If you’ve been keeping up with the latest health and wellness trends, you may have asked yourself: what is kratom? This up-and-coming plant has been garnering attention recently, but remains relatively unfamiliar to many. If you’re interested in finding out more about this plant, there are a few key things to note. Read on to learn more about kratom.
It’s Native to Southeast Asia
The scientific name of kratom, a tropical tree, is mitragyna speciosa, and it originates from Southeast Asia, especially places like Indonesia, for instance. Its history dates back to at least 1839, when it was documented and described for the first time by a Dutch botanist named Pieter Korthals. The tree seems to grow best in humid conditions, as it’s largely found in Asian rainforests. In fact, there is a second species of kratom native to Africa as well, where it can be found growing in swamps. At their peak, some kratom trees can grow as tall as 98 feet high!
It’s Related to the Coffee Plant
The Rubiaceae family under which kratom falls is made up of more than 13,000 plants, which include everyone’s perennial favorite – coffee! That’s right, kratom is part of the coffee family. This family of plants is known to grow well in tropical climates with mineral-rich soil, especially in environments like forests and jungles.
Local Regulations Vary
While many have argued in favor of kratom as a potential medicine, legal regulations surrounding it vary by country, with some countries legalizing it, some banning it altogether and others simply prohibiting its human consumption. As a countermovement, there have been efforts in recent times to advocate for it as a natural plant that may simply require more research for wider acceptance. That said, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your local regulations.
Kratom is an up-and-coming plant that has a fascinating history. By learning more about it, you’ll be staying informed on the latest trends!
Veeramachineni Lalitha
I am Finance Content Writer. I write Personal Finance, banking, investment, and insurance related content for top clients including Kotak Mahindra Bank, Edelweiss, ICICI BANK and IDFC FIRST Bank. My experience details : Linkedin