Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of the Kratom tree contain psychoactive compounds that produce effects similar to opioids. Kratom has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia for its stimulant and pain-relieving properties. It has also been used as a traditional medicine for diarrhea, cough, and fatigue.
In various cultures and practices, Kratom is used as a recreational drug, a painkiller, a mood enhancer, and a treatment for opioid addiction. It is also used in spiritual practices and as a tool for meditation. Kratom has gained popularity in the Western world as an alternative to prescription painkillers and as a natural remedy for anxiety and depression. However, Kratom is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and its safety and efficacy are still being studied.