Kratom is a natural herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia. The kratom leaves are often chewed, brewed into teas, or powdered and ingested in capsules. People who use kratom often say it helps them feel more present more grounded, and brings an overall positive vibe to their day.

Although kratom is widely used around the world, it’s still not very well known in the United States — which leads many people to ask, what is kratom? In this introductory kratom guide, we’ll help satisfy your curiosity.

Whether you’re wondering about the effects of kratom, whether kratom is safe and effective, or want to learn about the different types of kratom, we’re here to answer all your questions!

History of Kratom

The kratom tree is indigenous to Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia. For centuries, the indigenous peoples of this region have used kratom leaves in traditional medicine and home remedies. 

In the 1800s, European colonizers arrived in these territories and observed how the locals incorporated kratom into their lives. A Dutch botanist named Pieter Korthals was the first European to formally write about kratom, who named it Stephegyne speciosa in 1839. A few decades later, in 1859, the British naturalist George Darby Haviland reclassified it as Mitragyna speciosa.

Over time, kratom spread to other regions of the world. As more people discovered its user-reported benefits, kratom has become commercially available and is widely used all over. According to one estimate, approximately two metric tons of kratom are imported to the United States each month. It’s estimated that 15 million Americans consume kratom in some form.

Types of Kratom

Like many herbs, kratom is available in different strains. When you’re shopping for high-quality kratom, you’ll often see products with names like White Bali or Green Indo. That’s because different types of kratom are classified by color and region.

What is kratom color, and what do different colors mean? Think of it like tea! White, green, and black tea all come from the same plant. The difference is that each variety of tea leaves is gathered at a different stage of harvest. The same is true for kratom. 

White kratom is harvested early in the growth cycle. Then, as the leaves mature, their chemical composition changes, which affects the plant’s color. The kratom transitions from white to green, and finally to red. As a result of these natural chemical changes, different types of kratom offer different effects. In the next section of this intro to kratom blog, we’ll explain how kratom varieties might make you feel.  

Effects of Kratom

The active ingredients in kratom are naturally occurring chemical substances known as alkaloids. Specifically, kratom contains two alkaloids called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. White kratom contains higher levels of mitragynine, red kratom has more 7-hydroxymitragynine, and green kratom is generally a balance of the two alkaloids.

Overall, kratom users claim that the plant boosts positivity and creates a perception of well-being. White kratom is said to have an effect that’s brighter and clarifying. Red kratom is reported to feel more grounding and balanced. Green kratom is said to offer a little bit of both!

How to Use Kratom

When shopping for kratom, you’ll most likely find it available in two forms: powdered or capsules. Regardless of how you take kratom, always remember to start with the lowest possible dose and gradually work your way up. Every individual has unique needs, so you should always listen to your body!

Capsules are one of the most convenient methods of how to use kratom. As the name suggests, these are capsules that contain a pre-measured quantity of kratom powder. Simply choose your preferred variety of kratom, purchase the capsules, and then swallow them with water or another nonalcoholic beverage of your choice. 

Powdered kratom is more versatile. Some users employ a technique known as the “toss and wash,” where you place the kratom powder in your mouth and quickly wash it down with a drink. Although this method is easy, you’ll most likely taste the raw kratom powder, which can be rather bitter. If you’re going to “toss and wash,” we recommend following it up with something tasty, like a sip of fruit juice.

You can also cook with kratom powder, add it to smoothies, or steep it in a tea. Get creative in the kitchen and have fun with it! However, bear in mind that kratom powder won’t dissolve completely when stirred in water. Depending on your recipe, the kratom may “clump” or cause a slightly gritty texture. It’s best to use a blender, a milk frother, or an electric mixer to really combine the powder with your other ingredients.

Finally, you can “parachute” kratom powder by placing it in an edible container to make a DIY capsule. We love using oblate discs, which are a thin, edible film made from potato starch. If you can’t find oblate discs easily, you can also use rice paper. Parachuting kratom offers the convenience of capsules but allows you to customize your dosage.  

What is Kratom’s Legal Status?

There’s a lot of buzz about kratom’s legal status. Is kratom an illegal drug? How old do you need to be to purchase kratom? What is kratom’s legality in your state? These are some of the common questions that many people have about kratom. It can be confusing, but we’re here to help! 

In the United States, kratom is not federally regulated. That means the legality of kratom varies from state to state. Currently, kratom is banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In other states, it may be fully or partially regulated. 

What is kratom’s minimum age requirement? In Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, you must be 18 or older to buy kratom. In Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, you must be 21 or older. Possession by minors is also banned in some states.

To learn more about the legality of kratom in your state, visit the American Kratom Association for excellent resources.

What to Look For When Buying Kratom

When you’re ready to dive into the world of kratom, what should you look for? How can you determine high-quality kratom products? 

First, look for the “AKA GMP Qualified” seal. This means the product meets the American Kratom Association’s quality standards and practices. You should also look for kratom products that are 100% natural, hand-picked, and certified for purity and potency by an independent lab. 

Additionally, consider the source and freshness of the product. At Joe’s Botanicals, our kratom is ethically sourced from small farms and sustainably harvested for superior quality, purity, and freshness. Our AKA GMP Qualified kratom contains no fillers, additives, or chemicals.

Try our kratom powder or capsules today and join the community! Shop now.