I am so happy that you have made me aware of this herb! I love knowing about new treatment options that might be possible in the future. With some research...hopefully it will be a good fit alongside other herbal therapies. The part you wrote about chronic pain sufferers just needing a break...light at the end of the tunnel...and a bit of joy now and again really rang true. Alcohol makes my pain worse and so there is no momentary escape. If taking it ends up being possible...Kratom would only be used during the worst of days so my tolerance level stays low. I am curious how it might effect the central nervous system...the immune system and autoimmune conditions. Even echinachia is a no go which never made sense to me.