NewYou can listen to Fox News articles now!
A herbal supplement billed with a “feeling good tonic” has raised concerns about potentially dangerous health effects.
Some users claim that Oklahoma's plant agent makes a plant-based product that feels free, which is highly addictive.
The supplement is also available in capsule form and is sold at many gas stations and retailers in the United States
Censored deadly substances, as kratom by-products appear in gas stations, cigarette shops
Its ingredients include Kava extract, which the company says promotes relaxation and boosts mood, while Kratom Leaf is said to boost energy and focus.
Users on Reddit warned Feel Free's addictive properties, and also shared experiences including skin infections, seizures, suicidal thoughts, hospitalization and strong withdrawal symptoms.
Some users claim that Oklahoma's plant agent makes a plant-based product that feels free, which is highly addictive. (iStock; plant supplement)
“The Last Boundary of Addiction”
Chris oflyng, 28, of Madison, Wisconsin, shared his experience with the so-called health effects of supplements.
He first started using Kratom as an alternative to Adderall prescription, thinking it would be a healthier option.
Chris oflyng, 28, of Madison, Wisconsin, first started using Kratom as an alternative to his Adderall prescription, thinking it would be a healthier option. (Chris oflyng/instagram)
“I found this plant, and it was legal, I bought it, and it was one between everything,” he told Fox News Digital. “My body felt good. I heard it with other people, too – they found kratom, which is the last boundary of their addiction because it's just a little bit of everything, the feeling behind it.”
He added: “The first time they try it, they will have a good time – unless you are a very sensitive person, you may feel any side effects before taking it away for a while.”
“You may not feel any side effects until you take them away for a while.”
Oflyng notes that Kratom is not the “worst thing” overall, as it can actually help people struggling with chronic pain.
He claims that the potential risks are unregulated, especially when it is mixed with Kava. “The mental addiction to its opioid part becomes unbearable.”
Health officials warn stores across the country to use hazardous substances
Oflyng said he spent several years indulging in freedom. He consumes five to 10 a day, which he claims causes nausea, excessive sweating and an elevated heart rate.
“It’s a real struggle for me,” he told Fox News’s numbers.
He also had skin problems, which he suspected had to do with Kratom and Kava.
Oflyng said he spent several years indulging in freedom. He consumes five to 10 a day, which he claims causes nausea, excessive sweating and an elevated heart rate. (Chris oflyng/instagram)
“My skin will start to turn into a reptile,” he told Fox News Digital. “Kava makes your liver really sensitive, and then Kratom makes your skin dry.”
As a result, Oflyng found that the skin on his face began to peel. “It caused damage to my face and changed my appearance,” he said.
Whenever he tries to stop drinking this feeling, he will experience withdrawal symptoms.
In Kratom overdose claims, the team requires regulation to better test drugs
“They are very different from traditional opioid withdrawal,” he said. “It's a lot like the withdrawal of antidepressants – more of a constant desire to keep defeating.”
In an Oflyng's addiction support group, he said one person reported that he had experienced epilepsy after consuming the product.
“My skin will start to turn into a reptile.”
“I've never had something like this happen to me, but I have experience that Kratom's excitability becomes very strong,” Oflyng said. “And I have tachycardia (fast heart rhythm) and skip my heartbeat. I've been very focused on my heart because of this product.”
Oflyng called on the company to disclose potential side effects to make people aware of the risks, noting: “There is no warning about these products at all.”
“I have no idea”
Jasmine Adeoye, 30, began using the product in 2022 after withdrawing from alcohol.
“I think it helps me overcome the social anxiety of not drinking anymore and it felt good at first,” the Texas woman shared with Fox News digital numbers. “I didn’t know it would be addictive at the time.”
Jasmine Adeoye, 30, began using the product in 2022 after withdrawing from alcohol. “I think it helps me overcome the social anxiety of not drinking anymore,” she said. (Marl Aduye/instagram)
In 2023, Adeoye said she has relied on freedom.
“After the day starting, it gradually reached two or three, five, six, and then 12,” she said.
She admitted that Adeoye bought the product from multiple gas stations to mask her consumption.
“I’ve been in a state of severe depression, I’ve been tired and anxious.”
“I’ve been in severe depression and I’ve been tired all the time,” she told Fox News Digital. “Sometimes, I even try to get up.”
