March 22, 2023 (Updated May 16, 2024)

You love kratom, correct? But do you know the history of this plant? If you don’t, don’t feel bad because many people in the West are unaware of kratom’s rich history and how long it’s actually been around. Let’s go on a journey back in time to learn about the history of kratom to help you better appreciate your products.

Asian Roots

Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree that’s part of the – get this – the coffee family (Rubiaceae). Native to Southeast Asia, laborers have been known for centuries to chew on the plant’s leaves after a long day’s work. Thai and Malaysian workers especially took a liking to the plant. Many felt that chewing the leaves gave them enhanced energy. For example, the laborers would brew the leaves into tea and drink after work or while on a break.

First Published Use of Kratom 

While the residents of Southeast Asia have long understood the secrets of kratom, it took quite a while for other world travelers to take notice. As many people brought the wonders of the plant back to their homelands, others decided to examine it closer. The first published use of kratom popped up in the early 19th century by Pieter Willem Korthals, a Dutch botanist. He was also the person who gave kratom its scientific name, Mitragyna.

The Thai Ban

Since kratom has literal and figurative roots in Thai, it might be a bit surprising to learn that the Thai government banned the plant in the country. Lawmakers passed Kratom Act 2486, which prohibited residents from planting the tree. Along with another act, legislators characterized kratom as a Category V substance that meant hands-off to residents.

The Ban Reversal

It wasn’t until 2021 that the Thai government removed kratom from the banned list. Thanks to the Kratom Act of 2022, vendors were allowed to sell kratom products online. Before then, they could only sell unprocessed kratom plants and leaves. The change paved the way for more people to get their hands on kratom products.

Kratom in America

Now, back to America, where you can purchase premium kratom products from Kratom Kaps. We perform alkaloid testing on all products to ensure consistency and potency. We also take salmonella and contamination testing seriously, guaranteeing our customers get only the best items. After all, that’s what you deserve! Please check out Kratom Kaps to browse our offerings.