What Is Kratom Tea, and Is It Safe? – Healthline
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.
In recent years, kratom tea has gained popularity in the natural health community for its natural pain-relieving properties and to elevate mood.
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.
This article explores kratom tea, including its effects, safety, and risks.
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.
Kratom also goes by other names, including Maeng Da, ketum, biak-biak, thom, thang, and kakum.
Traditionally, field workers would chew on kratom leaves to help increase their energy and endurance, aid their heat tolerance, and relieve fatigue (1).
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 (1, 2).
Kratom leaves are typically chewed, crushed, and brewed into tea or smoked. However, nowadays kratom leaves are ground and used to make pills and powders.
Summary
Kratom tea is made by brewing leaves of the kratom tree. It’s used for various purposes, including pain relief, its stimulant effects, and as a component of traditional medicinal applications.
Kratom leaves that are used to make kratom tea contain more than 40 active compounds, although the main ones are mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (1).
These compounds act upon various receptors in the brain, causing effects similar to those of stimulants and opioid pain relievers, depending on the dosage (3, 4).
In small doses between 1–5 grams, kratom …….
About The Author
