@peggyn and @wilcy -- The following information was posted by @colleenyoung in another discussion discussing Kratom.

With the mention of kratom in this discussion, I'd like to post this important note from a Mayo Clinic pharmacist:

Kratom is a natural product but it does have significant risks and side effects. Because of these risks the FDA banned import of Kratom in August 2016 and issued a notice of intent to classify 2 chemicals in Kratom as Schedule 1 drugs (the same category as heroin). There are no FDA-approved uses for kratom, and the agency has received concerning reports about the safety of kratom. FDA is actively evaluating all available scientific information on this issue. (2019) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom

Kratom can cause dependence and withdrawl symptoms including aggression, anxiety and other negative psychiatric effects, muscle aches, spasms, tremors, insomnia, fever and upset stomach. It can also cause dangerous slowed breathing and seizures. It can worsen psychiatric disease and may increase the risk of suicide. Kratom can impair liver function. Kratom interacts with other herbal medications including Jimson Weed. It interacts with sedating medications. It has the potential for many other drug interactions because of the way it is metabolized.

For more information see:
– National Institute of Health: Drug Facts, Kratom https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/kratom
– Center for Disease Control https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20190411/cdc-americans-are-dying-from-kratom-overdoses#1

I take Kratom in the powder form. I add about a half to a whole teaspoon of Kratom to about 2 ounces of water. I gulp it down, in one big gulp, cause the stuff tastes pretty awful. But it helps to relax and relieve pain. Effects last about one hour to one hour and a half. I have researched Kratom extensively. Go to Happy Hippo, on line, and order slow strains of the plant. Those are the ones that relax and help pain. You can buy the smallest samples. Happy Hippo is reputable, and sells very fresh stuff. Ships in a day or maybe two. Good luck. I actually like it better than CBD. Lori Renee