Taking Tea Time to a Whole New Level…

Quietly arriving in your neighborhood is a new hang out. Your teenager or friend may spend time there. They may say that they are drinking this “natural” tea to help with some health issue. Maybe you haven’t heard these names before, but you should take immediate interest and familiarize yourself with them, because a few are downright dangerous. Here’s the list, and it confusing because they all begin with “K”:  Kratom, Kava, and Kombucha. One of these has been a cause of some recent deaths and another is safe and effective, so its important to command a clear understanding of each compound.

This week, we are discussing kratom, which is the most dangerous tea in the group. Dried kratom leaves can be chewed, but since they are a bit tough, most people prefer to powder them so that they can be swallowed easily. Powdered  kratom can be mixed with water and then drunk as a tea. It can also be mixed with other liquids, such as fruit juice, milk, or kefir. The southeast Asian plant-based drug is currently legal in 43 states, but on a federal watch list while the FDA decides whether to characterize it as a dangerous drug or a benign over-the-counter herbal remedy. For now, the feds have labeled kratom a “drug of abuse” and a “drug of concern.” Remember, you, a friend, or your child can currently access this product.

Kratom varieties are grouped and labeled by brand, potency and strain. Red kratom is said to have pain-killing properties. White kratom is supposed to boost energy. The booming popularity ignores kratom’s harmful potential, which counts 36 deaths in the US linked to the substance. Kratom intoxication can lead to suicide, psychosis, bleeding in the lungs, seizures and heart palpitations. Many kratom proponents credit the herb for assisting in alleviating withdrawal symptoms from long term drug addiction.

However, kratom addiction soon follows. In University of Mississippi studies, an active chemical in kratom, mitragynine, was found to stop withdrawal symptoms from opioids in mice. But, the studies also indicated that the other active chemical in the plant, 7-hydroxymitragynine, possesses low-grade addictive qualities.

Supporters use kratom to treat aches and pains, anxiety and to boost focus. But some websites also claim that kratom can treat diabetes, addiction, and act as a sexual stimulant. However, its important to note that there is no hard evidence that kratom is a plausible treatment or cure for any disease.

Remember, this product can theoretically be accessed by anyone. Although, kratom is most commonly found in smoke shops, which prohibits minor access.  However, kratom is available in a number of different venues that allow easy access to minors.  And, here is the scary part, there is no standard drug test that readily detects kratom. This is not a solution to your health concern. If you are a kratom user, its advisable to stop this now, before your dependence escalates. And, talk to your children.

As always, please comment any questions, comments or other topics that you would like to understand better.