Kratom (scientific name: mitragyna speciosa) is a tree native to Southeast Asia and is present in particular in Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of this plant have incredible powers so much so that, in the form of tea, they are part of the traditional medicine of all the nations where kratom grows spontaneously.
Farmers in Southeast Asia have long used kratom to combat fatigue and gain a stimulating effect. Kratom has opiate-like properties, but it also increases energy levels and stimulates brain activity. Today, it is also used as a natural substitute for morphine or heroin to ease withdrawal symptoms from these substances.
It is strange that kratom, according to the stories of those who have used it, is presented as both a relaxant and a stimulant. Kratom was traditionally consumed in the form of tea but today it is very popular in the United States also in the form of powders, tablets and pills. Unfortunately, due to the lack of scientific studies and serious tests, to date it is not well known what the effects of this plant are on the brain and how its virtues could be used in the health field.
Kratom appears to have positive effects against several medical conditions:
• Inflammation
• Even chronic pain
• Salmonella and other bacteria
• Diabetes and metabolic disorders
• Drug addiction
• Depression
Recently, American health authorities tried to ban kratom, labeling it as a potentially dangerous substance. The battle continues today, between the concerns of authorities who fear the indiscriminate use of such a powerful substance and supporters convinced that kratom can improve lives, fight depression and help in detoxification from other drugs.
According to the American Kratom Association, an organization that fights for the positive re-evaluation of this plant, it would not be more dangerous than nutmeg or St. John's wort if taken in adequate quantities. The fact remains that kratom, like many plants with psychotropic powers, can be potentially poisonous if taken in excessive quantities, so maximum caution and taking it in the company of experienced people are recommended.
Kratom is legal in several countries: obviously in its lands of origin, such as Malaysia, but also in several states in the USA. In Italy the legality of kratom is not yet completely clear, but there is a strong prejudice about this substance. What worries many governments is the undisputed potential of kratom to cause addiction. In this sense it would be useless as an aid in detoxification because it would only replace one addiction with another. Furthermore, in Italy in 2015 a death was recorded that was attributed to an excessive dose of kratom.
Today, it is possible to buy kratom in Italy for personal use, although the laws could always be updated in a more restrictive sense. All things considered, we recommend that anyone who wants to try kratom proceed with caution.