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Kava & Kratom: What’s Really in That “Natural” Drink?

tcobb88
1 minute ago
2 min read

Quick answer: “Natural” does not automatically mean safe—especially when a product can affect your brain, interact with medications, or become habit-forming.

Maybe you have seen kava or kratom sold as a tea, shot, powder, gummy, or “wellness” drink. They may be advertised as a way to chill out, focus, boost energy, improve your mood, or manage pain. The packaging can look harmless—but these products can have real effects on your body.


First, what are they?

  • Kava comes from a plant traditionally used in Pacific Island cultures. It can make you feel relaxed or sleepy. It can also cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, poor coordination, and slower reaction time. Rare but serious liver injury has been reported.

  • Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia. Depending on the amount and product, it may feel stimulating or produce sedating, opioid-like effects. People may use it for energy, pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal—but kratom is not FDA-approved to treat any medical condition.

Myth check: What you may hear vs. the truth

  • “It’s natural, so it’s safe.” Natural products can still change how your brain and body work, cause side effects, and interact with medications.

  • “If it’s sold at a store, it must be approved.” Being easy to buy does not mean the FDA has proven it safe or effective.

  • “Kratom isn’t addictive.” Regular use can lead to tolerance, cravings, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

  • “A gummy or drink can’t be that strong.” The form does not determine the risk. Some products contain concentrated ingredients or may not be accurately labeled.


Why should you care?

Kratom can cause nausea, constipation, sweating, dizziness, a racing heart, confusion, seizures, and liver problems. Some products marketed as kratom contain concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which acts on opioid receptors and may be highly addictive. Product strength can vary, so two products with similar labels may affect you very differently.

Kava can increase sleepiness and impair coordination. Mixing kava or kratom with alcohol, cannabis, opioids, anxiety or sleep medications, or other substances can make the effects harder to predict and may increase the chance of serious harm.

What if you—or a friend—already use it?

Do not panic or hide it. Talk honestly with a trusted adult, doctor, school counselor, or another healthcare professional. Getting accurate information is about staying safe—not getting judged.

Call 911 right away if someone is extremely sleepy, cannot be awakened, is confused, has a seizure, collapses, or has trouble breathing. For poison advice in the United States, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.

Before you sip, swallow, or share it: know what it is, know the risks, and ask for help when you need it.

Sources & submission notes



By Daniela Villalobos, MD

USF Pediatrics

 
 
 

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