Health
The Risks Behind “Feel Free” Herbal Shots
Health Points
- “Feel Free” contains kratom, an ingredient with opioid-like properties that may lead to addiction.
- Some users report dependence and adverse effects; medical experts urge caution, especially for those with prior substance issues.
- The FDA advises that kratom is not safe as a dietary supplement and links it to various health risks.
Misha Brown recounted on TikTok how a local teen in Austin asked him to buy Feel Free, a blue herbal shot advertised to boost relaxation and focus. The store attendant told him that demand for Feel Free is high, describing it as addictive.
As Brown’s video gained attention, others shared their experiences about the product—and not all were positive.
Feel Free, sold since 2020 by Botanic Tonics, contains kava and kratom. Kava is believed to relax, while kratom can have stimulating and opioid-like effects.
Experts warn about kratom’s potential for dependency. Five states have banned it, and Dr. Robert Levy, an addiction specialist, described treating kratom addiction cases regularly.
John, a South Carolina resident, explained in a TikTok video how he became quickly dependent on Feel Free, spending thousands as his use escalated. He shared,
“It made me feel warm. … It gave me good energy and I loved it.”
His dependence left him financially exhausted, and he admitted,
“It turned me into someone that I am not.”
On Reddit, thousands have gathered to share stories about quitting Feel Free, with one warning,
“Believe me when I tell you, you need to run away as fast as you can from this.”
Botanic Tonics settled a lawsuit over its marketing practices by including updated warnings on its labels but denied any wrongdoing, noting minimal reports of severe addiction compared to total sales.
Kratom, a Southeast Asian plant, has grown in popularity for its potential stimulant and pain-relieving effects, according to pharmacy professor Oliver Grundmann. The FDA cautions against its use as a supplement, citing insufficient safety data and numerous health risks, such as gastrointestinal problems, increased heart rate, and possible liver damage.
While recent FDA actions focus on highly concentrated synthetic forms of a kratom compound, Feel Free uses the plant-based variety.
If you’re considering any herbal supplement, it’s important to stay informed and consult your healthcare provider before use.
