7 Fascinating Facts About the History of Kratom

We all love the blissful effects of the kratom plant, but have you ever wondered where it came from and how those wonderful properties were discovered?

While ShopKetum.com focuses on offering the best possible kratom products in 2025, we also respect the history of Kratom. That’s why we put together this blog on the history of Kratom and its fascinating past.

That way, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kratom enthusiast, you can know how kratom was used traditionally, where it comes from, and how it spread across the United States and around the world.

The history of Kratom is rich and varied, showcasing its cultural significance and diverse uses over centuries.

The history of Kratom reveals its deep roots in traditional medicine, making it a significant part of Southeast Asian culture.

What is Kratom & Where Did it Come From?

Kratom, with the scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree with large leaves that contain a variety of alkaloids. Those alkaloids are responsible for the wonderful effects of kratom, including energy, relaxation, relief, and mood lift.

The journey of Kratom from Southeast Asia to global recognition is a testament to its enduring appeal.

But where did this tropical tree originate? Kratom is native to Southeast Asia, from Malaysia to Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and throughout the rest of the region. These days, the main producers of kratom are Thailand & Indonesia, with Thailand being the main consumer as well.

Understanding the history of Kratom helps us appreciate its benefits and the reasons for its growing popularity worldwide.

Throughout the history of Kratom, it has been utilized in various ways, from traditional uses to modern applications.

So, what about the history of Kratom’s use in Southeast Asia? Let’s look!

Discovering the history of Kratom gives insight into how its benefits have been recognized for generations.

The History of Kratom

We broke the history of kratom into several sections, examining traditional use in Southeast Asia, developments in the 19th century, modern research, and, of course, the spread to the Western world and the United States, where it’s available to you at places like ShopKetum!

The history of Kratom is intertwined with the social and cultural practices of the regions where it thrives.

Additionally, learning about the history of Kratom helps consumers make informed decisions about its use today.

Ancient Traditions of Kratom

Kratom has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, mostly for its stimulating properties. Farmers would chew the kratom leaves to keep going during the hard work day. They would have energy and find some relief for muscle discomfort as well.

That’s not too far from what many people use kratom for today, especially with balanced, potent strains like Green Jong Kong Kratom.

As research continues, the history of Kratom becomes increasingly important in understanding its potential benefits.

Additionally, extracts were made from the leaves and used for Kratom’s medicinal properties, helping with wounds, coughs, diarrhea, and other problems. Finally, in Thailand, kratom was used as a snack and part of the ritual worship of ancestors and gods, according to one study.

19th Century Use of Kratom

In the 19th century, Thailand & Malaysia entered an opium crisis, which changed the way kratom was used. Instead of using it for energy and comfort, many opium users began to use kratom as a substitute or to provide some relief to withdrawal symptoms.

In the context of modern use, the history of Kratom provides a backdrop for its exponential growth in popularity.

This is the time when the first documented mention of kratom in scientific literature occurred. In 1839, a scientific paper described the use of kratom leaves as a substitute for opium. This type of use has continued to today, with people using kratom to help alleviate symptoms & get off hard substances.

Additionally, there are reports that Thai militants would drink a “4×100” kratom formula, meaning it would be 4x the strength of regular kratom, to make them “more bold and fearless.” This mixture was made with boiled kratom leaves, mosquito coils, and cola or cough syrup.

While we’re confident our Ketum Flavor-Infused Kratom Tinctures taste better and offer greater potency, the idea is similar: a stronger version of kratom that’s easy to take.

The innovations in kratom products today draw inspiration from the rich history of Kratom and its historical applications.

Modern Research of Kratom

In 1921, Ellen Field isolated mitrgynine, the main alkaloid in kratom that is primarily responsible for the effects we all know and love. This was the beginning of modern research on kratom.

Since then, there have been numerous studies that identify many of the minor alkaloids and demonstrate their beneficial uses and potential downsides. This includes more than one study that finds many kratom consumers around the world report improved well-being and quality of life when taking the natural plant.

However, kratom research is still expanding, and there is plenty more to learn about the properties of the leaves, their therapeutic uses, and the most effective concentrations.

As we reflect on the history of Kratom, we celebrate its journey and the many forms it takes today.

Western Popularity of Kratom

Use of kratom in the United States and Western world exploded in the 2000s, with many people on online forums recommending the herb. That growth has been exponential, leading to 2025, when millions of Americans use kratom each year.

This popularity has led to greater availability, with gas stations, smoke shops, and online stores all providing kratom to their customers. However, you still need to be careful because with that popularity come cheap products that don’t always perform as advertised. In fact, some could contain heavy metals or bacteria that could harm you.

That’s why ShopKetum always recommends buying kratom from a trusted vendor who posts their lab results online. Whether you buy from us or a competitor, doing this will keep you safe and ensure the best kratom experiences with greater potency.

Forward-Thinking Innovation

With the ever-growing popularity of Kratom in the United States and throughout the world, new products and ideas are hitting the scene each year.

ShopKetum hasn’t only developed our own products, but we’ve improved upon other ideas. For example, we offer enhanced kratom tablets, kratom shots, enhanced kratom powders, and more. One of our more recent additions is Ketum Kratom Gummies, which pack kratom extract with unmatched potency into a small gummy that provides exceptional energy, relaxation, and mood lift.

But in 2025, one of the most popular additions to the kratom community is 7-hydroxymitragynine tablets. These tablets give a large dose of one of the most powerful alkaloids in kratom, offering way more 7-OH than powder. That means ultimate relaxation and fast-hitting results with just a small tablet.

We look forward to all the future has in store for kratom users, with new innovations, ideas, studies, and recipes.