This Viral Wellness Drink Is Facing Criticism From Concerned Users

A popular herbal drink called Feel Free has gone viral on TikTok for its supposed energy-boosting and mood-enhancing effects.

Marketed as a natural alternative to alcohol or caffeine, the tonic contains kava and kratom, two psychoactive plant ingredients that affect the nervous system. While influencers and wellness enthusiasts have promoted it heavily online, a growing number of users and experts are now raising concerns about negative side effects—including dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and serious health risks.

Medical reports and user testimonies cite extreme side effects from heavy use. In a story published Tuesday, August 5, the New York Post reported that one woman ended up in rehab after drinking up to 12 bottles of Feel Free a day.

Amid the growing backlash, one TikToker shared his experience with the drink in a viral video that has since racked up over 3 million likes, along with thousands of shares and comments.

In the video, the user recounts how he was stopped at a gas station by a young teenager, asking him if he would buy them Feel Free. When he declined, he alleges that the teen, "lunged at me and tried to take my wallet out of my hand."

He said he then went inside and told the cashier what had happened. The cashier allegedly explained, "This stuff is so sad. I have people coming in here five, six times a day to get this. It's so addictive, and people lose their minds."

The TikToker said he looked into the drink after the incident and was shocked to learn that some users have ended up in rehab. He ended the video by saying, "I don't think we talk enough about things that are 'legal,' but sold next to gum," making air quotes around the word "legal."

Parents and social workers flooded the comments, thanking the TikToker for bringing awareness to the tonic. One commenter also said, "FDA has issued warnings and the company is being sued," with another echoing, "Just so yall know Feel Free is in a $8.7 M class action settlement." (Both statements are accurate: the FDA has issued multiple warnings about kratom’s health risks, and in early 2024, Feel Free’s parent company, Botanic Tonics, agreed to an $8.75 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over product labeling and marketing.)

Even on Reddit, users have been warning others to stay away from the tonic, citing its addictive properties.

"I think it's insane that Kratom is legal. It's a terrible plan to start taking that s--- on the regular," one person commented.

Despite its wide availability in stores and online, Feel Free has not been approved by the FDA, and kratom itself has a controversial reputation in the United States. With more people speaking out, many are starting to question how safe it is to promote unregulated herbal drinks, especially on TikTok, where viral trends can take off without much oversight.