What is Tapee Tea?
Tapee tea, also known as tape ketum or kratom tea, is a traditional beverage from Southeast Asia made by brewing the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. It has been consumed for centuries in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia to boost energy, improve work productivity, and ease aches and pains.
Active Compounds in Tapee Tea
The main active compounds found in tapee tea are:
- Mitragynine - An indole alkaloid that interacts with opioid receptors in the brain to produce analgesic and euphoric effects.
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine - A related compound considered even more potent than mitragynine.
- Flavonoids - Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Traditional Tapee Tea Uses
In Southeast Asian cultures, tapee tea is traditionally used to:
- Relieve pain, fatigue, and muscle aches from heavy physical labor
- Increase energy, alertness, and stamina for work
- Elevate mood and induce a mild euphoria
It is often served in local cafes and homes as part of daily cultural rituals and social bonding.
Is Drinking Tapee Tea Considered Safe?
Whether or not tapee tea is truly safe for consumption depends on a few important factors.
Lack of Regulation
Currently there are no formal regulations or quality control measures in the kratom industry to ensure purity, strength or safety standards. Contamination or adulteration is possible.
Dosage and Use Patterns
Safety risks appear to be higher with long-term dependence, abuse or extremely high doses of tapee tea. Short-term, occasional moderate use under proper supervision may pose less risks.
Individual Health Status
Those with certain medical conditions or taking other medications may be more vulnerable to side effects or drug interactions with tapee tea.
So while tapee tea may be a part of safe cultural practices or even used medicinally, abuse or overconsumption does present some safety concerns health agencies warn about.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
For most average users consuming tea made from kratom tree leaves in moderation, any side effects tend to be mild. But there are some risks to be aware of:
Common Minor Side Effects
Minor side effects can include:
- Nausea, stomach upset, vomiting
- Itching, sweating or flushing
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Headaches or even tremors/seizures in sensitive people
Serious Adverse Effects
More serious side effects associated with higher doses taken regularly long-term include:
- Liver damage or liver failure
- Kidney issues
- Hypertension from vasoconstriction
- Psychosis symptoms like aggression, hallucinations, delirium
- Hypothyroidism
- Severe withdrawal during cessation attempts
Popularity and Controversy in Western Countries
In recent years tapee tea and other kratom products have surged in popularity globally. Supporters praise it as a safe herbal supplement, while critics label it an "imminent hazard" due to reports of injury, addiction and even some deaths associated with the botanical substance.
Why Do People Take Kratom?
In Western cultures beyond traditional Asian use cases, tapee tea or kratom powder/capsules are often marketed, purchased and consumed for reasons like:
- Natural pain relief
- Easing opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Helping mood or anxiety
- Recreational enjoyment of mild high
- Increasing focus and motivation
Controversy and Calls for Bans
Despite ardent advocacy by pro-kratom groups touting its medicinal value and low risks, regulatory agencies have raised multiple safety concerns leading to debate over outright kratom bans in some localities or even federally.
More research and definitive safety data is still needed to determine appropriate regulations for this ethnobotanical substance with both potential benefits and harms depending on use patterns.
Special Safety Considerations
While moderate, occasional tapee tea may be safe for some fully informed, responsible adults without contraindicated conditions, there are some particular safety considerations to keep in mind:
Medication Interactions
A major concern is tapee tea possibly interacting with other medications due to its activity on opioid receptors or impact on liver metabolizing enzymes. This could lead to reduced effectiveness of medications, magnified side effects, or even overdose.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
No definitive safety data exists for prenatal kratom use or exposure through breast milk. Considering the risks, avoiding tapee tea is recommended during pregnancy and nursing until more research provides clarity.
Teens and Children
Due to greater risks as well as lack of research around long-term impacts of kratom substances on developing brains, tapee tea should not be given to those under 18 years old.
Proper education is vital so consumers can weigh the potential upsides and downsides of tapee tea based on their health status, risk factors and local laws to make informed personal choices.
FAQs
What are the side effects of drinking tapee tea?
Common minor side effects include nausea, dizziness, sweating, and headaches. More serious effects at high doses can include liver damage, kidney failure, psychosis, severe withdrawal, and even death in rare cases.
Is tapee tea banned in the United States?
No, tapee tea and kratom products are currently legal at the federal level in the U.S. But some states and local jurisdictions have banned sales due to safety concerns. The FDA has raised concerns but not yet pushed for a federal ban.
Can you get addicted to drinking tapee tea?
Yes, with regular high-dose use over time, tolerance can build leading to physical withdrawal symptoms during cessation attempts indicating a substance use disorder or addiction has developed.
Who should avoid drinking tapee tea?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid tapee tea until safety is established. Those under 18 should also not consume it since data on developing brains is lacking. Anyone with liver/kidney issues or taking medications that could interact should also use caution or avoid it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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