What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree from Southeast Asia. Native to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, it belongs to the coffee family and has been used traditionally for centuries.

The leaves of the Kratom tree are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder, which is what you’ll find in most Kratom products today.

There are several easy ways to take Kratom, including brewing it as tea, taking it in convenient capsules, or mixing the powder into water or juice.

Traditional Uses of Kratom

In its native regions, Kratom has long been valued by farmers, laborers, and community elders alike. Traditionally, the leaves were chewed fresh or brewed into teas for a variety of culturally-rooted purposes, including:

• Supporting energy and stamina during long hours in the fields

• Encouraging focus and mental clarity

• Promoting a sense of calm, relief, and reflection at the end of the day

• Honoring the plant in social and spiritual practices

The Different Strains of Kratom

Kratom is typically categorized by vein color and region. These factors influence its alkaloid profile and overall effects.

Here’s a general overview:

• Red Vein Kratom: Traditionally known for being calming, relaxing, grounding, and offering relief.

• White Vein Kratom: Associated with bright, energizing and motivating tones.

• Green Vein Kratom: Often described as the middle of the road between the two. Balanced, smooth, and motivating; while also providing relief.

For a more comprehensive overview of Kratom strains, please visit our Truth About Kratom Strains page.

 

At Blue River Wellness, we offer a curated selection of Kratom strains sourced from trusted, long-standing partners. We believe that consistency, quality, and a deep respect for the plant are essential to delivering a reliable and enjoyable Kratom experience.

How Do People Use Kratom Today?

Today, Kratom is enjoyed by a growing community across the U.S. who are looking for plant-based alternatives in their wellness toolkit. It’s typically sold as:

• Powder (for mixing or tea)
• Crushed leaf (for brewing tea)
• Capsules (for convenience or ease)

We always recommend that new users start low and go slow, do their research, and talk to their healthcare provider—especially if they have medical conditions or take any medications.

 

Is Kratom Legal Everywhere?

Kratom is legal in most U.S. states, though a few have restrictions. We do not ship to those areas with restrictions.

If you live in one of these states with restrictions, we encourage you to reach out to your lawmakers and push for change. Your voice matters — and we’d love to serve you, when those laws do change.

Before purchasing or using Kratom, it’s important to check your local and state laws.

[Click map to view 2025 US Kratom Legality Update]

 

Shop Blue River Wellness Kratom Powder, Capsules, and Crushed Leaf→