What is Kratom Tea?
Kratom tea is a traditional tea brewed in Thailand and neighboring countries using the dried leaves of the kratom plant, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa. These leaves have been used in that region for hundreds of years, primarily for their energizing and stimulant qualities. The leaves are often chewed, which produces a slightly stronger effect than when the leaves are brewed into a tea. Perhaps most famously, it is known to help people overcome the debilitating effects of opioid withdrawal. There are more than a dozen active compounds in kratom leaves, some of which can lead to addictive symptoms. Due to the heavy dependence and occurrence of abuse of these leaves in Southeast Asia, the drug is illegal in places like Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Here are some kratom tea benefits and side effects.
How to Make This Tea?
Making this tea is easy, provided you are in a country where the leaves and powder are legal, such as in the United States, where it is widely available in numerous forms.
- Add 2 cups of water to a teapot or tea infuser, along with the juice from half a lemon.
- Heat the water to a simmer, then pour in 1-2 grams of kratom powder.
- Stir occasionally, allowing the mixture to continue simmering for 15 minutes. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and slowly strain through cheesecloth or a fine strainer.
Kratom Tea Benefits
The benefits of kratom tea primarily come from certain alkaloids found within the leaves. These active ingredients can help to increase energy and stimulate the metabolism, relieve pain, improve digestive processes, boost skin health, and regulate mood, among many others. These alkaloids act as antioxidants to prevent chronic inflammation and many of these unwanted health conditions.
Kratom Tea Side Effects
The major side effects of this tea include its potentially addictive quality and mind-altering nature. Although it is used as a means of suppressing withdrawal symptoms, it can also have opioid-like effects, and can thus be difficult to stop using.
