The Long, Winding History of Kratom
Kratom, known scientifically as Mitragyna speciosa, has a long and storied history of traditional use, especially in its native Southeast Asia. A plant in the coffee family, kratom has been employed for various traditional healing, cultural, and recreational purposes for at least several hundred years. Understanding the plantâs rich past can give insight into its modern-day uses and the conversations surrounding it.
Indigenous, Ancient Origins
Kratom has its earliest origins in the indigenous cultures of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Its recorded use dates back hundreds of years, though its history is likely much older than existing documentation. Traditional cultures like the Hmong and others reportedly chewed the bitter leaves or brewed them into teas, using the plant for healing rituals presided over by village shamans.
Early Botanical Documentation
European scientists and botanists began documenting Mitragyna speciosa in the early 19th century during initial colonial exploits into Southeast Asia. One of the first known descriptions comes from the Dutch botanist Pieter Korthals in 1836, who dubbed the plant âkratomâ after observing its use in Malaysia. Other early Western accounts of kratom come from colonial botanists working abroad in the region. Most of them observed indigenous use of kratom preparations and sent leaves and other samples back home for further study.
19th Century Spread and Use
In the mid-late 1800s, knowledge of kratom began spreading beyond its native region thanks to increased global connectivity. Scientists published some early reports on kratom in the 1890s, introducing the plant to the Western world. Around this time, Chinese indentured laborers started using kratom in Malaysia, citing its energizing effects and aid in coping with the intensity of field work. The practice spread from Malaysian plantations back to Thailand and Indonesia, greatly expanding kratom's footprint in the region.
By the early 20th century, kratom started attracting substantive scientific interest abroad. Between the 1900s-1940s, researchers published dozens of papers investigating kratomâs chemical makeup, properties, and potential therapeutic benefits and side effects. This built a basic early foundation for understanding this special plant that indigenous cultures had known about for ages.
20th Century
Kratomâs spread and adoption beyond traditional cultural bounds began to spark controversy in the mid 20th century. In 1943, the Thai government banned the planting of new kratom trees. But this did little to dampen kratom chewing, which was growing more popular. The government doubled down in 1979, banning kratom. Neighboring countries like Malaysia followed suit with similar kratom restrictions.
Despite bans on cultivation and possession, kratom use continued in Thailand and Malaysia into the 21st century, typically in rural working class populations. Black market kratom was commonplace, though quality and safety were inconsistent in the unregulated trade. Enforcement of strict laws also often disproportionately targeted low-income communities. This dynamic helped give rise to grassroots advocacy aiming to lift prohibitions on kratom.
21st Century Globalization
In the internet age, kratom has rapidly expanded beyond Asia and taken on new dimensions abroad. Its arrival to Western regions like Europe and the Americas saw many touting its natural properties and role as a safer alternative to other substances. With millions of American users today, kratom has quickly shifted from a niche botanical to a mainstream product.
Conclusion
Kratom's route from indigenous Southeast Asian origins through colonial encounters and globalized trade illuminates the profound expansion of traditional herbs across cultures. For centuries used traditionally as an energy boosting medicinal herb, the long view of kratom reveals a nuanced interplay of complex historical, cultural and economic forces. Its storied past demonstrates how it both shapes and is shaped by the evolving human experience.