Southeast Asian countries are the home of the plant species called as Mitragyna speciosa. It is a tree that is known by many as kratom, kratum or krathom. The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family where coffee also belongs to. Derivatives of this flora, like the liquid kratom, have aroused the curiosity of herbal believers and of concerned individuals. There have been claims that it has a very high medicinal value.

Kratum trees can grow amazingly up to fifty feet tall and fifteen feet wide. Most climates outside Asia cannot support the growth of this plant. Kratoms thrive best in sunny and tropical swamps. They can be consumed in different ways. Their fresh leaves can be chewed directly or their leaves can also be dried, boiled or processed for juice extraction.

Fresh leaves are typically chewed by the locals who cultivate these plants. Since they are relatives of coffee, people take them because of their soothing and calming effects. Worn out men because of tedious work take kratoms more often than women.

Dried and shredded leaves can be used for brewing tea. This type is generally less potent than other forms. Extracts are taken after the leafy parts of the tree have been boiled and evaporated in huge quantities. Recent development in kratum use have led to the existence of its capsule varieties.

Physically, it can cause constipation, constriction of pupils, elevation of blood pressure, increased heart rate and analgesia. Its analgesic effect is one of the main reasons of its popular usage. When taken in liquid form like tea, desired responses can then be observed within twenty minutes. There are claims that this plant species can support weight loss.

The sedative and stimulant effects of kratoms are their unique features. Its usage can result to various mental reactions such as euphoria or the other term for excessive happiness and sedation. Episodes of depression have also been noted. These sensations may be observed for a maximum of five hours.

Extensive use of kratum can produce psychotic behaviors. Among them are delusional behaviors, aggression and schizophrenia. It is suggested that consumers start in small dosages to avoid potential harmful effects. A person who takes this should not engage in activities that will require alertness.

Krathom may be beneficial in managing opium withdrawal symptoms. Opioid such as morphine and heroine are are third generation analgesics that can produce undesirable effects abused. Krathoms are usually used as opioid substitutes because they give the same desired outcomes but have a lesser addictive property. Yet, addiction to kratoms cannot be take out of the equation that is why most Asian governments have banned its patronization.

Despite its therapeutic outcome, chronic kratom use can reportedly cause bowel obstruction. Like many other herbal supplements, an extensive study should further be conducted to prove the beneficial effects and to establish limitations on the usage of liquid kratom. The banning of the derivatives of kratoms has made research harder for developers. A movement regarding the decriminalization of kratoms has been backed up by many pharmaceutical companies.