Kratom is the common name for the plant Mitragyna speciosa Korthals, which has its origin in Southeast Asia. In Thailand, the leaves of these treelike plant have already been used for centuries, because of its medicinal and psychoactive effect. The effects are similar to the effects of opiates. Thai workers used the leaves as a stimulant that activates the body and spirit. It is also used  for the withdrawal  of opium addicts.  In the West, also, the use of kratom as a recreational drug gained popularity.

History 

Kratom, or ' mitragynine ', is known for its positive effects on the users state of mind. Traditionally Thai workers, farmers and farm workers used Kratom daily to make their hard work and their difficult life more bearable. Because this practice exists since such a long time, it is unclear when it began. The Thai used Kratom in their traditional medicine science as a remedy against diarrhea. A small group used Kratom to intensify or prolong sex. Anyway, the Thai government has banned the use of Kratom and the plant has been classified as a drug. Kratom is now put in the same category as cocaine and heroin. As a result, the plant is banned in its country of origin, where it has been used for centuries in a traditional way. A dubious honour!

Botany

The Mitragyna species belongs to the Rubiaceae and grows in the (sub) tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Asian Mitragyna's grow mainly in the rainforest, while African species (also known as Hallea) grow in marshy areas. Some items reach a height of nearly 30 metres. The species is named after the botanist Korthals. The pounders of the first Mitragyna he had studied, have the shape of a bishop mitre. The flowers of these plants grow in a spherical shape with about 120 flowers on each shape. In their original region of provenance, Mitragyna species were used for medicinal purposes. Also their fine wood was very popular. The subtype Mitragyna speciosa has lately gained popularity as recreational drug.

Mitragyna speciosa can reach a height of about 15 meters and a width of more than 4.5 metres. The straight strain has side-branches. Its flowers are yellow. The plant has oval, shiny, dark green leaves which doesn't loose color. The plant constantly loses leaves, but in case of changing circumstances, the amount of lost leaves can differ per season. In the dry season, for example, the plant looses more leaves, while in the wet season new leaves grow stronger. The plant will loose its leaves when temperatures fall below 4 degrees celcius.

Chemistry 

Mitragyna speciosa contains more than 25 alkaloids, of which the following indoles are the most present: mitragynine (9-methoxy-corynantheidine, which is responsible for half of the alkaloid), paynanthine, and speciogynine. Assumably, the first two indole only exist in Kratom. There are two other oxindolen, namely mitraphylline and speciofoline. Other alkaloids which are part of Kratom are ajmalicine, corynanthedine, mitraversine, rhychophylline and stipulatine.

Effects 

Although they are milder, the effects of Kratom are comparable with the effects of opium-based resources. The effects are stimulant and euphoric at a low dose and tend to be sedative and narcotic at a higher dose. The effects occur five to ten minutes after consumption and may last for several hours. Kratom contains a number of active substances known as alkaloids, of which mitragynine probably causes the most important effects. Mitragynine is an opiate-agonist, which means that it effects on the opiate receptors in your brains. These receptors affect your mood and anxiety. Mitragynine sticks to these receptors, which improves your mood and gives an euphoric feeling, like opiates such as heroin and opium. The big difference between Kratom and opiates is that mitragynine stimulates in particular the so-called delta receptors in the brains, while opiates sticks to the mu receptors. In higher doses, however, mitragynine stimulates the mu receptors more and more. This is probably the reason why a low dose of Kratom has a stimulating effect and a higher dose on the contrary is narcotic. Consequently Kratom isn't highly addictive. After using the plant headache and nausea can occur, but usually disappears after a while. There are just a few negative effects, but especially in the case of prolonged use, they don't occur.

Medical use 

In East Asie Kratom is often used as a substitute for opium, when the latter is not available. Besides Kratom stops an addiction to opium. Mitragynine is a substance that can gradually reduce a users dependance on narcotics. Already in a few days time, the user can stop using all the means to which he or she is addicted. Because mitragynine sticks to the delta receptors it, the longing for it and the habituation to it, will reduce strongly. People who don't want to get rid of their addiction, mitragynine can serve as a substitute drug. 
In New Zealand Mitraynine has recently been used as a detoxification for methadon addicts. Pennapa Sapcharoen, the president of the National Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, stated in 1999 in Bangkok, that Kratom may be prescribed to opium addicts and to patients suffering from a depression. In addition, he stressed that further research is necessary. 
It is well known that Kratom could have a positive effect on your mood and anxiety. However, there ino research on long-term use has been done yet. 

Variations 

Several types of Kratom are exploited commercially, namely: leaves, powder and extract. Leaves are the most common form of Kratom. Kratompowder generally consists of crushed leaves and it is slightly stronger than the other types Kratom. The extract is a sticky substance made from intensely boiled leaves and is stronger than the leaves. The most important thing is the quality of the leaves that are sold. On the Internet a mixture of leaves is sold, which means that  the leaves differ in quality. These leaves are less strong, but are very suitable for making your own extract. Selected leaves and meals of high quality are also sold. These are usually more expensive, but you also need less. Therefore it is difficult to say which leaves can be used best.

