Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. This tree is mainly found in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. People discovered kratom centuries ago.
Long before we started discussing it in online forums or research papers, traditional communities used kratom for its various benefits. The people living in the regions where kratom grows naturally use it for various activities and become a part of their daily life. The discovery and use of kratom are deeply rooted in the history, and culture of its homeland and play a significant role in social practices there.
Read on to know how people originally used kratom, why they valued it so much, and the traditional ways they grew and enjoyed it.
What is Kratom Traditionally Used For?
Traditionally, people used kratom for several purposes. In Southeast Asia farmers and workers chew the leaves to get more energy for their long and hard work days. Kratom is traditionally known for its healing properties and has become a key part of their traditional medicine. People chewed kratom leaves or made them into tea to fight off fatigue. Kratom also helps people to deal with pain. Whether it was a headache or muscle ache, kratom was their go-to remedy.
Kratom wasn't just for health. Communities also brought it into their social and religious events. At these gatherings, they used to strengthen bonds and show unity. It played a role in rituals to help them with their spiritual beliefs. This deep connection with kratom shows how it wasn't just a plant to them. It was an integral part of their culture to bring them health benefits and tie them closer to their community and traditions.
Traditional Way of Growing Kratom
Growing kratom has been an art for people in Southeast Asia for centuries. The kratom tree grows in a warm, humid climate and loves the rich, wet soil found in the tropical rainforests. Kratom trees grow very tall for up to 100 feet but might be a bit smaller. The people here know exactly what the kratom tree needs to grow strong and healthy.
When it comes to planting kratom, traditional people follow practices passed down through generations. They first scatter the seeds near the base of mature trees or in their special plots of land. They know that the young plants need lots of shade and water to start strong. As the trees grow, these farmers take great care in looking after them and make sure they get just the right amount of sunlight and water.
Harvesting kratom is where tradition really shines. Farmers used to wait for the perfect moment when the leaves were just right, full of the natural compounds that make kratom so valuable. They used to pick the best ones for use. This careful selection ensures that the kratom is potent and effective.
These traditional ways of growing and harvesting kratom make a big difference. They help keep the kratom strong and effective, just as nature intended.
Traditional Ways of Kratom Consumption
Traditionally, people have been using kratom in simple, natural ways for a very long time. Many people used to pick fresh kratom leaves and chew them. This was a quick way to feel the effects, like getting more energy or feeling less pain.
Another popular method was making kratom tea. People used to take the leaves, boil them in water, and then drink the liquid. This tea was not just a regular drink; it was a way to relax with friends or to help with health problems like a cold or headache. It was both a social activity and a natural remedy.
During times when fresh leaves weren't available, people dried the leaves. Then, they used to grind them into a powder and store them for later use. In this way, they were able to mix this powder with water to drink or even with food.
These traditional ways of using kratom show how important it was in daily life.
Types of Kratom Strains
There are up to 38 varieties of Kratom strains available; however, it's difficult to know how to select the right strain for you. Kratom strains are classified into four major types that are:
1- Red Vein Kratom
Red vein kratom is the most popular and widely used form of kratom in the market. People make it from the most mature kratom leaves, which have red veins. These leaves are dried in a specific way, often outdoors with direct sunlight or under UV lamps. Red strain is famous for its calming effects and helps people feel more relaxed.
2- White Vein Kratom
This is a unique strain of the Mitragyna Speciosa plant famous for its stimulating effects and relative potency. This strain comes from younger kratom leaves with white veins. These leaves are dried indoors with no light. This strain is well-known for its energizing effects, which help support focus, alertness, concentration, and productivity.
3- Green Strain Kratom
This strain is made from leaves with green veins at a midpoint in their lifecycle. This strain also has a rich alkaloid profile, which offers balance, and its effects are strong yet mild enough for everyday use. This famous strain balances the effects of red and white strains. It provides a moderate boost in energy and calming effects. It's renowned for its versatility.
4- Yellow Strain Kratom
This kratom strain doesn't come from a yellow veined leaf. Instead, it is usually made by blending green and white strains or sometimes through a unique drying process. This strain is known for its mild effects, which fall somewhere between the red and green strains. It's known for its subtle effects, which slightly boost mood and energy.
What is the Science Behind the Kratom?
The science behind kratom centers around its unique composition, mainly its alkaloids. The two primary alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. A comprehensive survey conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine involving over 2,700 self-reported kratom users suggests that the plant may have therapeutic effects with a relatively low potential for abuse or harm. Participants in the survey reported using kratom for managing pain, and anxiety, withdrawal, with fewer than 3% showing signs of substance use disorder related to kratom.
Another survey by scientists from the University of Rochester and the University of British Columbia analyzed over five decades of research that suggests kratom may be a safer alternative, potentially improving mood and easing anxiety.
Chris McCurdy and his team at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy discovered in a research that kratom changes into a powerful substance in human blood. Their study suggests this could help with withdrawal symptoms.
Safety and Legal Consideration of Kratom
Kratom safety and legal status are complex around the world. Some people use kratom for its mood-enhancing and energy-boosting effects. People must be aware of its potential risks and legal considerations. In terms of safety, kratom can cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, and sleep problems when taken in large doses. There are also concerns about its potential for dependence and interaction with other substances, which is why it's important to use kratom responsibly and be informed about its effects on your health.
Legally, the status of kratom differs from country to country, even within regions of a country. In the United States, kratom is legal at the federal level but banned or resulted in some states and cities. It's good to check the local laws in your area before purchasing or consuming kratom.
Kratom Consumption Methods, Dosages, and Tips
People come in many forms, like powder, tea, capsules, and extracts, each method offering a unique experience. For beginners, starting with a small dose, like 1 to 2 grams, is a good idea, as it lets you see how your body reacts. If you're drinking kratom tea or mixing powder into a beverage, make sure it's well-dissolved to avoid clumps.
One modern way of kratom consumption is Capsules. They are simple to consume because they come in pre-measured doses, but remember, they might take longer to feel the effects because your body needs to break down the capsule material. Another method is extracts. They are more potent so you can start with a dose lower than powder. Always stay hydrated when consuming kratom, as it can cause dehydration. Watch your body and adjust your dosage as needed, but give yourself time to understand how each dose affects you before increasing it.
Conclusion
Kratom has been very important in many cultures for a long time. It helped people work longer, healed their pains, and brought them together. It's key to see kratom the way traditional societies did to really understand its value.
Scientific research has shown that kratom offers several benefits. Studies also highlight its potential to boost mood, increase energy levels, and relieve discomfort. You need to approach kratom responsibly and be aware of its legal status and safety considerations in your area.