No one knows when humans first recognized the benefits of Mitragyna speciosa. For generations, it has been recognized as a vital component of traditional medicine. Today we know its leaves contain ingredients that may exhibit beneficial properties.
If you enjoy kratom, you’re familiar with the soothing aroma and its range of benefits. Here are some other interesting things about Mitragyna speciosa that you may not know.
Thank An Insect
Have you ever wondered why kratom and some other botanicals developed alkaloids in the first place? The answer may be that alkaloids develop through an antagonistic relationship with the environment. Hungry ants and other insects may have been the biggest motivating factor.
This evolutionary pressure resulted in a plant that contains chemicals – alkaloids and other compounds – that make it insect-resistant. So we may thank millions of years of ant attacks and insect predation for the kratom we enjoy today.
Strains And Colors
You might already be aware of red-, green-, and white-vein strains, but did you know that they are all the same plant?
Red-vein kratom comes from older trees that have been allowed to mature. White-vein kratom comes from the youngest trees. Green-vein kratom is harvested in the middle of the plant’s life cycle.
The combination of active ingredients varies in each type of leaf. The curing process is different, depending on the strain, and is tailored to bring out its primary benefits.
Different Names
In Southeast Asia, kratom may go by the name ketum. Kratom is also called biang-biang, katawn, mambog, and giam, in some parts of the world. Other names include kadamba, thang, and puri, among others.
Different Shapes
Some Mitragyna speciosa sometimes express a specific mutation. The normally smooth-edged, oblate-spheroid leaves occasionally grow into a different shape. The edge of the leaf will bunch up and form conical formations resembling horns. These mutations may be mixed with normal-looking leaves on the same tree. They are the source of “horned” kratom.
Horned leaves contain a different combination of alkaloids and organic compounds when compared to regular leaves. These leaves are valued due to their rarity and are harvested separately. They get treated with a specific curing process designed to bring out their unique strength.
Kratom Chicanery
Like other consumer products that explode in popularity, the initial kratom supply was not up to demand. This led to a period of high profitability in the kratom industry, and high profits can attract bad actors. In addition to this, regulations surrounding kratom products and vendors have been historically unclear.
Kratom Today
Today, kratom is used all over the world and consumers can find quality kratom for sale with confidence from Kratora. It’s important to purchase kratom from vendors that test their products for quality and consistency so you know exactly what you’re getting. Many people have already discovered the soothing aroma, and welcome boost kratom may provide at any time of day. For those new to the world of kratom, this fascinating botanical product can be a valuable addition to almost any lifestyle.
