The Mitragyna Speciosa belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is of the genus Mitragyna. Its tree grows the entire year-round and has a long, upright trunk that can reach a height of up to or more than eighty feet. The leaves are the most sought-after part of the tree since the Kratom is extracted from here and are shiny and jet green in color – typically have a length of fourteen to twenty centimeters and a width of seven to twelve centimeters.
Different Names Of Mitragyna Speciosa And Countries Of Cultivation
Mitragyna Speciosa, more commonly known as Kratom, is cultivated in Africa and the South Asian countries – Vietnam, Thailand (named kraton, kakuam, ketum, ithang, and thom here), Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where it is commonly known as Biak-Biak.
How Are The Desired Strains Of Mitragyna Speciosa Achieved?
There are many strains of Mitragyna Speciosa, and through careful harvesting, the desired strain of Kratom can be achieved. What also affects the color of the strain is the stem or vein color, which can be a consequence of genetics, soil type, nutrient absorption, and sunlight received during the Kratom tree’s life cycle.
Sometimes, the harvesters also leave the stem intact for production as this affects alkaloid composition. The time the leaves are left to mature is directly related to the alkaloid composition and the concentration of Kratom in the final product. Over time, the color changes and cycles through red, green, yellow, and brown. On the farmer’s preference, the leaves are allowed to grow until the desired color of the leaves is achieved. The leaves are harvested, and then the process of cleaning the leaves begins.
Breaking Down The Chemical Composition Of Mitragyna Speciosa
Mitragyna Speciosa contains 54 alkaloids, which make up 0.5 to 1.5 % of the kratom composition. Mitragynine is the most common component, making up sixty percent of the alkaloid composition in the Thai variant ad making up 12% of the composition in the Malaysian variant.
Hydroxy mitragynine is a terpenoid indole alkaloid and makes up around two percent of the Kratom. Mitragynine and its effects have been the subject of limited studies, which have given minimal results, and scientists believe it has no authorized medicinal application. Once ingested, Mitragynine, an indole alkaloid, is broken down by the liver and attaches itself to many receptors. However, it is known to relax muscles.
Mitragynine partially binds to the calm receptor and inhibits COX-2, blocks L-type and T-type calcium channels, and interacts with serotonin, dopamine, and adenosine receptors in the brain. It activates 2-adrenergic receptors, preventing norepinephrine release. Mitragynine is one of the chemicals used to treat tension and some of the other symptoms.
How Is Mitragyna Speciosa Processed To Produce The Final Product?
The producers could hang the leaves on large racks or dry them by directly exposing them to sunlight. However, sun exposure and high temperatures can easily affect alkaloid composition, so this may not be the best drying method.
Sometimes, indoor environments are provided, and the kratom leaves are stored in large, dark rooms and large, industrial fans allow the leaves to dry as the moisture evaporates. And sometimes, both indoor and outdoor environments are provided. Some farmers have also opted for fermentation as a curing method.
Fermentation usually lasts for one to three days. Fermentation further allows the densities of the chemical compounds in the kratom leaves to change. However, their treatment requires even more care, so they are sold at an even higher price. After the fermentation process is over, the leaves are left to dry. The leaves can be sold in fresh or dried form or converted to powder by crushing them in a crusher. The finer the powder is, the better it will dissolve in liquid products and be easier to consume.
The many strains of Kratom:
Many trees leave strains are available on the market. These include:
- White Vein Kratom
- Green Vein Kratom
- Red Vein Kratom
- Maeng Da Kratom
- Bentuangie Kratom
- Yellow Vein Kratom
However, the most common variant amongst them is the White, Green, and Red Varieties. All are different in their color, which is a result of their chemical and alkaloid composition.
White Kratom is produced by harvesting the leaves growing and then exposing them to ultraviolet radiation so the moisture can escape. In this way, the Mitragynine stays in high compositions and is not converted to other compounds.
Green Vein Kratom lies in between Red and White Kratom in terms of its qualities and effects. The leaves are allowed to grow until they turn green, and the dark, glossy green color of the leaves gives the Kratom its green color.
The Red Vein Kratom is the most common kratom strain, and the leaves are harvested when they are mature. This produces a high level of hydroxyl mitragynine and gives it its distinctive qualities.