Use 

Kratom can be chewed, smoked or drunk as tea. The latter is undoubtedly the most tasteful way. For regular use, put five to ten grams of crushed leaves in hot water and leave this for some time. This can also be used in combination with herbal teas. Add any honey or sugar.

A stronger substance can be obtained as follows:

1) Take 50 grams of dried and crushed Kratom leaves and put them in a pan. Add a litre of water. 
2) Boil this 15 to 20 minutes. 
3) Filter the whole so that only the liquid remains and squeeze the leaves. 
4) Put the leaves back into the pan and add new water. Repeat steps 2 and 3. After this all active substances are removed and the leaves can be thrown. 
5) Put all moisture together. Boil the water until about 100 ml is left.

It is possible to make your own extract its which sustains for a while. This is done by cooking the dried leaves for a long time until a kind of pasta arises. The small pieces of this extract can be swallowed. These small pieces can even be solved in hot water and then be drunk as tea.

Dosage: The amount you need for a trip depends heavily on the strength of the Kratom. For new  users five to ten grams of leaves should be sufficient. When powder or extract is used, you can almost halve the dose. More experienced users will  feel the need to increase the dosage after some time.

Side effects 

People who use Kratom only occasionally hardly have any health problems. However, complaints such as headache, nausea, frequent urination and constipation have been reported. Like any drug or medicine, the effects differ per person. Some people may even be allergic to Kratom, or exhibit another unusual reaction. This is possible even when Kratom is used responsibly.

Warnings 

Kratom is not dangerous or addictive if it is used sensibly. In Thailand cases of addiction are reported, but this concerned people who used Kratom for a long time and in large amounts daily. The symptoms are muscle pain, irritability, crying fits, a runny nose, diarrhea and drawings of the muscles. In the case of dependance on Kratom symptoms like loss of weight,  a darker colored facial skin can occur. Withdrawal symtoms will occur when the use of Kratom is stopped while being dependant on it. The health risks and the chances on addiction are small, when Kratom is used only occasionally a recreative way.

As is the case in any drug, use is not without risks. Don't direct heavy machinery, don't drive and don't participate in other dangerous activities under the influence of Kratom. When you feel energetic, be prepared that a sudden drowsiness may occur. Be mindful.

Pregnant women, women who are breast-feeding and children under 18 years old, can't use a single drug, without a physician's prescription. Women who may be pregnant are strongly discouraged to use Kratom.

Combinations 

Combining drugs in general is not recommendable. Combining Kratom with Yohimbine, cocaine, amphetamine-like drugs or large amounts of caffeine, is discouraged. This provides an chance on  overstimulation and an elevated blood pressure. This also applies to a combination with large amounts of alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates or other drugs that suppress the nervous system. In that case an overly calm feeling can occur and possibly even depression of the lungs, which means the inability to breath. A combination with MAO inhibitors is neither recommendable. MOA inhibitors include Syrian Ruta graveolens (Peganum harmala, Banisteriopsis caapi), Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) and certain anti-depressants. Serious and potentially fatal reactions can occur when a MAO inhibitor is combined with monoamine drugs. Kratom also contains monoamine alkaloids, but no research has been done yet into the combination of MAO-inhibiting drugs with Kratom.

Breeding 

Kratom grows preferably in a protected place in wet, humus rich earth. The plant needs a lot of food and is sensitive for drought and frost. The plant reproducts by its fresh seeds or via cuttings. The chance on success is small, because the fabric of the vessels of the leaves are often affected by a particular fungus. Little is known about the breeding of Kratom. Seeds and cuttings are difficult to find. Moreover, Kratom cuttings are also quite difficult to grow. The plant itself, however, is reasonably rigid once the carrot has sprouted. For this reason some people have been experimenting with cloning the plant. The largest problem concerning the cuttings is that they are or affected by a fungus, or they simply don't take root. These problems can be reduced in the following ways: 
-- Keep the cuttings in low water with a small pump to increase the oxygen; 
-- Add some fungicide to the water to mould surpluses; 
-- Change the water every day to eliminate fungus.

Additionally, others say using wood wool can be effective. In this way the cuttings are kept wet and  fresh air can still stream along. It is important to refresh the water every day and to add food once the roots begin to grow. The leaves of the M. Speciosa would be strongest in late autumn, just before they fall. When plants are being cultivated in a cold climate, they would lose strength. In a subtropical climate the plants are therefore less strong in the late winter and in springtime.  In the late summer, autumn and early winter they will be stronger. Most plants that have been cultivated in a greenhouse are less strong.

Store 

Kratomtea can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days. Kratom extract can be preserved for even a few weeks

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