Kratom also caused vomiting, she said, and Kava wiped her skin drying – “Like alligator skin, shedding in thin slices.”
“I’ve been in severe depression and I’ve been tired all the time,” Adeoye told Fox News Digital. “Sometimes, I even try to get up.” (Marl Aduye/instagram)
She said that in March 2024, Adeoye gave up on his free turkey.
After four days of “withdrawal symptoms” and two weeks of “strong desire”, things began to improve.
For six months, Adeoye finally felt that she had returned to herself and had no dependence on the product.
Expert warning
For those considering using the product, Adeoye urges caution.
“Beware of any products sold as 'safe' alcohol substitutes,” she said. “Please do your research. I'm happy to continue promoting news about the free harmful products.”
Experts urge caution
Dr. Lauri Wright, director of nutrition program, and associate professor at the University of South Florida (USF) School of Public Health, said the danger of this supplement is the combination of Kratom and Kava.
“Kratom is similar to opioids. Frequent use leads to tolerant, dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to morphine or heroin,” she told Fox News Digital.
According to doctors, reported side effects of Kratom include nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremor, seizures, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and liver damage. (Vachira Vachira/Nurphoto via Getty Images)
According to doctors, reported side effects of Kratom include nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremor, seizures, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and liver damage.
“In fact, the poison control report has linked Kratom to hundreds of adverse health events and small amounts of deaths – often in combination with other substances,” she added.
Expert warning
Wright warned that while kava extracts are traditionally consumed by water-based beverages, they are associated with acute liver damage and even liver failure.
“Extensive long-term use may cause dry and peeling skin on palms, soles and other areas as users are free to report,” she said. “Long-term use may also lead to malnutrition, weight loss, infections and mood disorders.”
Wright notes that pharmacists warn that combining kava inhibition with stimulant or euphoric effects of kratom creates a “hyperstimulation mix” that increases the risk of addiction.
Botanic Tonics, a manufacturer of Free Free, Oklahoma, told Fox News Digital that it is “committed to providing consumers’ education and transparency” and “will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of customers.” (Plant supplement)
“Users who consume dozens of doses a day up to 12 bottles a day, and spend up to $3,000 a month are reporting physical degeneration and psychological declines, including depression, lethargy, severe dependence and withdrawal crisis,” she said.
Wright advises: “Given the evidence, consumers should avoid the freedom and similar unregulated plant drinks that combine Kratom and Kava, especially if they have a history of drug use, liver condition or mental health issues.”
“Responsible, use wisely”
Botanic Tonics, a manufacturer of Free Free, Oklahoma, told Fox News Digital that it is “committed to providing consumers’ education and transparency” and “will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of customers.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
The company noted that FERE's leaf Kratom ingredients are “shortly different” from concentrated 7-OH, a Kratom synthesis that the FDA recently announced plans to ban.
“Sensual freedom contains natural kratom leaves, which are harvested from the Southeast Asian tropical tree called Mitragyna Speciosa. Kratom has inherent consumer trust through hundreds of years of safe use, often consumed in the form of capsules, powders, powders, teas and liquid dietary supplements.”
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“Sensory freedom also contains the Kava plant, also known as Kava kava or Piper Beetle, and is native to the South Pacific. The roots of the plant are used as herbal solution with various effects. Traditionally, Kava roots are glued to the paste and added to the liquid to be added to the liquid as a kava drink.”
The shared plant Toton is only people aged 21 and older “should consume responsibly.” (Plant supplement)
The plant supplement also added that people aged 21 and older “should consume responsibly.”
The company also added a warning that no more than two portions should be consumed within 24 hours.
“If someone hesitates a little, we respect your decision and support, i.e. you won’t try.”
“Over 1/3 of our website is dedicated to consumer education about ingredients, manufacturing processes and third-party research, and FDA data,” the statement continued. “Consumers should decide for themselves whether they are willing to eat the product. If someone is a little hesitant, we respect your decision and support, i.e. you won't try it.”
For more health articles, please visit www.foxnews.com/health
“We also urge anyone with a history of drug use disorders, or any concerns about Kratom or its impact, to speak with health care professionals before using freedom. Our goal has always been to provide a natural alternative to respect these botanical traditions while supporting responsible, informed use.”
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and a member of Fox News Digital’s lifestyle team. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.