How Can Mirtagyna Speciosa Be Consumed?
Kratom is sold in many different varieties. It can be sold as fresh or dry leaves, as a powder, or in sticky extract forms. Commonly, Mitragyna is consumed by removing the veins and chewing 10 to 30 mint leaves daily. An even more common way of consumption is in the form of kratom powder. The leaves are dried, crushed, and converted to powder and inhaled, swallowed, or added to a herbal tree or a juice. Users prefer to drink it with orange-flavored juice since the citrus component of the orange extract activates the Kratom and makes it more effective.
Or the users could put a spoonful of powder in their mouth and gulp it down by drinking water or juice. The powder can also be encapsulated, and the pills swallowed down with water – this seems to be the easiest way of consumption.
Likewise, the extract of the leaves can also be smoked. However, tobacco tea leaf powder is not the best way of consuming it since high temperatures kill the alkaloids, making its effects last for a short while only. Mitragyna Speciosa can also be converted to resins, extracts, and tinctures. Some users prefer this method of consumption since this makes the kratom dose even more concentrated and strong.
Does Kratom Smell?
Some users described the smell of Mitragyna Speciosa as pleasant, while others described it as acrid. The scent varies according to the strain of the Kratom as well as its quality. The red strains, for example, have a matcha-like scent, while the green one has a more of a herbal smell, and it resembles that of green tea.
The aroma can be rich and pleasant, and you would probably want to smell the scent again and again. However, the taste of tree leaves is generally bitter, and the smell should not fool you. To combat the taste, pair up the Kratom with juice or tea.
Dosage
If you are a beginner, it is best to start with a minimum dosage. You might think that the dosage is less and need more to amplify the effect, but that is untrue. Having a small intake lets you figure out what works best for you and incorporate it into your daily routine.
According to Reddit users, the best kratom variant to start with is the Green Vietnamese Kratom since its effects are mild, and it can give you a good starting ground as to what Kratom is. Start your dosage with a gram or two, then keeping in mind your body’s tolerance levels, you can increase intake by a quarter or half a gram.
Then, you can switch on to a different variant as well. As with any other product, it is advisable to be careful with kratom products and keep the dosage to whatever your body can handle.
Where To Buy Mitragyna Speciosa From?
Smoke shops
You can find Kratom at smoke shops; however, it may be possible that you do not find the encapsulated or powdered versions there. It may also be possible that the product is unreliable, so it is best to be cautious.
Gas Stations
Gas stations also offer Mitragyna Speciosa products, but shops are generally focused on generating a profit from customers and are not interested in their health. The quality can be doubtful, and it might be unnecessarily expensive, which is why it is best to avoid gas stations.
Local bars
By the end of the night, when people are exhausted and looking for something to calm themselves down, they may direct themselves to bars. Many bars offer kratom products alongside their cocktails, and bartenders may also offer self-made and herb-infused drinks.
Online
In today’s fast-paced world, where everything is available online, Kratom is as well. You will not have to go out looking for it again and again, and it will easily be available to you at your doorstep. We have already rounded up the top three kratom vendors of 2021 for you.
The best sellers of 2020 are as follows:
- Golden Monk
- SA Kratom
- Kratom Basket
Final Thoughts – Is it safe to buy Kratom online?
As in the case of purchasing any other product online, you need to be careful while purchasing Mitragyna Speciosa since some sellers might be fake and fooling you. It is best to do your research by reading up reviews and looking for trustworthy suppliers.
FAQs
Can I produce Kratom on my own?
Growing your plants might be a therapeutic experience in itself, but it might not be plausible to grow Mitragyna Speciosa on your own. Especially the Green Vietnamese Kratom, which requires optimum weather conditions and fertile soil for its growth. And which is why it would be futile to grow it on your own. Furthermore, the tree can reach a height of eighty feet and would require a lot of space that might not be available to you. You may be able to grow it on your own, but of course, the best quality product would be the one made in its native land.
Can Mitragyna Speciosa be purchased online?
Mitragyna Speciosa can be purchased in smoke shops, gas stations and is also served in bars. However, in today’s world of technology, it is also possible to buy it online. It would help if you did careful research by reading up reviews and only buy from trusted sellers.
