Enter Kratom: The Other Psychotropic Plant for Depression and Anxiety

Found in smoke shops and some corners of the internet, this leafy natural remedy is growing in popularity to self-treat a host of conditions.

Kratom is a tropical tree native to South Asia. Its leaves or extract from its leaves are harvested and made into a variety of forms (think tablets or drinkable doses) to help with chronic pain, opioid dependence and withdrawal, and — since you’re here — symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Although some evidence exists about kratom’s effectiveness, there’s also plenty out there about the dark side of this natural remedy. More research is needed to really be sure, so take suggested benefits with a grain of salt, and try not to gloss over the risks.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t blessed kratom with approval just yet. It’s *technically* a dietary supplement (get the 411 on the FDA’s recommendations here).

While it’s not considered an illegal drug at the federal level, it has been banned in six states. So if you’re thinking about jumping on the kratom train, proceed with caution.

Let’s dive into the risks, supposed benefits, and multiple varieties of kratom.

Here’s how kratom works

Kratom is sometimes referred to as a “natural opioid.” Since actual opioids can become a problem real quick, it’s no wonder some people in pain turn to kratom to get the same pain relief.

The secret sauce here is called mitragynine. At low doses, mitragynine can have energizing properties. At higher doses, it can feel like a sedative. It binds to opioid receptors in your brain, relieving pain — which may explain the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.

TBH, there isn’t a ton of research on kratom’s effects on mood.

One 2017 review confirmed that among some users, kratom enhances mood and relieves anxiety. This review cites an older study in mice that showed a reduction in corticosterone (in humans, that’s your stress hormone, cortisol).

The same research also suggests kratom can have sedative effects. Researchers have yet to dive into whether side effects such as sedation interfere with the benefits.

What else can it do?

Beyond depression and anxiety, kratom is said to help with:

• fatigue
pain
• muscle aches
• opioid dependence and withdrawal
• high blood pressure
post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• diarrhea

Beyond its main stimulant and sedative effects, a sizable review of kratom research highlighted its ability to quell your body’s pro-inflammatory markers. According to this research, these anti-inflammatory benefits are part of a cluster of immune-boosting effects that include the stimulation of tissue repair and other healing processes.

Some research also describes an appetite-suppressing effect, but (once more for the people in the back) more research is needed to confirm any of these benefits.

But like, what is it?

Kratom (scientific name Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree found in parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, and that sweet, sweet mitragynine nectar is in its leaves.

People in some parts of Southeast Asia have been using kratom for centuries. You might see it called:

• ketum
biakthom
• kakum/kakuam
• thang

Kratom is illegal in parts of the world, including Denmark, Thailand, and Australia. While it’s technically legal in the United States, governing bodies including the FDA and CDC have been trying to crack down on kratom.

In fact, the FDA has confiscated more than $5 million worth of kratom and kratom products since 2014.

Kratom’s many forms

Player’s choice! Kratom comes in a bunch of different forms, including:

Sometimes kratom leaves are eaten fresh or dried, or even boiled to make tea. The dried leaves can be ground up into a powder and ingested. It can also be smoked or vaporized, but that’s way less common.

The method of ingestion may influence kratom’s effects. However, there’s currently no research identifying which method is preferable in treating depression and anxiety.

Kratom’s many strains

Much like that other green plant stuff, kratom comes in a variety of strains. They’re named after where they came from, and each strain is said to produce a different vibe.

There really isn’t any research about the effects of different strains of kratom, so keep in mind these descriptions are based solely on anecdotal reports.

Another FYI: The effects of each strain might vary from one supplier to another.

Maeng da

Maeng da is a blanket term for several strains of strong, long-lasting kratom.

This strain can be green, white, or red and is primarily from Thailand, but Indonesian and Malaysian maeng da strains exist too.

Some describe maeng da as a stimulant, giving you an energy boost while also reducing pain. Other effects: feeling talkative and increased feelings of well- being.

Green Malay

This strain of kratom comes from Malaysia and is characterized by its dark green color.

This is a strain commonly thought to help with anxiety. At low doses, it’s said to give a boost of energy and focus (along with the standard pain relief). Take a little more, and it may act more like a sedative.

Indo

Indo kratom comes from — you guessed it — Indonesia. It can be red, white, or green and is known to be less stimulating than other strains.

Indo is known for relaxation, pain relief, and feeling good, happy vibes. With all that in mind, it’s no surprise, this is another common go-to for anxiety.

