kratom, drug obtained from the leaves of the tropical evergreen tree Mitragyna speciosa, also called kratom, a relative of the coffee tree found in Southeast Asia. The leaves are chewed, boiled for a tea, put into capsules, or smoked. Used in traditional medicine, it has more recently been sold as an unregulated herbal supplement, used to alleviate pain and as a mild stimulant. Kratom can cause such health problems as nausea, dry mouth, increased urination, constipation, and seizures, and overuse can lead to addiction.
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