'Natural' does not always mean it is safe, and kratom is one of the best examples to prove the same. Some might think that kratom is a natural and safer alternative to various other drugs. Do not let this notion fool you. There is a dark side to kratom powders, pills and teas. 

In this article, we will look at the uses and side effects of kratom.

Kratom is a type of tree, which grows naturally in Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Thailand. The leaves of this tree have been traditionally used as medicines. However, people use a kratom leaf as a recreational drug. Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa contains a chemical known as mitragynine and this chemical works like opioids.

There are several uses of kratom. As medicines, this tree is used to treat cough, diabetes, anxiety, depression, diarrhoea, hypertension and pain. It is also used to improve sexual performance and lessen the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

Kratom is presently legal in India. However, the legality of the use of this tree varies from country to country.

For instance, in the United States, kratom is legal in a few states, whereas it is illegal in others. It is a controlled or illegal item in Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Russia, Ireland, Turkey, Italy and the UK. In Denmark, you cannot purchase it without a valid prescription by a doctor. In December 2018, Thailand legalised kratom for medical use. However, it is illegal in South Korea and Japan.

Just like opioids, such as codeine and morphine, an individual can get addicted to kratoms. When individuals take kratom, the natural chemical balance of their brain changes, and they feel pleasure. This causes a sudden rush of euphoria, which people often term as getting 'high'.

The following are the symptoms of consuming Kratom – 

• Muscle spasms
• Pain
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Rigidity
• Seizures
• Tremors

Kratom, though 'natural', is not always safe. Furthermore, the serious adverse effects of kratom outweigh the potential benefits. Truth be told, excessive use of the kratom drug can even cause death.

Some of the common side effects of this substance include – 

• Aggression 
• Altered state of mind 
• Irritability and anxiety 
• Constipation 
• Hallucination and delusion 
• Sedation and drowsiness
• Dryness in mouth 
• Frequent urination 
• Vomiting and nausea
• Numbness in one’s tongue

The severe side effects of kratom addiction are:

• Cardiac issues like heart attack, hypertension, and abnormal heartbeat 
• Encephalopathy 
• Insomnia
• Hypothyroidism 
• Liver damage and failure
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Difficulty in breathing 
• Seizure

Kratom also has several long-term side effects, such as –

• Increased pigmentation on the cheek
• Loss of appetite
• Tremor
• Psychosis 
• Weight loss

Due to kratom’s dangerous side effects and the availability of contaminated or low-quality kratom products, it is best not to use it in any form. In case you are experiencing any withdrawal symptoms or want to conquer opioid addiction, consult with your doctor and find a safer path to achieve your health goals.