ended up in the student health center in acute opioid withdrawal.

Swogger cautions that if you’re considering trying kratom, start small and increase your dosage gradually. You may experience side effects, such as agitation, tachycardia, nausea or drowsiness. Also, if you’re taking any medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see how they might interact. This is why having a high-quality scale that can measure down to a single gram is crucial.