Kratom History (Mitragyna Speciosa)
The internet is awash with information regarding the origins of Kratom, something that was lacking a few years back. With the inception of Kratom, it ushered in a new era of traditional medicine from an ethnobotanical that not so many people had heard of before. The spread of Kratom popularity all across the world was a slow, gradual process. Over the recent past, the global community of kratom users and producers has recorded a significant increase. Today, we follow the trail back to the very first encounters with Kratom.
How and where it all started
Initially, Kratom was consumed by the indigenous peoples living in the ranges through southwest Asia. It was only introduced to the west somewhere around the late 19th and 20th centuries. Its abundance along this region was due to the richly acidic soils composited over years of volcanic activity and natural phenomena. These potent soils, combined with the warm wet tropical climate of the region, boosted the growth of this coffee-like plant. Further research has attributed the presence of alkaloids in the Kratom plant- Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine to the acidic conditions and the regions' climate.
Among kratom plants' major distinguishing properties is the concentration of its active main ingredient alkaloids. The identification of a different kratom strain from another is dependent on the color changes, usually from having plain white leaves to an emerald green color until the dark red shade. These colors accurately identify every kratom plants' origin. These kratom strains are further recognized by "vein"; red vein considered longer lasting and less stimulating, green vein-energizing and uplifting, white vein-energizing, and euphoric. This makes it easier to anticipate the final product, its properties, and its usefulness as the plant grows.
Centuries before its widespread fame, this plant was a key part of the native's lives. Tribal societies used it as a mild stimulant by chewing its leaves. It was considered to increase appetite, give energy, and increase sexual potency. Native tribes in this region would eat it, smoke it, or brew it as a tea. Native tribes would also often use it as a poultice for various wounds; traditional healers are still practicing the use of Kratom as medicine in parts of this region. Historically, the Kratom tree was enjoyed most by laborers, field workers, and others who worked hard and demanding jobs.
The west and Kratom
During the colonial rush of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, several Europeans visited this region under the Dutch East India service now under the Netherlands. Between 1831-1836, Pieter Willem Korthals, the official botanist of the service, was the first to document about Kratom. He described it as a much affordable opium substitute by the local laborers and peasants who couldn't afford it. This is now considered as the first-ever discovery of Kratom plant and its uses in history.
Mytragyna Speciose (kratom plant) was named by Korthals. This definition is not clear as it has been speculated to either relate to the plant's ripe leaves resembling the bishop's miter or the plant's abundance of applications to the natives similar to the Mithraic cults across Europe during the same time. Korthals further documented numerous uses and benefits of the plant to the locals. His findings and research were later confirmed and improved by the surgeon George Darby Haviland.
Kratom in America
The Americans had never encountered any Kratom plant prior to the Vietnam war. In the jungle battlefield, the American general infantry had a hard time surviving and moving forward with the war. They learned about the Kratom plant from the indigenous people in the region. They quickly confirmed that the Kratom plant would significantly boost their performance as it increased their alertness and endurance levels while in the antagonistic forest environment. Throughout the following years, news of Kratom spread.
For the people back home, they first encountered the kratom plant from the servicemen who carried some back home with them after the war. Instantly, there was demand for Kratom from the newfound kratom fandom. The soldiers used their previously gained connections to begin a supply chain of Kratom from southwest Asia to America. Over time, the harsh economic times and skyrocketing healthcare costs brought the dependence on Kratom plant to the limelight.
The unprecedented conditions favored the spread of Kratom. The news of its potency and real-life testament to its advantages from the veterans is entirely responsible for its rise in popularity. As the price of medical bills rose, so did the lucrative reputation of Kratom and its myriad of applications. To the masses, this ethnobotanical provided a cheaper, effective solution to their problems and ailments.
As expected, the government was quick to crack its whip on Kratom use while still in its infancy. Regulations and increased scrutiny on Kratom came down fast. In the same stroke, kratom advocates and consumers took up the mantle to protect their newfound holy grail. This has been going on for a while now, the advocates have mobilized kratom consumers, pushed for legislative changes, and ensured the supply of safe, high-grade Kratom. One such landmark is the establishment of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act by the American Kratom Association.
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