Kratom: A Promising Herbal Alternative to Opioids Gains Attention

Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Southeast Asian Mitragyna speciosa tree, is emerging as a potential alternative for those seeking relief from pain and opioid dependency. Traditionally used in Malaysia and Thailand, kratom has found a growing user base in the United States, particularly among individuals aiming to reduce or eliminate prescription opioid use. Surveys indicate that nearly half of American kratom users have successfully cut back or stopped opioid use, with many also reporting improvements in pain, anxiety, and depression. Animal studies suggest kratom’s main compound, mitragynine, may have a lower risk of addiction than traditional opioids. While kratom is not yet FDA-approved and product quality varies, its positive impact on users’ lives is drawing increased interest from both the public and researchers. For a deeper look, see the original article on Gigwise.