An herbal supplement billed as a “feel-good tonic” is sparking concerns about potentially dangerous health effects.

Some users claim that Feel Free, a plant-based product made by Botanic Tonics in Oklahoma, is highly addictive.

The tonic, which is also available in capsule form, is sold at many gas stations and retailers across the U.S. 

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Its ingredients include kava extract, which the company says promotes relaxation and lifts mood, and kratom leaf, which is said to enhance energy and focus.

Users on Reddit have warned of Feel Free’s addictive properties, also sharing experiences that include skin infections, seizures, suicidal ideations, hospitalizations and intense withdrawal symptoms.

‘Last frontier of addiction’

Chris Oflyng, 28, from Madison, Wisconsin, shared his experience with the tonic’s alleged health effects.

He first began taking kratom as an alternative to his Adderall prescription, thinking it would be a healthier choice.

Chris Oflyng, 28, from Madison, Wisconsin, first began taking kratom as an alternative to his Adderall prescription, thinking it would be a healthier choice. (Chris Oflyng/Instagram)

​​”I find this plant, and it’s legal, and I buy it, and it’s kind of an in-between of everything,” he told Fox News Digital. “I feel good in my body. I’ve heard this with other people too — they find kratom and it’s the last frontier of their addiction because it’s just a mix of a little bit of everything, the feeling behind it.”

“The first time anyone tries it, they’re going to have a great time — and unless you’re a really sensitive person, you probably won’t feel any side effects until you’ve been taking them for a little while,” he added.

“You probably won’t feel any side effects until you’ve been taking them for a little while.”

Oflyng noted that kratom as a whole isn’t “the worst thing,” as it can actually help people who struggle with chronic pain.

The potential risk comes with unregulated kratom, especially when it’s mixed with kava, he claimed. “The mental addiction to the opioid part of it becomes unbearable.”

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Oflyng said he spent several years, on and off, addicted to Feel Free. He was consuming five to 10 per day, which he claimed caused nausea, excess sweating and an elevated heart rate.

“It’s been a real struggle for me,” he told Fox News Digital.

He also experienced issues with his skin, which he suspects is linked to the kratom and kava.

Oflyng said he spent several years, on and off, addicted to Feel Free. He was consuming five to 10 per day, which he claimed caused nausea, excess sweating and an elevated heart rate. (Chris Oflyng/Instagram)

“My skin would start to become reptilian-like,” he told Fox News Digital. “The kava makes your liver really sensitive, and then the kratom dries out your skin.”

As a result, Oflyng found that the skin on his face began peeling off. “It’s caused damage to my face, changed the way I look,” he said.

Every time he tried to stop drinking the Feel Free, Oflyng suffered from withdrawal symptoms.

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“They’re very different from traditional opioid withdrawals,” he said. “It’s very much like an antidepressant withdrawal — more of just constant cravings that are really hard to beat.”

In one of Oflyng’s addiction support groups, he said one person reported that he experienced a seizure after consuming the product.

“My skin would start to become reptilian-like.”

“I’ve never had anything like that happen, but I’ve had experiences where the stimulant properties of the kratom become very intense,” Oflyng said. “And I have had tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and skipped heartbeats. I’ve been very concerned about my heart because of that product.”

Oflyng called for the company to disclose the potential side effects to make people aware of the risk, noting, “There’s no warnings on any of these products at all.”

‘I had no idea’

Jasmine Adeoye, 30, started using the product in 2022 after quitting alcohol.

“I thought it could help me overcome the social anxiety of not drinking alcohol anymore, and at first it felt good,” the Texas woman shared with Fox News Digital. “I had no idea it was addictive at the time.”

Jasmine Adeoye, 30, started using the product in 2022 after quitting alcohol. “I thought it could help me overcome the social anxiety of not drinking alcohol anymore,” she said. (Jasmine Adeoye/Instagram)

In 2023, Adeoye said she had become dependent on Feel Free.

“After starting with one a day, it gradually went up to two or three, then five or six, then up to 12,” she said, sharing that at the height of her addiction she was spending up to $3,000 monthly.

Adeoye purchased the product from multiple gas stations in an attempt to hide how much she was consuming, she admitted.

“I was in a deep depression, tired all the time and had high anxiety.”

“I was in a deep depression, tired all the time and had high anxiety,” she told Fox News Digital. “Some days I struggled to even get out of bed.”

The kratom also caused vomiting, she said, and the kava dried out her skin — “it was like alligator skin, coming off in flakes.”

“I was in a deep depression, tired all the time and had high anxiety,” Adeoye told Fox News Digital. “Some days I struggled to even get out of bed.” (Jasmine Adeoye/Instagram)

In March 2024, Adeoye gave up Feel Free cold turkey, she said.

After four days of what she described as “miserable withdrawal symptoms” and two weeks of “strong cravings,” things started to improve.

It was six months before Adeoye finally felt back to herself and free of the dependence on the product.

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To those considering using the product, Adeoye urged caution.

