Dangerous Addictive Substance Sold Over the Counter - “Feel Free” Isn't the Safe, Natural Shot It Claims

“Feel Free” isn't the safe, natural beverage it claims to be - and it's sold over the counter! 

"Feel Free" is a drink marketed as a wellness tonic, but it contains kratom and kava, which can lead to addiction and serious health risks.

What is "Feel Free"?

"Feel Free" is a beverage developed by Botanic Tonics, marketed as a natural alternative to alcohol that promotes relaxation, productivity, and social ease. It contains kava and kratom, both of which have psychoactive properties. Kava is known for its calming effects, while kratom can act as a stimulant at low doses and mimic opioids at higher doses. (1)

Feel Free is an herbal drink marketed as a "plant-based tonic" with mood-boosting effects. It is trending online, especially on social media, as an alcohol alternative. The main ingredients are kratom and kava, which can cause addiction and other health problems. 

It's becoming an alcohol alternative for kids, too. According to Instagram Creator Misha Brown aka YourBestieMisha, kids are starting to wait outside gas stations and convenience stores asking adults to purchase them the beverage. After some conversation and research, he found that this little blue bottle was causing severe addictions, but it's sold next to gum and energy drinks. 

To See Original Video Click Here

Kratom and Kava both can be healthy and beneficial if used properly. Kratom for example, is known to help those suffering from opiate addiction to actually quit, and it takes less time than suboxone. 

Kratom, an herbal extract from the leaves of an evergreen tree (Mitragyna speciosa) that grows in Southeast Asia, is promoted as a treatment for withdrawal. While kratom is sold as a dietary supplement in some states in the U.S., it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use. The FDA warns people not to use it due to the risk of addiction, misuse and dependence. Kratom is illegal in some states and some countries.

Kava is a different story. Kava has been used for centuries as an anti anxiety/calming supplement. 

Pharmacologically, kava produces calming effects by modulating GABA type A receptors. Kava also enhances ligand binding and increases receptor availability, particularly in limbic brain regions such as the amygdala and hippocampus, which are associated with emotion and stress regulation. This GABAergic activity is similar to that of benzodiazepines but does not impair cognitive function. 

Kava has also been shown to inhibit voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, which reduces excessive neuronal firing, as well as prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine, which contributes to mood stabilization. Kava also promotes better sleep quality and reduces stress-induced restlessness, thus making it a versatile option for managing anxiety-related conditions and more. 

The fact that we haven't had time yet to study all of the benefits from Kava but there's a lot of areas we can start as the pros significantly outweigh the cons, being liver toxicity if abused and used improperly.

Kava in a normal setting is relaxing, slightly psychoactive, but doesn't affect your basic cognitive function. 

We even offer a Kava Tea and believe it should be studied and appreciated by naturopaths. 

GET YOUR TEA HERE - https://naturalhealthycbd.com/kavatea/

However, on our packaging it will state specifically that it is made of kava and you will feel the effects - and to use appropriately.

Some Kratom is stronger than others and in an appropriate medical sense can be very beneficial to those who desperately need it.

There's the problem. Users of this “Feel Free” shot are not initially informed that there is both Kratom and Kava in this drink, and both can obviously be addictive and therefore abused. “Feel Free” claims to provide a natural energy boost with a alleged “natural” ingredients. 

On TikTok, warnings spread about the herbal tonic. 

Some people who have tried the drinks — which contain kratom and kava — say they became addicted. Experts have cautioned about kratom use. (5)

A lawsuit is scheduled against 7-Eleven and the company behind “Feel Free” as well. Plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit filed this week claim that functional shot brand Feel Free Wellness Tonic and 7-Eleven may have misled consumers about the risk of addiction to kratom, an active ingredient in the drink.

The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California by Romulo Torres, an alcoholic in recovery, and alleges that Feel Free’s parent company, Botanic Tonics LLC, and convenience retailer 7-Eleven had falsely advertised the shots as a kava-based drink that is “a safe, sober, and healthy alternative to alcohol,” despite containing kratom, a drug with opioid-like properties. (6)

They feel they targeted those with substance abuse issues already and then lied to them about the substance they were taking.

Furthermore, it’s rumored that the CEO of the company behind "Feel Free" has recently had to change his identity according to Noel Miller, Youtuber and Lockhead’s comedian of the year. He recently released a vid highlighting the TikTok users that have spoken out about the shot and how bad it grabbed a hold on their life and health, as well as those who took it as a challenge and are negligently trying the shot due to its negative press. His video brings together multiple creators that were harmed by it and those who now want to review it. He comically brings attention to a very real problem. He goes into detail about 7OH and Kratom and the issues with the drink, company, and the actual kratom plant.(9)

 Source: Noel Miller

We know everybody makes their own choices, however we urge you to be informed about what you put in your body. 

Addictions can come out of anywhere and could ruin your life. Be careful with new age supplements that you aren't familiar with, especially those without third party lab verification.

We don't want you to feel free, we want you to BE free. Free of addictions and things that will ruin your life and the life of those around you. Especially when Nature tries so hard to heal you. 

To buy safe supplements for energy and focus without worrying about addiction or ingredients, click here. 

To safely try verified kava root beverages, check out our mystic kava root tea or our stress less tincture made with ashwagandha, kava, and black pepper! 

Sources:

1. “FEEL FREE” Drink What You Need To Know About This Trending “Natural” Beverage - Phoenix Rising Recovery - https://www.phoenixrisingrecovery.com/rehab-blog/feel-free-drink-what-you-need-to-know-about-this-trending-natural-beverage/

2. WARNING: Be Aware of Kratom and Kava - YourBestieMisha on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMieYWEu5b-/?igsh=MWd2cXMwdWt2a3hpNA==

3. Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal: Does it work? - Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom-opioid-withdrawal/art-20402170

4. How Safe is Kava? Risk and Realities - News Medical - https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-Safe-is-Kava-Risks-and-Realities.aspx

5. On TikTok, warnings spread about the herbal tonic 'Feel Free' - NBC News - https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/tiktok-warnings-spread-herbal-tonic-feel-free-rcna223179

6. Class Action Alleges Feel Free and 7Eleven Mislead Consumers About Addiction Risk - Bevnet - https://www.bevnet.com/news/2023/class-action-alleges-feel-free-7-eleven-misled-consumers-about-addiction-risk/