The Rise of Feel Free: A “Feel-Good Tonic” with Hidden Dangers
A growing number of users are raising alarms about a popular herbal supplement known as Feel Free, marketed as a “feel-good tonic.” This plant-based product, made by Botanic Tonics in Oklahoma, is available in both liquid and capsule forms and can be found at gas stations and retailers across the United States. However, its rising popularity has been accompanied by reports of potentially dangerous health effects, including addiction, skin issues, and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Ingredients and Claims
The product contains two main ingredients: kava extract and kratom leaf. According to the company, kava is intended to promote relaxation and lift mood, while kratom is said to enhance energy and focus. These natural compounds have long been used in traditional practices, but their combination in a commercial product has raised concerns among health experts and users alike.
User Experiences and Health Concerns
Several users have shared their experiences online, warning of the tonic’s addictive properties. Reddit forums have become a platform for individuals to discuss their struggles with Feel Free, including reports of skin infections, seizures, suicidal ideations, hospitalizations, and intense withdrawal symptoms.
Chris Oflyng, 28, from Madison, Wisconsin, shared his personal story of addiction to the product. Initially using kratom as an alternative to Adderall, he found it to be a “last frontier of addiction” due to its complex mix of effects. He described how the initial experience was positive, but over time, he began experiencing nausea, excessive sweating, and an elevated heart rate. His skin also suffered, becoming dry and peeling, which he attributes to the combination of kratom and kava.
Oflyng also reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using the product. These included constant cravings and difficulty managing them, similar to antidepressant withdrawal rather than opioid withdrawal. In one of his support groups, he heard of a person who had a seizure after consuming the product, highlighting the potential risks involved.
Real-Life Impact on Users
Jasmine Adeoye, 30, from Texas, started using Feel Free in 2022 as a way to manage social anxiety after quitting alcohol. At first, she felt it helped, but soon she became dependent on the product. Her usage increased from one bottle per day to as many as 12, costing her up to $3,000 monthly. She experienced vomiting, dry skin, and high levels of anxiety, eventually leading her to quit cold turkey in March 2024.
After four days of severe withdrawal symptoms and two weeks of strong cravings, Adeoye gradually recovered. It took six months before she felt back to normal, emphasizing the importance of awareness and caution when considering such products.
Expert Warnings and Health Risks
Lauri Wright, Ph.D., director of nutrition programs at the University of South Florida, warns that the combination of kratom and kava poses significant health risks. Kratom acts on mu-opioid receptors, similar to opioids, and frequent use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms akin to those seen with morphine or heroin. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure, and liver damage.
Kava, traditionally consumed as a water-based drink, has been linked to acute liver injury and even liver failure. Chronic use may result in dry, peeling skin, malnutrition, weight loss, infections, and mood disturbances. When combined with kratom, the effects can be particularly concerning, as the stimulant and depressant properties create an “overstimulating mix.”
Company Response and Consumer Education
Botanic Tonics, the manufacturer of Feel Free, claims to prioritize consumer education and transparency. The company states that Feel Free contains natural kratom leaf, distinct from synthetic forms that the FDA plans to ban. They emphasize that the product is only available to individuals 21 and older and should be consumed responsibly.
Additionally, the company has added a warning that no more than two servings should be consumed in a 24-hour period. Over a third of their website is dedicated to consumer education about ingredients, manufacturing processes, and third-party studies. They encourage users to consult healthcare professionals, especially if they have a history of substance use disorder or mental health concerns.
Final Thoughts
As the debate over the safety of Feel Free continues, health experts urge consumers to be cautious. While the product may offer temporary relief for some, the potential for addiction and serious health consequences cannot be ignored. With the lack of regulation and clear warnings, users must carefully weigh the risks before deciding to try this so-called “feel-good tonic.”