Miraa is scientifically known as Catha edulis. It is native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is a plant whose fresh leaves and soft twigs are chewed to release a juice containing cathinone and cathine the active chemicals that alter the mood of the abuser. (NACADA) In Kenya, miraa is known by a number of street names such as Muguka, Halwa, Giza, Mairungi, Mbachu, Veve, Gomba, Khat, and Goks.


The image on the left shows bundles of Miraa and Miraa juice.It is a mild narcotic. Miraa in Kenya is one of those crops that have contributed to economic growth and development in the country. This is according to a 2013 report prepared by the Ministry of Devolution and planning in collaboration with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. In Meru county, Miraa is referred to as the green gold where they have grown it as a cash crop for generations. However last year the UK which was one of its biggest markets banned all miraa imports.

 

 Effects of chewing miraa

 Miraa leaves are chewed to release a juice containing cathinone and cathine chemicals that alter the user’s mood. It has a less intense stimulating effect on the body.

  • On chewing miraa, a person experiences an unusual feeling of alertness and excitement.

Miraa chewing causes increases in blood pressure and rapid heart rate.

Miraa causes dehydration in the body which resultantly leads to chronic constipation thus explaining the reason why it is common to see people chewing miraa together with chewing gum so as to avoid swallowing it.

Miraa when used to stay awake puts you at risk of causing accidents, especially if your body goes into sudden sleep due to sleep deprivation. People who work in factories and long distance track drivers among others, who use miraa to stay awake, are at high risk of causing accidents which may bring loss of life and destruction.

Miraa inhibits blood flow to the reproductive system.

Chewing miraa causes constriction of blood vessels supplying blood to reproductive tract thereby causing hindered flow of urine and in men inability to attain and maintain an erection

Chemicals in miraa cause the body to release out excessive amounts of sperms even without arousal. This condition whereby sperm ooze out uncontrollably is called Spermatorrhoea. In extreme cases, the men have to wear diapers or several undergarments.

In women, the dehydrating effects dry the lining of reproductive tract leading to pain during sexual intercourse and blistering.

During pregnancy miraa, chewing reduces blood flow to the uterus inhibiting the flow of nutrients to the unborn baby.

Miraa users suffer suppressed appetite

Discoloring of the teeth

Teeth stained from miraa chewing

Difficulty sleeping

Oral cavity inflammation and in the long-term can develop oral cancer

In the long-term, there is the risk of increased psychological problems such as anxiety, paranoia, and depression among others.

 

Withdrawal symptoms

  • Mild depression and irritability
  • Lethargy. This is a state of being dull and drowsy
  • Slight tremor
  • nightmares
  • Mild depression
Treatment

 

In Kenya, many people still do not hold into consideration that miraa is a drug very seriously. Therefore, as a result, the need for treating Khat addicts is not so much of a priority. Even in the U.S, there was quite a bit of controversy which was cleared when the U.S Justice Department and the international medical community concluded that it is an addictive substance and users should be treated before much damage is done to the body. Its treatment is similar to treating stimulant addiction. The patient goes through detox where drugs are administered to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. After detox, they enter rehab which is all about managing cravings and learning how to survive without the drugs. Group therapy and individual therapy with specialists are administered. After 60-90 days the person receiving treatment is ready to leave rehab and continue with their lives with a new focus. Recovery is continued beyond through once in a while attending group or individual therapy and taking medications for some to keep off long-term depression.

 

Interesting facts

Jomo Kenyatta University has been conducting research on value addition for miraa so that consumers instead of chewing miraa can also enjoy consuming other by-products such as white and red wine, yoghurt and jam. Their innovative miraa products were the show stopper of the day making them win "The Best University Trophy" for the second year in a row at the 2016 Nairobi show.

 

References

 

  1. Mwangi. E.N (April 2012) Deadly Effects of Miraa. Articulate. Removed from: Esther Njeri Mwangi
  2. Unknown. Socio-Economic Impact of Miraa Industry in Kenya. Copyright 2015. The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis. Removed from: The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis
  3. Unknown (May 2012) Miraa chewing and its effects. Copyright 2015. News24Kenya.Removed from: News24
  4. Unknown (June 2015) One year on Kenyan farmers Affected by UK Khat Ban. Copyright 2015. Kenyan Insecurity/On Our Radar. Removed from: On Our Radar
  5. Unknown. Khat. Copyright 2015. Project Know Understanding Addiction. Removed from: Project Know