At Rider’s Relief, our mission is simple but unwavering: to provide equestrians with wellness products that are safe, effective, competition-friendly, and backed by trust. Riders face enough challenges—from managing performance anxiety to soothing sore muscles—without having to worry about what’s inside their wellness products.
As trends emerge in the broader health and supplement industry, we regularly evaluate whether they align with our standards. Recently, we researched Kava, Kratom, Methylene Blue, and Beef Tallow—all popular in certain wellness communities and social media circles. After careful review of clinical studies, official health organization guidance, and reported consumer experiences, we’ve chosen not to pursue these ingredients. Here’s why.
Kratom: Risk of Addiction and Questionable Legality
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree from Southeast Asia. While it’s often promoted as a natural alternative for pain relief and relaxation, research paints a far more concerning picture.
The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) compares Kratom’s addictive properties directly to opioids, noting risks of psychological and physiological dependence. The NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) has documented reports of users experiencing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) goes even further, warning consumers about serious risks such as liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder.
While a handful of online vendors sell Kratom, its legal status is inconsistent across the U.S., and regulation is limited. That means purity and safety are unpredictable. At Rider’s Relief, we refuse to bring riders a product that could compromise their health, their competition eligibility, or their trust in us.
Kava: Inconsistent Benefits, Concerning Side Effects
Kava, native to the Pacific Islands, has been used traditionally as a calming beverage. Today, it’s promoted as a natural way to ease stress and support relaxation. At first glance, this seemed like a possible fit for equestrians, especially those battling performance anxiety.
But after digging deeper, the concerns outweighed the potential. A single study from 2003 suggested minor short-term relief for anxiety, but no other consistent benefits have been proven. Meanwhile, psychoactive effects, headaches, nausea, and dizziness are common side effects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged Kava’s connection to potential liver damage and failure. Even though the evidence isn’t conclusive, the number of reported cases is too concerning to ignore. Prolonged use has also been linked to dependence and a skin condition known as Kava Dermopathy, which causes rashes, severe dryness, and even hair loss.
For riders who rely on clear focus and steady reflexes, an inconsistent psychoactive plant with questionable safety simply doesn’t align with our mission.
Methylene Blue: Outdated Medicine, Not a Wellness Product
Methylene Blue isn’t a natural wellness supplement at all—it’s a synthetic chemical created in 1876, primarily used to treat Methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder. While it has been studied for other uses in the past, side effects have limited its medical application to very specific cases.
Documented risks include hypertension, dizziness, confusion, nausea, abdominal pain, anemia, and even tissue necrosis at injection sites. Despite recent online hype around anti-aging and cognitive performance, there’s no FDA approval or reliable scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, most of the “benefits” circulating online stem from anecdotal promotion rather than peer-reviewed research.
We believe riders deserve products that enhance their health and performance safely—not experimental substances with significant side effects and no proven benefit in the wellness space.
Beef Tallow: More Fad Than Fact
Beef tallow is rendered animal fat that has long been used in cooking, candles, and soap-making. Recently, it’s reemerged in skincare circles as a supposed natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory option. Proponents claim it hydrates skin, balances oil, and even speeds healing.
The problem?. Research on beef tallow as a skincare ingredient is limited, conflicting, and far from conclusive. Some studies suggest it causes no harm, while others document irritation, acne flare-ups, rashes, and clogged pores. The FDA and other official bodies have issued no recognition or approval for tallow in skincare.
At Rider’s Relief, we’re committed to giving riders confidence that every ingredient we use is not only safe but consistently beneficial. The mixed results and lack of official backing around tallow make it a poor fit for our product line.
Our Bottom Line: Safety First, Always
As a wellness company rooted in the equestrian lifestyle, we know the stakes are high. Riders need to be sharp, steady, and healthy both in and out of the saddle. That’s why every ingredient we consider is measured against a high bar: Is it safe? Is it proven? Is it consistent? Is it trusted?
For Kava, Kratom, Methylene Blue, and Beef Tallow, the answer is clear: they don’t meet those standards. While each of these may have buzz in wellness communities, the risks far outweigh the potential rewards, and we refuse to compromise our mission or our customers’ trust.
Instead, Rider’s Relief will continue focusing on science-backed, rider-safe solutions—from our nano-CBD formulations to upcoming mushroom and equine products developed in partnership with experts like Unbridled Equine. That way, when you pick up one of our products, you’ll always know it was made with your safety, performance, and peace of mind in mind.