Amid the opioid what are the benefits of kratom , many people are seeking alternatives to traditional pain-relieving medications that have a number of dangerous side effects. One such alternative is kratom, an herbal supplement that some say is a medical game-changer. But the DEA is about to make it illegal, and that could make it harder to access and less safe. Despite its popularity, little is known about the effects of kratom. It has not been extensively studied in controlled clinical trials. Most of what is known about the herb comes from anecdotal reports from users and doctors, along with some animal experiments.

All Aboard: Exploring the Origins and Composition of Trainwreck Kratom

But a recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that kratom may be able to relieve pain and help people overcome opioid withdrawal symptoms. They recruited 2,798 self-reported kratom users for their survey. Most were middle-aged and white, and the vast majority reported having at least some college education.

Users described using kratom to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, diarrhea and opiate withdrawal. They also reported that kratom gave them energy and improved sexual desire. In low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant; in high doses, it produces sedative and euphoric effects similar to those of opioids.

The authors of the new study warn that kratom can be addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms. They suggest that anyone who wants to try kratom should start out with a small amount and use it only as recommended. It is important to avoid mixing kratom with alcohol and other drugs, especially sedatives, because they can potentiate its effects.