Thai

There are three types of Thai kratom — red, green, and white vein — and each is said to have a different effect.

The green and white vein strains are thought to feel stimulating and create a euphoric “high,” while red vein Thai kratom is said to relieve pain. As the name suggests, this strain comes from Thailand.

Malaysian

Malaysian strains are said to provide a balance between the sedative and stimulating natures of kratom. Users report pain relief, increased energy and focus, and a lift in mood from Malaysian strains, which come in green, red, and white vein varieties.

Bali/red vein

This Indonesia-born strain is said to be the most opiate-like of all the kratom strains. This reddish strain may help relieve pain-related conditions, including depression and chronic pain.

Borneo

Borneo kratom, with its eponymous origins, is considered one of the more sedative strains of kratom. It comes in red, green, and white vein varieties, and may be used to treat anxiety and stress thanks to its mellow effects.

How much should you take?

Honestly, there’s not a ton of solid kratom dosage info for depression and anxiety.

In a 2017 study based on a survey of 8,049 people who use kratom, most people reported that a dose of up to 5 grams of powder taken up to 3 times a day was enough to feel the effects, whether that be energizing, sedative, or somewhere in between.

Like most medications, the best dose depends on your age, sex, and general health. It’s recommended that you start with a low dose, gradually increasing the amount until you feel what (and how strongly) you want to feel.

From there, how you take kratom and which strain you go for can affect how much (or little) you feel it. For example, kratom extract is said to pack more punch than the powder form.

What to expect: The good, the bad, and the dangerous

Kratom can be a bit of a wild card — what you feel (and how much you feel) depends on how much you take, what kind you take, and possibly other factors. Research into this is ongoing, so keep your wits about you.

These effects are based on a mix of available research and feedback from online users, but know that this is likely not the complete list of potential ~feels~.

Emotional, mental, and behavioral effects include:

• increased talkativeness
• increased focus
• feeling of well-being
• reduced anxiety
• euphoria
• lack of appetite

Physical effects may include:

• muscle relaxation
• increased energy
• decreased pain

It usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes to feel anything. If you took a small to moderate dose, it’ll last around 2 hours, while high doses can hang around for up to 5.

Although kratom seems to be simpatico with some people, like any drug it can have its share of side effects.

In a 2016 CDC report, out of 660 poison control center calls about kratom exposure, most reported side effects were minor or moderate.

Most kratom-related hospitalizations, adverse effects, and overdoses are linked to using kratom with other substances, according to various reports.

Mild side effects include:

• dizziness
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• mood changes
• itching
• headache
• constipation
• frequent urination
• nausea
• vomiting

Severe side effects could include:

• hallucinations
• vomiting
• tachycardia
• agitation and irritability
• central nervous system depression
• confusion
• seizures
• high blood pressure

A 2017 study found doses up to 5 grams had a lower risk for negative side effects than doses of 8 grams or more, and odds of dealing with less severe (but still uncomfortable) side effects like nausea, constipation, or vomiting were lowest at 21 doses each week or fewer.

Even if you get nothing but good vibes from kratom, you should know it may cause dependence and physical withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. In fact, some report developing an addiction, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

The risks here are real. A 2017 review concluded that the potential side effects of using kratom may outweigh the benefits, and more researchers are hinting at the same. One 2019 article suggests putting kratom behind the pharmacy counter, at the very least.

Kratom has been shown to negatively interact with other substances and could create potentially life-threatening complications. Alcohol and kratom are a particularly bad duo, and the CDC reported a death related to a bad mix of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and kratom.

Yes, kratom use has been shown to contribute to multiple deaths. In 2018, the FDA identified 44 deaths, many finding kratom mixed with other substances.

Another 2019 paper using data from the National Poison Data System identified 11 deaths between 2011 and 2017, nine of which involved kratom plus other drugs.

tl;dr

If you’re thinking about jumping on the kratom train for depression or anxiety, just take a minute to educate yourself on the risks.

Kratom may help quell certain symptoms like pain and anxiety. But for some, the juice ain’t worth the squeeze.

Smaller doses have been found less likely to trigger negative effects.

Don’t forget kratom can interact with medications, booze, and other substances. There have been several deaths reported involving kratom plus other substances, including antidepressants.

Don’t wreck yourself. If you’re having severe side effects, put the kratom down and seek medical attention — stat. Your mental health professional can work with you to find effective treatment options.

Read more on: depression