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A recent study conducted by numerous accredited researchers have found that kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has significant potential to alleviate COVID-19 pain. Considering that many health professionals are advising COVID-19 patients to stay away from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, such research becomes very significant to individuals looking to alleviate their symptoms. 

The case study, titled “Can Kratom Alleviate COVID-19 Pain?” was prepared by Antonio Metastasio, a Senior Researcher at the Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust in London, UK. It was published to Frontiers in Psychiatry, a publisher of peer-reviewed open access scientific journals. Other contributors include researchers from Sapienza University (Rome), Universiti Sains Malaysia, University of Florida, and Midwestern University 

Metastasio began his research because he knew that many of the current treatments of the virus were unsatisfactory. Patients were struggling to deal with symptoms such as malaise (discomfort) and fatigue even long after the acute phase of their infection. This prolonged period of the COVID-19 burden is something that Metastasio referred to as “long COVID.” 

To combat long COVID, Metastasio looked to kratom. A plant in which he knew contained angelisic properties used to treat acute and chronic pain. He additionally noted that kratom came without, “any significant health problems,” when used in moderation at small doses. That is, “no more than 15 grams per dose and taken more than 3 times/day for extended periods of time.” 

The Case Report

For his study, Metastasio looked to the accounts of a 29 year old, male, biomedical research technician. The subject was in good health and lived an active lifestyle before contracting COVID-19 from his father. Initially, his symptoms were general malaise and fatigue. However, these symptoms worsened to, “severe fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite, tiredness, slight dry cough, body aches, muscle pain, loss of taste and smell, sore throat and fever.” 

After visiting his doctor, the patient was prescribed 250 mg of azithromycin (Z-Pak) and 1 g of paracetamol (acetaminophen) every 6 hours for his fever and pain. Besides the fever subsiding, the medication proved to be no help. He even described starting to feel depressed and unmotivated. His pain and discomfort was severe and persistent. The patient knew he had to try something different. 

Previously, the subject had tried kratom only sporadically (only 4-5 times). Having never dealt with ongoing pain, he instead used the plant as a cognitive enhancer for his work. 

Treatment

In an attempt to self medicate, the patient decided to take 2.5 grams of Green Bali kratom using the Toss n’ Wash method. The results were extraordinary. Within the first 30 minutes, the patient reported a significant improvement physically. His pain and fatigue seemingly disappeared and a mild sense of euphoria came over him. This lasted for 5 hours until it was time for another dose. Our subject in question incited an:

• 80% improvement in fatigue and weakness
• 70% improvement in energy
• 80% improvement in body aches
• 90% improvement in muscle pain

In his own words, “Kratom helped me more than antibiotics.” The kratom however, did not help with the patient’s fever, cough, or sore throat. He reported no side effects while using the kratom (besides bad taste). 

Conclusion

This is a great story and definitely one worth sharing. This is the first ever case report that explored kratom’s ability to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. Thankfully, it passed with flying colors. 

During a time in which prohibitionists are trying to ban kratom for being unsafe and ineffective, it is reassuring to see medical reports like this shed kratom in a positive light. Simply put, kratom is a plant that we need now more than ever, and we must fight to protect it. 

Disclaimer: There is no content on the Kratom Science Podcast nor on KratomScience.com that in any way constitutes medical claims or medical advice. You should consult a medical professional for medical advice and we believe this sincerely. Take care.