Where Does Kratom Come From?
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to many countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Most of kratom's history comes from these regions.
The tree, Mitragyna speciosa, belongs to the Rubiaceae family, also known as the coffee family. Like other plants in that family, kratom leaf contains naturally occurring alkaloids, which are organic compounds found in the plant, much as caffeine is found in coffee. The two best-known alkaloids in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Today we can measure alkaloid content in a laboratory, and every Royal Kratom product is lab tested. Centuries ago, people who used kratom had only word of mouth to go by. The historical accounts in this article are cultural history, not statements about what kratom does, and kratom has not been approved by the FDA for any medical use.
Kratom in Daily Life
Historical accounts from Southeast Asia describe kratom leaf as a familiar part of everyday life in rural communities. Many of these accounts describe people chewing fresh leaves as part of their day.
These accounts also describe local folk practices that varied from region to region and were passed along by tradition rather than by research. We don't make claims about any of them, and modern science has not confirmed them.
Kratom and Labor
Several historical accounts link kratom to the working day. Farmers and laborers in parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Thailand, are described as chewing fresh leaves while they worked, and the practice became a common tradition in some farming communities.
As with the other traditions in this article, these stories were handed down by word of mouth rather than documented by research, so they are best read as history rather than as evidence.
Kratom in Social Gatherings
Kratom also had a place in ritual and social life. In Thailand, historical accounts describe it as part of ceremonies honoring gods and ancestors, and as something offered to guests entering a home. Because the leaf is bitter, it was often served with a sweetener.
Outside of ceremonies, kratom tea is described as a shared drink in some communities, enjoyed in the evening among family and neighbors. Of all the traditions in kratom's history, these social and ceremonial practices are among the most distinctive.
Discover More at Royal Kratom
Kratom's early cultural uses included labor, ritual, and social settings. Modern research on kratom and its alkaloids is still at an early stage, so there is a lot left to learn.
Follow the Royal Kratom blog for updates on kratom research, regulations, and history. You can browse our kratom strain guide or shop our powders and capsules, all lab tested and backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use or as a dietary supplement. Information on this website, including descriptions of traditional use, is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Products are intended for adults 21 years of age or older. Kratom is prohibited or restricted in some states, cities, and counties; see our shipping restrictions before ordering.