Kratom and Tradition
Traditional Preparation
Fresh or dried leaves of kratom are chewed or brewed into tea or smoked. Tea is the most common way of preparing Kratom as it retains its medicinal properties more than other preparations.
Traditional Uses
Historically Kratom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in the nations where the plant grows. Similar to khat and coca, the leaves are chewed to reduce musculoskeletal pain and to boost energy, hunger, and sexual desire. Its leaves or extracts are used as a local anesthetic and to treat wounds.
Kratom has been used by natives of Thailand and other regions of Southeast Asia as an herbal drug for decades. Traditionally, kratom was mostly used as a stimulant by Thai and Malaysian laborers and farmers to overcome the burdens of hard work. In SE Asia Kratom is used as a mild stimulant to alleviate fatigue and as a treatment for pain, fever, and wounds.
Kratom was initially adopted into Western culture as a dietary supplement with mood elevating and pain-relieving properties.
Kratom in Kava Bars
Just like Kava, Kratom can be seen prepared traditionally to show respect for the drink and its historical background.