“Be aware of any products that are marketed as ‘safe’ alcohol alternatives,” she said. “Please do your research. I’m grateful to help continue to spread the word about how harmful products like Feel Free can be.”

Experts urge caution

The danger of the tonic lies in the combination of kratom and kava, according to Lauri Wright, Ph.D., director of nutrition programs and associate professor at University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health.

“Kratom acts on mu‑opioid receptors, similar to opioids. Frequent use leads to tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms that resemble those from morphine or heroin,” she told Fox News Digital.

Reported side effects of kratom include nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and liver damage, according to a doctor.  (Vachira Vachira/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Reported side effects of kratom include nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and liver damage, according to the doctor. 

“In fact, poison control reports have linked kratom to hundreds of adverse health events and a small number of deaths – typically in combination with other substances,” she added.

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While kava extracts are traditionally consumed as a water-based drink, they have been associated with acute liver injury or even liver failure, Wright warned. 

“Heavy, chronic use can lead to dry, peeling skin on palms, soles and other areas, as users are reporting with Feel Free,” she said. “Long‑term use may also contribute to malnutrition, weight loss, infections and mood disturbances.”

Pharmacists warn that combining the depressant effects of kava with the stimulant or euphoric effects of kratom creates an “overstimulating mix” that increases risk of addiction, Wright noted. 

Botanic Tonics, the Oklahoma-based maker of Feel Free, told Fox News Digital it is “committed to providing consumer education and transparency” and that it “will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers above all else.” (Botanic Tonics)

“Users consuming dozens of doses per day, as high as 12 bottles a day and costing up to $3,000 per month, are reporting physical degeneration and psychological decline, including depression, lethargy, severe dependency and withdrawal crises,” she said.

“Given the evidence, consumers should avoid Feel Free and similar unregulated botanical drinks combining kratom and kava, especially if they have a history of substance use, liver conditions or mental health concerns,” Wright advised.

‘Responsible, informed use’

Botanic Tonics, the Oklahoma-based maker of Feel Free, told Fox News Digital it is “committed to providing consumer education and transparency” and that it “will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers above all else.”

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The company noted that Feel Free’s leaf kratom ingredient is “distinctly different” from concentrated 7-OH, a kratom synthetic that the FDA recently announced it plans to ban.

“Feel Free contains natural kratom leaf, which is harvested from the Southeast Asian tropical tree known as Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom has inherent consumer trust through centuries of safe use, commonly consumed in forms such as capsules, powders, teas and liquid dietary supplements,” the company said.

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“Feel Free also contains the kava plant, also known as kava kava or piper methysticum, and is native to the South Pacific. The root of the plant is used as an herbal solution with various effects. Traditionally, the kava root was ground into a paste and added to liquid for consumption as a kava drink.”

Botanic Tonics shared that Feel Free is only available to people 21 and older “and should be consumed responsibly.” (Botanic Tonics)

Botanic Tonics also added that Feel Free is only available to people 21 and older “and should be consumed responsibly.”

The company has also added a warning that no more than two servings should be consumed in a 24-hour period.

“If anyone has the slightest hesitation, we respect your decision and support that you don’t try it.”

“Over 1/3 of our website is dedicated to consumer education about the ingredients, the manufacturing process, and third-party studies plus FDA data,” the statement continued. “Consumers should decide for themselves if they are comfortable consuming the product. If anyone has the slightest hesitation, we respect your decision and support that you don’t try it.”

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“We also urge anyone with a history of substance use disorder, or any concerns about kratom or its effects, to speak with a healthcare professional before using Feel Free. Our goal has always been to offer a natural alternative that respects the tradition of these botanicals while supporting responsible, informed use.”

Feeling constantly tired may be a symptom of an underlying condition. There are several possible reasons for having low energy and constant fatigue. Some of these include lack of sleep, anemia, heart disease, chronic diseases like diabetes, mental health disorders, and certain treatments like chemotherapy.

Constantly low energy levels can interfere with your daily activities and can be concerning. Some studies have shown that supplementation with certain vitamins and compounds can help boost your energy levels.

Studies have found that vitamin B12 (cobalamin) plays a role in how the body produces and uses energy. Due to its role in energy metabolism, deficiencies in vitamin B12 can result in lower energy levels and fatigue.

Researchers have found that vitamin B12 supplementation can improve energy levels and reduce fatigue in people with vitamin B12 deficiencies. However, no evidence suggests this vitamin improves fatigue in people without a deficiency. 

The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B12 is about 2.4 micrograms for adults and 2.6 micrograms daily for pregnant people.

You can get vitamin B12 from fish, meat, eggs, and dairy. The most common form of vitamin B12 in dietary supplements is cyanocobalamin.

CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like molecule found in almost every cell in your body, but especially in your heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles. Your body uses CoQ10 to make energy by converting food into energy that cells can use.

One study found that taking 100 milligrams of CoQ10 for about three months significantly improved fatigue. People who took more of the supplement and for longer, 400 milligrams daily for six months, saw about 20-40% reductions in chronic fatigue.

