I discovered this herb while playing around online looking for herbs for energy. I had never heard of kratom before, and neither has anyone else I've talked to. I've been taking it on and off for several months, and it seems to help with my lagging energy, as well as being a mild pain killer.
Some possible issues with it:
Since no one seems to know anything about it, it makes me a bit uncomfortable taking it
It tastes ghastly
It seems that most people who take it are "druggie" types, which creeps me out a bit
A lot of what is on the internet has to do with people using it to get over addictions to narcotics
It's illegal in several countries
Sounds a bit scary, huh? But my dh has taken it daily for the past 4 months or so, and I've been taking it off and on for the same amount of time. It doesn't help my insomnia, but it does make me feel like I've had a nice cup of coffee. It also helps me handle my recent bout with depression--after I take some, I feel more normal. Sometimes it relieves my back pain. People claim all kinds of other benefits as well, but I think that either they are taking a lot more than I do, or have more active imaginations.
If anyone has tried this stuff, I'd be interested in hearing your experience. There is a forum devoted to kratom lovers if you want information, but beware, a lot of people there are struggling with addictions or have an interest in legal herbs that have drug-like effects. IMHO kratom doesn't fit that category, but maybe others disagree...