What Is Kratom Tea, and Is It Safe?
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a group of tree-like plants that belongs to the coffee plant family (Rubiaceae).
It has a long history in Southeast Asia, where its leaves have been used for various medical purposes, as well as their stimulant effects.
Though it’s legal, there are safety concerns regarding kratom tea and other kratom-based products, which have made some people wary about using it.
What is kratom tea?
Kratom tea is traditionally made by brewing leaves from the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa).
It’s native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
These leaves were also used as an herbal remedy to treat various illnesses, including coughing, diarrhea, diabetes, and high blood pressure. They were likewise used as a substitute for opium — a potent pain reliever — or for opium withdrawal (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
Kratom tea effects
Kratom leaves that are used to make kratom tea contain more than 40 active compounds, although the main ones are mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (1Trusted Source).
These compounds act upon various receptors in the brain, causing effects similar to those of stimulants and opioid pain relievers, depending on the dosage (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
Is it safe?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom tea or kratom-based products for any medical purpose. Moreover, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has listed kratom as a drug of concern.
Read more at healthline