CoQ10 is generally considered safe for adults in doses up to 1200 milligrams per day. CoQ10 can also be found in foods like meat (the highest source of CoQ10), dairy, and eggs.

Iron deficiency can make you feel consistently fatigued. Iron is an essential mineral used to make hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the body. It also affects how the body produces energy.

If your iron level is low, you may develop anemia. If your lack of energy and fatigue are due to iron deficiency anemia, taking iron supplements may help. It might take up to three to six months to restore your iron levels and see significant improvement in energy.

The recommended daily amount of iron for adults between the ages of 19 and 50 is 8 milligrams for males, 18 milligrams for females, and 27 milligrams for pregnant people. After age 50, women require the same amount of iron as men. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a higher dose if you are iron-deficient.

Ashwagandha is a shrub used in traditional medicine to reduce stress and improve sleep. Researchers have found that ashwagandha may also help reduce fatigue.

Ashwagandha contains a compound called withanolides, which is believed to improve sleep and energy levels. More human studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

Studies have safely used ashwagandha in adults in doses of up to 1000 milligrams for up to 12 weeks. However, little is known about its long-term safety when used for months or years. 

Ashwagandha may also affect the liver and thyroid, and might not be safe for people living with prostate cancer. If you have an underlying health condition, talk to your healthcare provider before using ashwagandha. 

Ginseng is one of the most widely used supplements for improving energy and reducing fatigue.

The dose of American ginseng used to improve fatigue in studies has ranged from 500 milligrams to 2000 milligrams. Doses up to 3000 milligrams have been safely used for up to 12 weeks. There is currently no acceptable or standardized dose for Asian ginseng.

Both Asian and American ginseng may lower blood sugar levels and should be used with caution or even avoided if you have diabetes.

Creatine is commonly used by athletes to improve exercise and muscle mass. It may also help reduce fatigue.

One study found that using 8 grams of creatine supplement daily for about five days helped reduce mental fatigue. In another study, researchers found that when participants took 4 grams of creatine daily for about six months, creatine helped reduce fatigue in people with long COVID.

Creatine supplementation is likely safe for short-term use. Aside from supplements, creatine can be found in red meat and seafood.

Magnesium helps your body produce energy and protein. It is essential for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s primary energy source.

Studies have found that magnesium deficiency may lead to weakness and fatigue. If low energy levels and fatigue are due to low magnesium levels in the blood, then supplementation with magnesium may help.

The recommended daily intake for magnesium is 400–420 milligrams for males and 310–320 milligrams for females. Magnesium can be found in pumpkin, almonds, spinach, cashews, and chia seeds. It is also available as a supplement in magnesium oxide, citrate, and chloride.

Ribose is a compound that helps your body produce energy in the form of ATP.

Ribose supplementation can significantly improve your energy levels. One study found that ribose can be used both orally and intravenously to treat people with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, only a few studies have evaluated its effects on humans.

The common dosage of ribose supplements used in adults ranged from 5 to 15 grams daily, usually divided into smaller doses. It is also found in meat, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms. 

Quercetin is another compound involved in energy metabolism. It can be found in vegetables, fruits, tea, and wine.

One study found that taking 500 milligrams of quercetin daily for two months reduced symptoms of chronic fatigue. Another study suggested that quercetin may reduce fatigue in people receiving chemotherapy. More human studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

Quercetin is possibly safe when used short-term. However, it’s not known if long-term use (longer than 12 weeks) or doses higher than 1 gram daily are safe.

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is found in eggs, fish, nuts, and mushrooms.

Some studies have found that melatonin can help reduce fatigue. One study found that taking about 5 milligrams of melatonin significantly reduced fatigue associated with jet lag.

Melatonin supplementation is generally safe for short-term use. However, there is a lack of information on its long-term safety.

Guarana is a plant used by the indigenous Amazon tribes as a stimulant and tonic to treat fatigue.

Guarana extract has gained popularity in the supplement industry as an energy booster due to its energizing effects, which are likely due to its high caffeine content. Guarana seeds typically have a higher caffeine content than coffee beans (2-8% vs. 1-3%).

While guarana may boost energy, the effects are generally short-lived.

Consult your healthcare provider before using supplements to boost energy or reduce fatigue, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant.

Beyond supplements, ensure you get sufficient sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, and maintain a regular exercise routine to help reduce fatigue.

Fatigue may be a sign of a more serious condition. If your fatigue is not relieved after getting good sleep, eating a healthy diet, or using a supplement for a while, see a healthcare provider.

If any of these symptoms accompany the feeling of fatigue, contact a healthcare provider right away:

• Confusion or dizziness
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Blurred vision
• Little or no urine output
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Frequent headaches

Everyone feels tired now and then. However, if this symptom persists for weeks, you may want to see a healthcare provider.

While evidence is limited, supplementing with certain compounds, such as iron, magnesium, vitamin B12, and ginseng, can help reduce fatigue. Supplements should be used with caution, as they can sometimes harm your health if used in excessive amounts or may interact with other medications you are taking. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.