BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — Kratom, a widely available herbal supplement used by millions of Americans, can be easily purchased from shops, gas stations, or online. However, due to its lack of regulation, the supplement has recently faced increased scrutiny due to potential dangers.
In a tragic incident, a Boynton Beach family was awarded over $11 million in a wrongful death lawsuit after their mother died from drinking Kratom tea in 2021.
Krystal Talavera, a hospice nurse and mother of four, was found unconscious on the floor in front of her baby brother shortly after celebrating her son Devin Filippelli’s high school graduation. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The cause of her death was determined to be “acute mitragynine intoxication.” Mitragynine is the scientific name for the plant used to make Kratom. The family argued that the company that sold Kratom did not provide adequate warnings or instructions about its dangers.
Devin Filippelli revealed that his mother consumed Kratom regularly, considering it similar to her daily coffee, unaware of its potential hazards.
Kratom is derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree and is available in powder or capsule form. It is commonly used for energy enhancement or pain relief. However, the CDC warns that at high doses, Kratom can produce effects similar to opioids.
The FDA has not approved Kratom for medical use, and certain states have banned its sale altogether. Nonetheless, many businesses, including kava bars offering home-brewed Kratom teas, continue to sell it.
Krystal Talavera’s family hopes that her tragic story serves as a wake-up call to the Kratom industry. They firmly believe that more must be done to warn consumers about the potential risks associated with the product.
A recent law in Florida prohibits the sale of Kratom to anyone under the age of 21, but additional measures are necessary to safeguard consumers from Kratom’s dangers.
The dangers of Kratom include potential liver damage, seizures, respiratory depression, and the risk of addiction. If you are considering using Kratom or any herbal supplements, it is crucial to be aware of these risks and consult with your doctor beforehand.
