But, is kratom tea safe to drink? Check out the answer in the next section.
Is Kratom Tea Safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom and its related products for medical use (1). But, it has been used in Asia to ward off fatigue, cough, diarrhea, and as an alternative to treat opioid withdrawal (2). A review published in Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation suggests that kratom intake in small doses (1-5 grams) may act as a stimulant and an analgesic (pain killer) besides increasing energy levels. But, a higher dosage (5-15g) was shown to have a sedative effect, similar to that of opioid drugs like morphine and codeine. It makes people feel tired and euphoric, and may even cause seizures, coma, impaired memory function, and death (3). That said, kratom tea may also have certain health benefits if taken in an appropriate dosage. Read on to learn all about them.
Health Benefits Of Kratom Tea
- May Relieve Chronic Pain The use of kratom is increasing rapidly, especially in the United States for managing opioid withdrawal and pain (2). Kratom (leaves or powder) tea contains more than 40 active compounds. Mitragynine, a major alkaloid compound found in kratom, binds to opioid receptors in the brain and helps relieve chronic pain (4), (5).
- May Treat Depression And Anxiety Kratom has anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, and antidepressant effects. Consuming it may improve your mood and treat depression and anxiety (6), (7). However, further research is needed to understand the benefit of kratom. A study conducted at the University of Florida (USA) found that kratom has a similar effect as opioid pain relievers. It relieves pain and mood disorders (8). Lyophilized kratom tea (LKT) was also shown to help relieve pain and reduce opioid physical dependence (9). Some people also use kratom to improve their sexual performance and enhance their physical endurance. However, more extensive and high-quality studies are needed to understand these mechanisms. Also, there is a need to set specific and credible guidelines for the management of kratom intake. Making kratom tea is a quick and easy affair. Learn how to do it in the next section. Note: Kratom has not been approved by the FDA for medical use, and considering its multiple side effects, it is generally considered unsafe. Hence, consult your doctor before making or consuming this tea.
How To Make Kratom Tea
What You Need
3 cups of water Kratom powder(depends on usage) Honey (optional)
Process Wondering how long kratom tea stays in your body and shows its effects. Find out in the next section.
How Long Does Kratom Stay In Your System?
A small dose of kratom tea (powder) starts showing its effects in around 10 to 15 minutes. The effects of higher doses may last up to eight hours, while the peak effects are believed to last for 1.5 to 2.5 hours after the intake. It takes one day for your body to eliminate half of the kratom you consume and five days to completely drain it out from your body. It also depends on your body’s metabolism. While kratom tea does offer some great health benefits, it also comes with its set of side effects. Find out if its side effects outweigh its health benefits in the next section.
Risks Associated With Kratom Tea
Excess intake of kratom tea may cause side effects like (10), (11):
Loss of appetite Weight loss Hyperpigmentation Itching Sweating Dry mouth Nausea Insomnia Increased urination Constipation Dehydration Psychosis
Long-term consumption of this tea may be addictive (2). A study conducted on 2,312 persons linked its use with toxicities that caused agitation, tachycardia, drowsiness, vomiting, and confusion, seizure, withdrawal, hallucinations, respiratory depression, coma, and cardiac or respiratory arrest. The findings suggest kratom poses a public health threat due to its availability as a herbal supplement (12). Besides, one to eight weeks of its regular intake (powder or tablets) may lead to the onset of acute liver injury (13). Trista Best (RDN) says, “An individual who has consumed this tea for a long period can experience withdrawal symptoms like rage, muscle aches, and insomnia. So the risks simply are not worth the perceived benefits.” Kratom tea is restricted in many countries due to the limited research available on its health benefits. The FDA does not monitor the purity of kratom supplements. Besides, kratom may interact with some drugs (14). Hence, consult a doctor before consuming kratom tea or its supplements. Kratom tea has a safer alternative with a similar stimulant effect. What is it? Scroll down to find out.
Best Alternatives For Kratom Tea
Kristin Gillespie (RD, MS) says, “For those seeking the stimulant effect of kratom tea, a great alternative is coffee (which comes from the same plant family). Coffee also has a natural stimulant effect but is felt to be much safer than kratom tea.” Drinking three to four cups of coffee a day is linked with certain health benefits (15).
The Final Takeaway
What is kratom CBD tea? Find out more about kratom, its origins, and the FDA’s stance on its use in the infographic below. It is a tea blend made with a combination of kratom tea and CBD tea. Since both give a relaxing, calming effect, they are often used together. Can kratom hurt your heart? Yes, studies suggest that kratom may affect your cardiac rhythm and lead to adverse cardiovascular effects like hypertension and tachycardia (16). Can kratom help PTSD? Yes, studies and surveys suggest that Kratom consumption can help improve mental health and result in beneficial effects in reducing the symptoms of PTSD (17).
