What is the origin of Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a large tree indigenous to Southeast Asia, mainly grown in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Myanmar. It belongs to the family of Rubiaceae, whose other members include coffee and gardenia plants. Natively, the evergreen plant has been used and cultivated for the last two centuries. Recently, Kratom has also become popular among the Western populations in various regions.

Even though Kratom usually brings out quite positive feedback, more research is needed to evaluate the impact the plant has on its users. The West is still pondering over the possible uses and abuses of Kratom. Its native application is widely unregulated.

Disclaimer: KratomOne does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and the information included in the following article is for informational purposes only. This product has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Kratom Forms

Kratom is available in any of these forms:

Kratom Leaves

Kratom, in its natural state, is quite common among Kratom buyers in Southeast Asia. The leaves of Kratom potentially contain all of its compounds in their raw, unadulterated form. Many people prefer consuming the pure chemical composition present in these leaves.

Kratom Powder

Those who do not want to bother with Kratom leaves generally prefer powder.

Kratom Extract

Kratom extract, a concentrated form of Kratom alkaloids, is boiled and evaporated Kratom powder. Mixing Kratom powder in water and boiling it till complete evaporation enhances the chemical potency of Kratom. The brownish substance left behind, Kratom resin, is an enriched form of Kratom.

Kratom Capsules and Tablets

Kratom capsules or tablets are readily available for purchase from internet-based suppliers. Kratom capsules consist of finely chopped leaves while tablets contain leaves or resin.

Kratom Gum

Kratom gum may contain bonding agents and other additives.

Kratom Tincture

Kratom can also be consumed in liquid form. The tinctures contain purified mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and 7-acetoxymitragynine, and are available for purchase through the means of the internet. This highly concentrated form of Kratom provides a consistent delivery mechanism.

The Uses of Kratom

The uses of Kratom are mostly under research and observation.

Strains of Kratom

Like every fruit, veggie, herb, and plant, Kratom also has multiple strains. These strains are found with respect to different geographical locations and genetic variations. These are a few common strains of natural Kratom:

The Maeng da Strain

Maeng da Kratom originates from Thailand and is found in green, red, and white colors.

The Bali Strain

The Bali strain is found in many colors.

The Indo Strain

The Indo strain is a preferable option for those who prefer strain from Indonesia.

The Malay Strain

Malaysian Kratom is found in red, green, and white color veins.

The Green Malay

The green Malaysian strain is green and Malaysian.

The Borneo Strain

Borneo is also available in red, green, and white veins.

Extensive research on kratom’s properties is needed. Kratom side effects are still under research, and it may take some time to trace their origin and causes.

Kratom Research

A social scientist, Dr. Singh, notes that while kratom in its all-natural form and taken in the appropriate dose does not pose risks or significant withdrawal symptoms, his observation of the US market and herb’s distribution suggests major concern related to the supplement’s authenticity. Once again, this notion highlights the importance of obtaining the product from a reliable and verifiable source.

Spotting Fake Or Contaminated Kratom

Not all Kratom traders sell 100% pure and original Kratom. The market is buzzing with contaminated, low-quality Kratom. Here’s how one can avoid getting scammed:

• Texture: Quality kratom leaves are fresh and flexible. If leaves are limp or too watery, the quality of the product is probably not up-to-the-mark. Kratom powder and extract should also be finely blended. Rocky lumps may mean that the product is tampered with or has expired.
• Color: Kratom leaves are naturally bright green. Kratom extract is a darker green with a brownish tinge. Different strains of the plant are associated with potential uses and benefits.
• Smell: Real Kratom has a naturally pungent aroma. Any other type of smell indicates additives and contaminants.