Kratom is a herb with many potential benefits, but on rare occasions, it may cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergies are common with nearly all foods and drugs, and kratom is certainly not exempt from this.
Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance that enters the body and interprets it as harmful. These foreign substances are called allergens in those that have a specific allergic sensitivity to the substance.
When these foreign substances enter your body, in a bid to protect your body, your immune system releases histamines into your bloodstream. Histamine is the cause of allergic symptoms, and they act on different organs, such as the eyes, lungs, throat, gastrointestinal tract, or nose. This is why people take antihistamine drugs to counteract the symptoms caused by allergens.
So, can kratom cause allergies? Yes, kratom can cause allergies on rare occasions, and some users have reported being allergic to kratom. While there is no specific record on the rate of allergies with kratom users, it is estimated to be within the range of 1-4% of total kratom users.
So if you notice allergic-like symptoms after taking kratom, it is entirely possible that you have an allergy to it. But note that an allergy is different from a sensitivity, which we will clarify as you read further.
Kratom allergies can vary in individuals, and they can range from mild symptoms, such as skin reactions, to more severe symptoms, such as respiratory challenges.
You might have heard kratom users complain about rashes, itchiness, and flushed skin. All of these are possible symptoms of a kratom allergy and are considered to be mild. There are other mild symptoms that may be mistaken for allergies, but in the real sense, they may simply be signs of intolerance, overuse, or of a sensitivity to kratom. These symptoms can include nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
In rare cases, some kratom users may suffer more severe symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. If you notice any severe allergic symptoms from using kratom, you should discontinue immediately and seek medical attention. You need to be vigilant to recognize any severe symptoms and act promptly for your own safety.
The major cause of allergies is the differences in how our bodies function. First, the alkaloids of kratom are the main constituents that interact with our bodies. These compounds might be a potential trigger to the immune system, for those that have an allergy to them. Also, microbial contaminants within kratom could cause an allergy. Contaminants like pollen, bacteria, and mold are possible contributors to kratom allergies.
Apart from alkaloids and foreign contaminants, other phytochemicals like flavonoids, tannins and saponins within kratom could trigger an allergic reaction in rare circumstances.
On your own part, you should be careful of the amount of kratom you take and your exposure to pollutants like heavy metals, as these could trigger allergies. When taking kratom for the first time, you should always start with a 0.5g or less of a test dose to see how you respond before trying more.
The most common allergies from kratom are rashes and itches, and this can be managed by using OTC drugs like antihistamines. Also, since your body produces more histamines when dehydrated and histamines are responsible for allergies, it means that staying hydrated can reduce the risk of kratom allergies.
However, please note that kratom should not be mixed with other substances including OTC antihistamines, as the combination has not been studied and the safety of using them together is undocumented. For these reasons, it is best to wait it out, unless it is a more severe allergic reaction, in which case you should seek immediate medical attention.
Other things to consider when trying to prevent kratom allergies are the strains and the form of kratom you are consuming. Because of the slightly different alkaloid profiles of kratom strains, your immune system may react to them differently. If a particular strain is causing you allergies, try another one to see if the situation will improve.
Also, for some people, the plant material in kratom may cause them allergies. For this set of people, taking extracts may be a potential solution. However, since extracts are more potent and have a higher risk of misuse, their usage is not recommended.
Not every reaction to kratom is an allergy; in some cases, it may just be that you are sensitive or intolerant to kratom. When you experience symptoms like swelling or rashes, this often has to do with your immune system reacting and it is generally considered an allergy. However, if what you experience is just discomfort after taking kratom, it may mean that you are sensitive to the herb; and it may not be a function of an immune response. Lastly, intolerance can affect digestion and cause things like cramps or nausea, which may not always be from an allergic cause.
Also, when you are newly introduced to kratom, you may experience dizziness or nausea. But these symptoms may disappear once you get used to the herb. Taking too much kratom or being dehydrated while using it can also lead to potential side effects that may not be from an allergic cause.
Q). Does kratom cause allergies?
Yes, kratom can cause allergies, and the most common allergic symptoms from kratom are rashes, itching, and swelling. However, although very rare, some may experience more severe allergic reactions that warrant immediate medical attention.
Q). What causes kratom allergies?
Your immune system may be triggered by certain components of kratom, thereby triggering the release of histamine. You may also experience allergies if your kratom product is contaminated or adulterated with microbial contaminants or heavy metals.
Q). What can I do if I’m allergic to kratom?
You should not mix kratom with antihistamines since the pair has not been studied. If you suspect a mild allergy, you should wait for it to subside. If it is a more severe allergy, you should seek medical attention. Sometimes switching strains or vendors might help with a mild allergy and sometimes switching to a different form of kratom like extracts, might also potentially resolve the issue.
Q). Can a kratom allergy subside over time?
Yes, allergies can stop over time because they are dynamic. Your immune system may change with time. However, this is generally a slow process and may happen over years, rather than, days, weeks or months.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
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