Kratom May Relieve COVID-19 Symptoms, Case Study Finds

Why it matters

With NSAIDs like ibuprofen controversial during COVID-19, this case report explores kratom as an alternative for managing viral pain, malaise, and fatigue — finding fast and sustained symptom relief.

The big picture

This case study suggests kratom deserves controlled investigation as a symptomatic treatment for COVID-19 and similar viral illnesses, particularly as debates over NSAID safety during viral infection continue.

Key findings

• • A confirmed COVID-19 patient used kratom and reported fast, sustained relief of pain, myalgia, and fatigue
• • Kratom's anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxant properties may explain symptom relief beyond opioid activity
• • Prior literature documents kratom user relief from headache, back pain, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune conditions
• • Most serious adverse events occurred with polydrug use; pure kratom at low doses appears safer

What they say

Single case report published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2020) by researchers from University of Hertfordshire, Sapienza University of Rome, and Midwestern University.

Bottom line

Kratom provided fast, sustained relief of COVID-19 pain and malaise in this case study, suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties warrant controlled clinical investigation.