Kratom: What You Need to Know About This “Natural” Opioid
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia with opioid-like properties, often marketed as a natural remedy but not necessarily safe.
While used for pain relief or opioid withdrawal management, medical experts at University of Utah Health warn of addiction, overdose, and serious health risks.
About Kratom
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia, its leaves used for centuries for mild stimulant effects, similar to caffeine.
However, at higher doses, it acts like an opioid, affecting the same receptors as morphine or oxycodone.
“In South America, people chew coca leaves (used to make cocaine) for a stimulant effect,” says Michael Moss, MD, the director of the Utah Poison Control Center. “Similarly, with kratom—while not nearly as potent as a stimulant—it is unusual that it also acts like an opioid when taken at a higher dose.
Author's summary: Kratom poses serious health risks despite being marketed as natural.
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