Kratom and Sweating: Understanding Physiological Responses to Kratom

Kratom use has become increasingly popular due to the many potential benefits the botanical leaves offer people. However, ongoing scientific research into this tropical member of the coffee tree family continues, and quantifiable evidence of both its positive and negative effects has yet to be verified.

Thus, although every kratom user may react differently to the plant, much of what we know about kratom’s effects on the body are based on anecdotal evidence. From claims of pain relief to horror stories of the impact of withdrawal, the kratom experience varies. 

It’s tough to verify or discredit accounts of kratom as a sleep aid, or to answer questions like, “Does kratom induce sweating?” without digging into the research and clinical trials that do not exist and forming our own conclusions (although preclinical trials have been conducted) (1). Nevertheless, much of what we do know points toward kratom’s potential for life-enhancing results — as long as the botanical is used correctly.  

The body’s physiological responses to kratom are based largely on reactions to the alkaloids the botanical contains. Let’s take a look.

How to take kratom   

Kratom products come in various forms and strengths, although all products are derived from leaves harvested from the kratom tree. For example, although a kratom gummy may immediately produce energizing results in a user, it might not contain as much pure kratom as a serving size of a kratom powder, which may have a larger amount of strength per serving.

Reputable kratom vendors will often include suggested serving sizes on product labels, and the potential Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) would mandate transparent product labeling.(2) 

Kratom, also known by the botanical name, Mitragyna speciosa, is used by enthusiasts touting its relieving and/or stimulating effects. However, just as it’s important not to overuse natural supplements such as calcium or magnesium, exceeding suggested amounts of kratom could lead to adverse physiological responses.

How often kratom should be used

The answers may vary depending on the source, but if kratom is frequently used or overused, its effectiveness could decrease, and a user could experience negative results. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) publication, Frontiers in Pharmacology, most kratom users have taken the botanical at least 100 times.

NIH researchers surveyed regular kratom users and found that most who experienced adverse effects were either new to kratom, or liberally took kratom throughout their day.(3)

Overconsumption of any naturally enhancing substance, such as caffeinated coffee, can also lead to detrimental results. Thus, following any suggested guidelines and paying attention to the body’s physiological responses to kratom can help keep users safe.

How long do results last

Our bodies develop a tolerance to anything we regularly consume, so the immediate results of kratom — like all other botanicals — may not be felt after a lengthy period of use. However, the half-life of kratom is thought to be 24 hours. Proof of this half-life isn’t yet verifiable, but generally speaking, this means it may take a day for 50% of the botanical to leave the bloodstream, and up to 5 days for kratom to fully leave the body.

The body’s physiological responses to the plant, and how quickly it can both absorb and eliminate kratom may depend on multiple factors, including age, diet, genetics, and weight. 

Typically, the effects of kratom are felt between 10-30 minutes of ingestion, but again, this may depend on the type and strength of the kratom taken, and a user’s personal history.

Does kratom make you sweat? 

Although the average kratom user will not sweat due to taking the botanical, anecdotal evidence supports excess sweating as a side effect of overusing. Some people new to kratom also report sweating after taking a strong serving size, taking kratom on an empty stomach, or taking the botanical while dehydrated.

However, there is no medical evidence that supports a direct correlation between kratom and a trigger of the sweat glands. Excessive sweating can be the body’s reaction to a number of new foods, drinks, or supplements taken, and can also be the result of anxiety and environmental changes. (4)

If kratom seems to induce sweat, it’s important to consider the following questions:

• What’s the strength of the kratom product?
• Was serving size recently increased?
• Does the product include transparent labeling and list all ingredients?
• Was another food, drink, or natural product ingested that could cause an adverse reaction with kratom?
• How are the hydration levels of the person taking kratom?

If beginning or seasoned users find they sweat every time they take kratom, it may be wise to cut back on or discontinue use. Less than reputable kratom brands may also adulterate the purity of kratom products with dangerous additives like heavy metals, which also may account for sweating. 

How does sweat work as a physiological response?

