Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa Korth) The Evolution of Enhancers from Traditional Uses to Improve Work and Productivity in Southeast Asia to Recreational Psychoactive Drugs in the West.

The use of kratom was first recorded in 1836, it was stated that kratom leaves were used in Malaysia as a substitute for opium. As early as 1900, it was reported in the scientific literature that kratom leaves could relieve withdrawal symptoms from opiates. Traditionally, kratom is widely used by farmers, fishermen and laborers as a stimulant to overcome fatigue after work or heavy workloads and aims to increase work productivity. In addition, Kratom is used by the community as a traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, fatigue, muscle aches, coughs, increase endurance, lower high blood pressure, increase energy, overcome depression, anti-diabetes and sexual stimulants. The traditional use of kratom in ancient times was to take 3-4 pieces of old kratom leaves the size of an adult’s hand, then clean them, and then chew them immediately. This is believed to be able to overcome fatigue after work and provide a calming effect and at the same time provide good quality sleep.

Besides the benefits, kratom also has a promising market price for farmers, so that many other farmers shift their livelihoods as kratom growers. Kratom farmers at least start from rubber farmers, laborers, and also fishermen who are aware of the high economic value found in kratom today. Given that kratom is an herbal plant that has legal status in Indonesia, and also Indonesia is the largest kratom exporter in the world from the past until now.