In recent years, Kratom has faced a lot of confusion because people on both sides talk a lot about it. With more people showing interest in natural medicine, misleading and false claims about miraculous medicines headline many stories.
Such myths often take over regular talk about kratom and its benefits. It is vital to know what is true and what is false about kratom before deciding to use it, no matter your experience with it.
The challenges around kratom are largely due to there being little medical research, lots of extreme news stories, and unclear rules in many places worldwide. While some say it’s as risky as opioids, others argue it’s safe with no risk at all—neither position reflects reality.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the widely spread kratom myths with the help of modern science, old customs, and the thoughts of those who use kratom. We aim to set the record straight in a discussion that is usually ruled more by fear than by facts.
Common Kratom Myths
1. Strains & Vein Colors
Myth:
Because there are so many strains of kratom, you may be confused about the one you should choose for yourself.
Often, having so many kratom strains available makes finding the right one tough for customers.
Truth
The reality is that the word “strain” does not fit kratom. Experts still need to find out if where the trees are grown, when they are cut, and which varieties influence the final oil’s benefits.
There is no standard method for deciding which strain a batch of kratom represents. Because of this, if you notice that kratom sellers have many strains or claim that each strain serves a certain purpose, it may mean something is wrong.
It’s possible a vendor would suggest “Red Borneo is good for sleeping and Green Brunei is good for being active and awake” when, in truth, they are mixing the same batch to create both colors.
Location names in some strain names are not always where the kratom is grown. Most of the kratom that arrives in the United States starts its journey in rural villages on the Indonesian portion of Borneo. You may come across vendors who assert that their Thai, Bali, or Vietnamese cannabis is grown locally, but this isn’t true.
Myth
But what about vein colors? Vein colors come from the claim that different strains, growing techniques, and harvesting and drying methods create different colors of the actual kratom powder.
In the kratom market, you may see the three main vein colors: red, green, and white. Different drying techniques usually cause slight color variations.
Now, other vein colors have popped up within the market, such as yellow, purple, rainbow, gold, and silver. There is no scientific evidence that shows these new colors are tied to a specific effect.
Truth
The categorization of vein colors can also be misleading, because most of the time, all vein colors can be found on the same tree! The variances in color are simply due to the harvesting techniques. Indonesian farmers don’t even sort their kratom based on vein color.
When kratom is left in the sun, you will see that it gets noticeably darker, creating a “red vein strain.” This is how harvesters create the different vein colors.
2. Kratom gets you high
Truth
Kratom does not get you high. Kratom can be compared more to a cup of coffee or a pre-workout supplement. Natural kratom does not get you high.
There have been kratom products that falsely gave people the impression that kratom gets people high (kratom products mixed with illegal drugs).
Kratom has also been compared to synthetic cannabinoids (which are used to get people high). Based on everything we have observed, most kratom users are using kratom because it helps them manage their well-being, not because it provides a euphoric effect.
3. Kratom is a synthetic drug
Truth
A lot of people think kratom is a synthetic or designer drug, but that is not accurate. You can buy kratom in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores, and some years back, it was sold together with dangerous synthetic substances. That’s why kratom began to be seen negatively, and local legislatures worked to outlaw it.
4. The kratom industry has no production standards or consumer safety protocols
Truth
The American Kratom Association (AKA) organized the AKA Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Standards Program. As a result, these companies must meet the very high GMP requirements the Food and Drug Administration sets for dietary supplements.
Before any item is released, the FDA requires that it be checked by an independent laboratory for the absence of harmful substances, such as adulterants, contaminants, bacteria, heavy metals, or synthetic additives.
The AKA is speaking out and urging the FDA to regulate kratom medications just as it does with other supplements. Find out about kratom quality practices here.
5. Making kratom tea destroys kratom’s alkaloids
Truth
Kratom alkaloids are strong enough to handle water at a boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Although some think heating kratom destroys the alkaloids because it’s an herbal product, this is not the case, according to research.
Scientists compared the alkaloid content in kratom before steeping and after leaving it in boiling water for 15 minutes. Afterward, a third-party laboratory carried out testing on the liquid extract made from the tea.
It was found that about 70% of the original alkaloids made it into the tea. Around 30% was held in the plant material left after pressing, and this is a run-of-the-mill result. The evidence indicates that boiling the kratom makes little difference in its alkaloid content.
How to Spot Kratom Misinformation
- Look for credible sources.
- Beware of extreme claims.
- Check research dates; older studies may not reflect current knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Many people have very strong views about kratom, which makes it hard to see the real truth. Kratom isn’t as dangerous as some laws declare, and is not without side effects, as many people might say.
It becomes apparent that this plant offers complex interactions, and so its use should be sensible, and ongoing research should be applied. When people know the difference between true and false information, they can pick products wisely.
From now on, kratom needs to have balanced studies and good government regulation, rather than panic or blind trust. As people continue to talk about kratom controversially, education is our strongest way to clarify facts.
Learning about these myths, no matter your choice, allows you to join the conversation in an informed way. Achieving fair rules around kratom starts by avoiding inaccurate claims and supporting what evidence tells us.
More Resources
Is Kratom Bad For Heart Health?
Investing In Kratom: Should You Go For It?
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