From Pain to Purpose: How Christopher Deaney is Redefining Wellness Through the Healing Power of Kratom

In a world where chronic pain, anxiety, and addiction affect millions, many people are turning to natural alternatives in search of lasting relief and healing. One such alternative—often misunderstood yet profoundly powerful—is Kratom, a plant-based tea made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. Christopher Deaney, founder of Christopher’s Organic Botanicals, discovered Kratom not through hype or trend, but through personal need. After enduring decades of debilitating pain, multiple surgeries, and a near-fatal heart attack, Christopher stumbled upon Kratom in 2015—and what started as a desperate search for relief quickly evolved into a life-changing mission to help others.

In this illuminating interview, Christopher sits down to share the incredible journey that led him from being a lifelong pain patient to a passionate wellness advocate. He explains how Kratom helped him regain control over his body and mind, discusses the common myths surrounding the plant, and offers guidance for those interested in trying it responsibly. With his deep knowledge, transparent practices, and unwavering dedication to education, Christopher is helping reshape the conversation around Kratom—one healing story at a time.

Thank you so much for joining us, Christopher! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you —I’m honored to be here. My journey began in an unexpected and traumatic way. When I was just eight years old, I was hit by a speeding car in a 25-mph zone. I was thrown the length of a telephone pole and knocked unconscious. I broke my legs, damaged my growth plates, and had ongoing issues with my back and neck. But the most serious long-term damage was to my knees.

By the time I was 11, I experienced my first knee dislocation. It was terrifying—I saw my kneecap completely off to the side of my leg. That was just the beginning. Over the years, I had more than 40 dislocations. I spent my youth in immobilizers, underwent multiple surgeries, and dealt with chronic pain on a daily basis. Back then, the only thing doctors had to offer for pain was opioids—and that became a regular part of my life starting in my early teens.

What led you to finally break away from prescription medications and explore natural alternatives?
I always wanted to find something better. My parents were into natural products—things like Herbalife—so they encouraged me to explore alternative ways of healing. I got off opiates in my late 20s and began relying on prescription-strength NSAIDs like Aleve. I was taking them in high doses just to function, but then I had a heart attack at 36 while working out. That was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn’t keep taking those medications anymore.

So I started diving deeper into herbs and teas, looking for something that could help with pain and calm my nervous system. That’s when I stumbled upon Kratom—completely by accident. I ordered some teas online in 2015 and found a sample of something called Kratom in the package. I didn’t try it right away, but on Christmas Day, I gave it a shot. That moment changed my life.

How did you feel after trying Kratom for the first time?
At first, I was thrown off by the bitter taste—it was honestly the most bitter thing I’d ever had. But within 10 minutes of driving to Walmart that day, I felt this overwhelming sense of calm. My pain level dropped from a 6 or 7 to about a 2. It was such a surreal experience that I immediately went home and started researching what this plant was.

I contacted international trade organizations in Asia and asked people who had been using it for generations how it was traditionally consumed. They explained that workers in Indonesia and Thailand have been picking leaves, chewing them, and brewing tea from them for centuries. It was used for energy, focus, and endurance—especially for laborers in the fields. That blew me away.

For those who aren’t familiar, what exactly is Kratom and how is it used?
Kratom is simply dried and ground-up leaves from the Mitragyna speciosa tree. It’s typically made into a tea. That’s how I consume it. I can’t make medical claims, but what I can say is that many people who come to my shop or buy from us online are individuals struggling with chronic pain, recovery, and stress. They’re looking for something natural, and when they find Kratom, many of them say it’s the first thing that’s ever truly helped.

Are there different types of Kratom? And do they serve different purposes?
Yes, Kratom is typically categorized by vein color: white, green, and red. White vein is known for energy, green is a balanced middle ground, and red is generally used for relaxation. However, it’s not always about the color—it also depends on the alkaloid profile, especially mitragynine, which is the main active compound in Kratom.

Higher mitragynine levels usually mean more stimulating effects, while lower levels tend to be more sedating. But dosage plays a huge role too. A small amount might give you energy, but a larger amount can have the opposite effect and make you feel sleepy or calm.

There are a lot of myths about Kratom. Some say it’s dangerous. Others claim it can be lethal. Can you help clarify the truth?
That’s one of the most frustrating parts. Much of the fear surrounding Kratom stems from misinformation. One major case in Sweden involved a product called Krypton, which had Kratom mixed with a pharmaceutical drug called Tramadol. It was the Tramadol that caused fatalities—not the Kratom. But the media ran with the narrative that Kratom was the problem.

