Plants throughout history have been used in a variety of ways. Kratom is one such plant. While it is related to coffee and has been used for centuries by tribes and peoples near its place of origin, the current usage of kratom is highly contested. Many countries prohibit the usage of kratom because of its possible opioid effects. 

What is Kratom

Kratom is an herb that originated in South East Asia. Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa and grows like a tree. Kratom is actually made from leaves from this tree. These leaves can be up to 7 inches wide, making it a rather large leaf. The leaves turn a dark green color when mature and have been used for centuries in traditional ceremonies in South East Asia.

How to Use Kratom

There are many ways that kratom can be prepared and used. While it is illegal to use in most countries online markets, like KratoMystic, do sell it. KratoMystic mainly sells powder varieties, which can be smoked or made into a type of tea. They also sell pills that can be ingested. However, the leaves can also be used in their original state. Native tribes in South East Asia used to chew the leaves and would either ingest or spit out the leaves depending on the effect they wanted to kratom to have. 

What Are the Effects of Using Kratom

Since kratom can have opioid effects when used in high doses, the effects are similar to any psychoactive drug and can be fatal. However, in small amounts, the leaves can help relieve nausea, decrease pain, increase sex drive, and traditionally was used as an anesthetic. Kratom extract has even been used to treat intestinal worms and parasites. 

While the use of kratom as a medicine was used throughout South East Asia historically, today kratom is often used for its opioid properties. The FDA states that kratom is not safe to use for any medicinal purpose and may be unsafe in commercial products as well.