Like all holistic therapies available, there are often many questions that consumers have regarding their efficacy and intended purposes. While many of these treatments can often benefit a wide range of issues, the intended use varies from person to person. When it comes to the botanical substance Kratom, people are often left wondering: Where does Kratom come from? What do the colors mean? How can I benefit from Kratom? Outlined below are the answers to these FAQs.
Where Does Kratom Come From?
Kratom is a substance derived from the mitragyna speciosa tree found deep within the Southeast Asian rainforests. The leaves are collected, cured, and refined into powders or pills for consumers to ingest. For centuries people who live in the tropical areas where it is grown, have been using the leaves to reap their pharmacological benefits. As the popularity has begun to increase within the past decade, more people are trying to grow Kratom on their own land, triggering a plethora of independent farmers to start growing the tree. While these farmers can take extra precautions in making sure they have the ideal conditions, the mitragyna speciosa trees tend to flourish best at a tropical and subtropical climate level where there are high levels of heat and humidity. The tree will not grow if temperatures get too cold.
Once the leaves are collected, farmers will hang them on racks to dry out in the sun. Depending on how long the farmers let the leaves sit, the effects of the Kratom will change. After drying, the leaves are ground down into a powder, which is then packages and distributed. Southeast Asia is witnessing a staggering growth of Kratom exports in the last years, signaling that popularity for this substance is growing fast. While there are some states and cities within the US that have banned Kratom, there are plenty of places where you can visit reputable dealers and benefit from its healthy characteristics.
Is Growing At Home Possible?
As Kratom is gaining traction, more people are wondering if they can grow this at home. As mentioned above, it does best in a humid climate, and so if you try and grow at your home, it must be in a completely controlled environment. Northern cities and states often have frigid winters, and thus it can be challenging to keep a consistent temperature and humidity level in some area of the home. As the mitragyna speciosa tree requires a ton of water and nutrients on a daily abscess, it also requires the grower to be dedicated entirely to their crop so that the species can be fruitful for harvest.
While you may be inclined to tackle this growing challenge, many people who try often have trouble or fail. So while it is possible to grow at your home, your crop may not be as bountiful as you hope or make enough to refine. The best way to ensure you are getting a top-quality product is by working with a trusted Kratom vendor.
What Do Kratom Strains Signify?
One of the most commonly asked questions among prospective Kratom consumers touches on the significance of strains or colors. As every Kratom leaf is individual, throughout their production, several factors affect their color. As their colors change, so does their alkaloid makeup. The three primary colors that you would typically see being sold by a Kratom vendor are red, white, and green. While the colors of each strain refer to the color of the leaf and, therefore, the refined powder, they also have distinct smells and taste. Kratom leaves begin as rich green color, and throughout maturity, their color changes. To achieve the desired alkaloid makeup, farmers will choose a specific time to pick the leaves. The leaves will eventually turn red, another shade of green, followed by yellow and brown.
Once these leaves are picked and left to dry, farmers will again have control over how long they let them sit and ferment them and other production strategies. The reason why farmers differ in practices is to achieve a different alkaloid composition or concentration.
How Do I Choose A Kratom Product?
After Kratom is left to cure, it is ground up into a powder form. The powder is then packaged in a variety of ways. People tend to like the powder format as it allows them to get more bang for their buck. Vendors will also press their powder to create extracts or encapsulate the powder to make pills. Many consumers like the convenience of the extracts and the capsules.
For consumers to get the most out of their Kratom experience, they need to be purchasing their product for a vendor that has a stellar reputation and utilizes fair trade business tactics. As the plant is sourced from across the globe, you need to make sure the vendor is taking extra care in making sure the final product is produced to the highest quality.