In 2016, the DEA almost banned Kratom as a Schedule I drug. But over 125,000 people signed a petition saying it improved their quality of life. Even now, agencies like NIDA and the NIH are studying Kratom’s potential. It’s being looked at as a tool for helping people reduce alcohol and opioid use. The bottom line is, when used responsibly and in pure form, Kratom is safe.

What forms of Kratom do you offer at Christopher’s Organic Botanicals?
We focus mainly on powder—about 80% of what we sell is Kratom powder because it retains the full spectrum of alkaloids. We also carry capsules, tinctures, and a few extract products like Kratomade, which is more like a crystal light version of Kratom for those who can’t tolerate the taste.

We’re very strict about lab testing. Every batch is tested three times, and those reports are available right on our product pages for anyone to see. Transparency and safety are absolutely critical in this industry.

Is Kratom more effective in powder form than other formats like capsules or extracts?
In my experience, yes. The powder is closest to the whole plant and seems to provide the most comprehensive effects. Extracts and tinctures can be useful on bad days to enhance the effects of powder, but relying solely on extracts often doesn’t offer the same balanced benefits. Plus, many extracts on the market are made with questionable additives, and that’s where things can get dangerous.

Do you have any advice for people trying Kratom for the first time?
Absolutely—start slow. A teaspoon is a good starting point, which is about two grams. Don’t rush into taking large doses. If it doesn’t seem to do much the first time, wait and try a little more the next day. Less is more with Kratom, especially if you’re looking for energy or clarity.

Also, try it alone the first time—don’t mix it with other medications, energy drinks, or alcohol. That way you can clearly understand how your body responds to it.

Does body size or weight affect how Kratom works?
Interestingly, no. I’ve found that Kratom’s effects are more about individual physiology than body weight. I’ve seen tiny people take large doses and large people take small ones. It’s really about how your system processes the alkaloids. That’s why starting small and experimenting slowly is so important.

Does Kratom have mental health benefits in addition to physical ones?
I can’t use medical terms, but I can say it absolutely promotes relaxation and mental clarity. For me, it helped calm my ADHD brain and gave me a sense of focus and well-being I hadn’t felt in years. Chronic pain can be emotionally exhausting—it brings frustration, depression, and anxiety. Kratom helps quiet the mental noise and allows people to be present again.

How quickly do people usually feel the benefits?
For me, the effects were noticeable the first time I tried it. But the real magic happens over time. After a couple of weeks of consistent use, I started noticing deeper changes—less pain, more energy, and a greater sense of control over my day. It freed me from constantly thinking about pain and helped me focus on my life again.

Can Kratom really help people in recovery or dealing with substance abuse?
Absolutely. One of our customers was homeless, addicted, and had lost everything—including her children. Kratom helped slow her brain down enough to start counseling. Within a year, she got her kids and her life back. It didn’t fix her problems—but it gave her the mental clarity and calm to start doing the work. That’s why I call Kratom a tool.

What are some other success stories you’ve heard from your customers?
There are so many. One man had facial tics from a rare condition and tried every medication out there. Nothing worked—until he made Kratom tea. Another customer had trigeminal neuralgia, one of the most painful conditions out there, and Kratom helped when even an implanted device couldn’t. It’s humbling to witness.

What should people look out for when purchasing Kratom to ensure it’s legitimate?
Sadly, there are a lot of fake products on the market that claim to be Kratom. Without proper regulations in many states, companies can put anything in a bag and slap the Kratom label on it. Until more states pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, people need to be cautious. Always look for lab testing, transparency, and real customer support.

How do you see the future of Kratom in the wellness industry?
I believe we’re at a turning point. More scientific studies are being done, and people are starting to realize the limitations of pharmaceuticals. Holistic wellness is gaining momentum, and Kratom will continue to play a role. But it must be respected. It’s not about profit for me—it’s about educating and helping people.

If there’s one thing you’d want readers to walk away with from this interview, what would it be?
Just this: Kratom is not a miracle drug, but it’s a powerful, natural tool. Use it wisely, get educated, and make sure you’re buying from trusted sources. It helped change my life—and it may do the same for someone else out there who’s still searching for hope.

How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can visit us at www.christophersorganicbotanicals.com. We post educational content, scientific research, and lab test results for every batch. We’re also active on social media, including Instagram and Facebook, and we love connecting with people who want to learn more.

Thank you so much, Christopher. This was incredibly eye-opening. I appreciate your honesty, your passion, and your mission to educate and help others.
Thank you! I really enjoyed this conversation. It means a lot to have a platform like this to spread awareness. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story.