Kratom is primarily used for several purposes, though none are officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- Pain relief: Kratom's active compounds (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) act on opioid receptors, which may help ease chronic pain similarly to opioids but with potentially fewer side effects
- Energy and mood enhancement: At low doses, kratom produces stimulant effects such as increased alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness, and some users report mood-lifting effects
- Managing opioid withdrawal and addiction: Many people use kratom to self-treat withdrawal symptoms from opioids like heroin and morphine, and to reduce cravings. However, kratom itself can be addictive and is not an FDA-approved treatment for opioid use disorder
- Traditional uses: In Southeast Asia, kratom leaves have been traditionally chewed or brewed as tea to relieve musculoskeletal pain, increase energy and appetite, treat diarrhea, cough, intestinal infections, and as a local anesthetic
- Mental health: Some users take kratom for anxiety and depression, though scientific evidence is limited and safety concerns exist
Kratom can be consumed by chewing leaves, brewing tea, or taking capsules or extracts. Despite its reported uses, kratom carries risks including addiction, psychosis, nausea, and other adverse effects, and its safety and efficacy remain unproven
. In summary, kratom is used as a pain reliever, stimulant, mood enhancer, and aid for opioid withdrawal, but it is not approved for medical use and poses significant health risks