Sweat may seem like a super wet, smelly, and less than ideal display of the body’s physiological responses, but it’s actually crucial to body function. Unless experienced with other adverse physiological reactions, on its own sweat isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

If the body gets too hot, sweat acts as a natural cool-down mechanism and protection from heat stroke, exhaustion, and other detrimental effects. Sweat can also help prepare the body for a “flight or fight” response in dangerous, exciting, or stressful situations — the sweat glands act as an alarm to let you know you should be on alert. (5)   

Thus, although there’s no verified proof that kratom induces sweating, if you sweat once after taking kratom but don’t display any other negative symptoms, it may just be your body preparing for a new experience. Sweat isn’t always a reason to, well, sweat.

What are physiological responses? 

Physiological responses consist of a variety of signals our bodies emit as a response to stress. These reactions can help prepare us for an environmental change or challenge, and confront internal or external conflict. (6) 

Along with sweat, some common physiological responses include:

• Heavy, Rapid Breathing
• Hyperventilation
• Increased Heart Rate
• Melatonin Suppression
• Pupil Dilation
• Slowed Breathing
• Cutaneous Blood Flow (changes skin appearance—for example, pale or flushed skin may be a physiological response)

Other signs of overuse or misuse

Just as sweating after taking kratom may be an indicator of overuse or misuse of the botanical, there are multiple symptoms and negative effects that could result from overtaking or mistaking kratom products. If pure kratom is taken in small serving sizes, the kratom user shouldn’t experience these effects. 

These detrimental effects range in severity, and if they occur, use should cease until a person can safely take a small amount of kratom and confirm no dependency has developed. Signs of misused or overused kratom include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Mental fogginess
• Muscle aches and cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Potential positive outcomes of kratom use

The potential benefits of kratom use are widely reported but have not been clinically proven yet. However, enthusiasts share accounts of improvement in daily life as a result of taking kratom. 

Kratom shouldn’t directly induce sweating, but its benefits may decrease with extended use. Some of the potential benefits of kratom use include (7):

• Comfort
• Energy boosts
• Mental focus support
• Mood balance
• Pain relief
• Soothing effects
• Uplifting experiences

Kratom Research Institute: Who We Are

There is a lot of widely shared misinformation about kratom, and both positive and negative myths are found all over the internet. At the Kratom Research Institute, the truth matters — we’re dedicated to sharing all accurate information about kratom with our readers. 

We’re committed to kratom education that allows enthusiasts to stay safe and informed when taking the botanical. Although kratom isn’t a cure all, it has the potential to enhance your life. We want to take an accurate look at the pros and cons of the botanical — including possible physiological responses to kratom.

We answer questions such as “does kratom induce sweating?” to allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not to take kratom. The Kratom Research Institute includes health experts, industry professionals, and consumers passionate about sharing truths about kratom. 

Our mission is to stand as a new credible resource for kratom education.

Sources

• Prevete, Elisabeth. Kuypers, Kim Paula Colette. et. al. “A systematic review of (pre)clinical studies on the therapeutic potential and safety profile of kratom in humans.” PubMed, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Published January 2022.
• 118th U.S. Congress. “Text- S.3909 – Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act.” Congress.gov. 2023-2024
•  Smith, Kristen E. Rogers, Jeffrey M. et. al. “Searching for a Signal: Self-Reported Kratom Dose-Effect Relationships Among a Sample of US Adults With Regular Kratom Use Histories.” PubMed, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Published online 1 March 2022.
• Cherney, Kristeen. Raypole, Crystal. “Anxiety Got You in a Sweat? Why Anxiety Sweating Happens and How to Handle It.” Healthline.com. Updated 19 May 2023.
• McCallum, Katie. “How Sweat Works: Why We Sweat When We’re Hot as Well as When We’re Not.” Houstonmethodist.org. 19 August 2020
• Chu, Brianna, Marwaha, Kamal. et. al. Book excerpt: “Physiology, Stress Reaction.” StatPearls, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Updated 7 May 2024.
• Gatta, Frances. Benisek, Alexandra. “Health Benefits of Kratom.” WebMD.com. 13 May 2024.