Kratom FAQ

Kratom is a native plant growing in Southeast Asia. People have been using it for many reasons over the last two hundred years. Now it’s catching on in the Western world – especially in health and wellness communities where people are interested in natural remedies.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is the common name of the leaves from the Mitragyna speciosa tree. This tree grows natively throughout Southeast Asia, where it can reach heights of nearly 100 feet tall in optimal conditions. Mitragyna speciosa, or kratom, is from a plant family called Rubiaceae. This is the same plant family that produces coffee.

People throughout Southeast Asia have been consuming kratom for hundreds of years by chewing the leaves, making tea, or drying and crushing the leaves into a fine powder and mixing it in with food or drink. In these communities where people use kratom, it is considered to be a herb with a variety of uses.

Where Does Kratom Come From?

Kratom originates from Southeast Asia where it grows throughout Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Over the last several years people have cultivated the Mitragyna speciosa plant and increased its availability. Farmers have developed efficient ways to grow more trees and produce quality kratom. They have made it easier to supply enough for everyone who wants it. The kratom available at In Sense Botanicals has been cultivated in farm conditions that maintain the outstanding qualities of the kratom.

How Does Kratom Work?

Kratom experts believe that its effects come from certain natural phytochemicals that interact with the human brain. Two most prominent alkaloids that experts say are responsible for the effects of kratom are Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine. Forty other active alkaloids are also known but these two are the most studied.

For many years, people thought that Mitragynine was the most important component of kratom. This particular alkaloid has a chemical structure a lot like that of ergine; also known as d-lysergic acid amide (LSA). Mitragynine is a partial agonist to the brain’s delta-opioid, kappa-opioid, and mu-opioid receptors. It also binds with the alpha2-adrenergic and 5-HT2A serotonergic receptors.

A recent study revealed that 7-Hydroxymitragynine may be far more powerful than even Mitragynine. 7-Hydroxymitragynine also binds with kappa-opioid and mu-opioid receptors in the brain. Much of the excitement surrounding kratom is due to the fact that both of these alkaloids bind with some of the same neurotransmitter receptors as opioids, and we’re hopeful that they could be a less dangerous alternative.

Can You Develop a Kratom Tolerance?

Yes, you can. Just like coffee, as kratom comes from the same plant family. People who have kratom regularly sometimes report that they develop a tolerance. Tolerance is sometimes helped by switching types or strains. Tolerance is not permanent and at times a two-week break can help most people, but there is no scientific evidence to support that. More is not always better with kratom.

Is Kratom Addictive?

This excerpt from a 2018 study by Scott Hemby, a professor of pharmaceutical science at High Point University in North Carolina explains: “The clear scientific conclusion is that Mitragynine is not dangerously addictive and 7-Hydroxymitragynine occurs at such a low level that it has no significant activity that would justify a scheduling decision. Any purification, concentration, or chemical alteration of 7-HMG would render that product adulterated and thereby be subject to FDA regulatory action.”

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Kratom Online?

In Sense Botanicals is your trusted source for premium kratom. Our kratom does not contain fillers or additives. When you shop with In Sense Botanicals, you are receiving the freshest and most authentic fine quality kratom leaf powder available.

We work closely with our supplier in Indonesia who ensures that we are always getting fresh access to their most recent harvest. If you have any questions, or just want to get connected, you can email us at store@InSenseBotanicals.com or call us at 530-644-0456.

Wholesale and wholesale bulk inquiries welcomed.


“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”