Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree from Southeast Asia and is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Kratom, the original name used in Thailand, is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Other members of the Rubiaceae family include coffee and gardenia. For hundreds of years, Kratom has been used for medicinal purposes by natives of Southeast Asia and is now used as a holistic health alternative worldwide. The leaves of kratom are consumed either by chewing, or putting into capsules, tablets or extract, or by boiling into a tea.

The effects of Kratom are unique in that stimulation occurs at low doses and opioid-like depressant and euphoric effects occur at higher doses. Common uses include treatment of pain, to help prevent withdrawal from opiates (such as prescription narcotics or heroin), and for mild stimulation. Traditionally, kratom leaves have been used by Thai and Malaysian natives and workers for centuries. The stimulant effect was used by workers in Southeast Asia to increase energy, stamina, and limit fatigue. However, some Southeast Asian countries now outlaw its use. In the US, this herbal product has been used as an alternative agent for muscle pain relief, diarrhea, and as a treatment for opiate addiction and withdrawal.

Kratom can be identified by several strains that are differentiated by color. Each color refers to the drying techniques used after the leaves are harvested. Red vein kratom is the most mature, followed by green vein, and then white vein, which is the least mature.