Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, has long been used in Southeast Asia for its medicinal properties, offering a unique blend of stimulant and sedative effects. In recent years, its use has extended beyond its native region, gaining popularity in the West. But with its rise in use has come a rise in misconceptions. Interestingly, kratom belongs to the same botanical family as coffee, the Rubiaceae family, though the two plants serve very different purposes. While coffee is known primarily for its stimulating effects, kratom’s versatility allows it to act as both a stimulant and a sedative depending on dosage. As kratom becomes more widely used, understanding its different methods of consumption—and the potential risks associated with each—is key to forming an informed opinion about this controversial plant.
Traditionally, kratom leaves were chewed fresh or brewed into tea by indigenous people of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Malaysia. The leaves were used to combat fatigue, alleviate pain, and as a treatment for diarrhea. Some cultures also used kratom in rituals and as a substitute for opium. In these traditional settings, kratom was not seen as a substance of abuse but as a functional herb for enhancing daily life and managing pain. However, as kratom has gained popularity in the West, its use has shifted, and different consumption methods have emerged—some of which have contributed to the plant’s increasingly negative reputation.
Kratom can be consumed in a variety of ways, but the effects and side effects can vary significantly depending on the method of ingestion. The three primary methods of consumption are:
Let’s explore each of these methods in detail, starting with the most problematic.
One of the most widely known—and criticized—ways to consume kratom is the toss-and-wash method, where the raw powdered leaf is simply swallowed with a liquid, usually water or juice. While this method is effective in terms of delivering the full spectrum of alkaloids found in kratom, it is also largely responsible for kratom’s negative reputation.
For those who seek a cleaner, milder experience, brewing kratom tea is far more appealing than the toss-and-wash method. Kratom tea, typically made by steeping the leaves rather than the powder in hot water, offers a more traditional way to consume kratom.