This over-the-counter herbal supplement was linked to 91 overdose deaths

Herbal Medicine.
(Image credit: Joe Raedle / Staff)

When it comes to drug use, there are a few big scary names that come to mind. Fentanyl, heroin, and synthetic cannabinoids have all been known to lead to overdosing and, in some cases, death. But one culprit behind drug overdosing is still on your pharmacy shelf.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report Friday detailing the deaths linked to an over-the-counter herbal supplement called kratom. Sold in powdered or capsule form, this drug is marketed as a balm to pain, anxiety, and even dependence on other drugs.

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Shivani is the editorial assistant at TheWeek.com and has previously written for StreetEasy and Mic.com. A graduate of the physics and journalism departments at NYU, Shivani currently lives in Brooklyn and spends free time cooking, watching TV, and taking too many selfies.