What is Kratom?

May 12, 2023

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If you are one of those people who are wondering questions like “ What is Kratom? “ and “ Is kratom legally available in Germany? “ then you will get the detailed answer you are looking for in this blog post. In recent years, this substance has become increasingly popular and many people are curious about its effects and benefits.

And not only that: Many people also want to know where kratom actually comes from. So get ready for an in-depth look into the world of Kratom!

What is Kratom actually?

Kratom is extracted from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom tree, also called red sentol tree, have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. They contain a chemical compound called mitragynine, which has various effects on the human body. Kratom can be used in different ways. For example, the leaves are ground into a powder and then sold either directly as a powder or further processed and sold as capsules.

There are also different types of Kratom available commercially. There are red , green , white and gold kratom to buy. Each type has its own and specific kratom effect, which is due to the different composition after fermentation and processing as well as the growing area.

Where does Kratom come from?

Kratom is native to Southeast Asia and grows primarily in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The tropical tree, known locally as “ Mitragyna speciosa ”, can reach impressive heights of up to 25 m. It needs a lot of water and a warm, humid climate to grow.

It is found mainly in lowland regions and prefers boggy soils. Kratom is harvested by hand in the growing areas and then dried. The dried leaves are then processed into a fine powder. However, with a lot of care and overwintering in a winter garden, cultivation is also possible in our latitudes.

what is kratom plant

Since when has Kratom been used and grown?

The leaves have been used by local people for centuries. The stimulating and energizing effect of Kratom was and is consumed in cafés and teahouses, similar to our coffee. However, in recent decades, this substance has spread far beyond its native region and has become a popular remedy.

Use in the past

As already mentioned, its use goes back centuries and was as important to us as coffee or tea. At the same time, the plant was also used in traditional medicine to relieve pain and treat diarrhea. The leaves were either chewed fresh or dried and made into tea.

The product today: A trendsetter

Since a variety of modern medications and treatment options are available today, kratom was forgotten for many years. Following the rediscovery and rise of alternative medicine, the remedy is now available as a powder , capsules or extract.

This means everyone can find an option that is perfect for their needs. The future of its cultivation and use remains uncertain as there is much controversy and discussion about whether the plant is safe to use or not.

Some people believe that this substance can be an effective and natural treatment alternative for pain relief and other ailments. Others are concerned about possible side effects. They also emphasize that the risk of addiction is very high.

How does kratom work and what are the side effects?

The substance contains several active ingredients. These include mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act on the central nervous system and can relieve pain and improve mood. Kratom is also considered a sedative and has a narcotic effect at higher kratom dosages . However, its use may cause short-term unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth and weight loss.

With prolonged and high-dose use, kratom can become addictive, and withdrawal can cause severe symptoms such as sweating, tremors, nausea, diarrhea, and anxiety. Liver damage has been observed in some long-term users.

Pay attention to risks

It is therefore important that you carefully consider the possible risks before use. If you choose to use kratom, you should do it in moderation to protect your health and well-being.

Additionally, only buy Kratom from a reputable and trustworthy supplier. This ensures that the product is of high quality and purity. If you are already using kratom and are experiencing side effects, you should consult a doctor immediately.

Are you concerned that you are addicted or are you experiencing withdrawal symptoms? Then you should seek medical support and not try to deal with the problem on your own.

What is the legal situation in Germany regarding use?

Although the drug is legal in some countries, it has been banned in other regions. The respective governments interpreted the question “What is Kratom?” differently. Germany is one of the countries where the use of Kratom is currently legal. But what does that mean exactly? This is the situation in Germany and the EU:

Kratom is legal here – Germany

It is currently legal to possess and use Kratom in Germany. However, there are restrictions on how sellers can list and sell the product. It cannot be advertised as a medical or cosmetic product and cannot be sold as a dietary supplement. These restrictions are important to ensure that the product is not mismarketed.

Kratom: EU regulations

Since each country is allowed to introduce its own bans, kratom was assessed separately by each European country and EU member state. You should be aware that legal status in Europe may vary from country to country. Therefore, always check the regulations in your country before purchasing kratom. It is currently legal in the following countries:

  • Albania
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Czech Republic
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Kosovo
  • North Macedonia
  • Netherlands
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Ukraine

In the rest of Europe and the EU, Kratom is classified as a drug and consumption and possession is punishable by law. In the Czech Republic there are currently considerations to regulate consumption and possession in order to remove Kratom from the legal gray area. Such regulation could then be a model for the remaining EU states. However, a final decision remains to be seen.

Conclusion – What is Kratom?

In summary, the question “What is kratom?” can be answered as follows: it is a substance that can offer various benefits and has a long history of use in the Southeast Asian region. However, it is important to always be aware of the risks associated with its use.

Side effects are possible, especially if consumed in high doses or over a longer period of time. Although this substance is legal in Germany and many EU countries, there are restrictions in place to ensure that Kratom is not promoted or marketed as a medical product or food. You will always find these information in our info box!

It is important to check the regulations in your country before purchasing!

The leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree (also known colloquially as the Kratom tree) are referred to as Kratom. All ingestion effects described on this website only serve to convey knowledge about the substance itself and are not part of the description of any product we offer! They describe and explain the former use in the countries of origin in Southeast Asia.
Kratom is not subject to German drug law and is not a food.
All Kratom products we offer are not intended to be taken into the body and we expressly advise against taking them. They are expressly not intended for therapeutic purposes; they are not cosmetics or foodstuffs.
Our kratom products are sold exclusively as a natural dye, foot soak, for scientific purposes and as visual aids. It is not intended for consumption.