Kratom, closely related to coffee, originates from Southeast Asia. If you're new to kratom, you may wonder about its similarities and differences with coffee. Let's explore the roots of kratom and coffee and compare the two.
The Rubiaceae Family
The plant containing coffee (Coffea) and kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) is known as the Rubiaceae family. This plant has more than 13,500 species and over 650 genera. Making it the fourth-largest family in the angiosperm class.
The alkaloid content is the main distinction between members of the Rubiaceae family. Plants within this family grow all over the world. However, they are most abundant in tropical climates. The Rubiaceae family is both unique and diverse. This family contains herbs, trees, shrubs, and plants.
Kratom is also related to other members of the Rubiaceae family, such as Quinine, which has been used to treat malaria.
Where Does Kratom Come From?
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna Speciosa trees. These tropical evergreen trees are native to Southeast Asia and indigenous to Thailand, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. It thrives in tropical climates and is native to many Asian countries. While popular in the Western World, kratom needs a tropical climate to thrive. So, it does not naturally grow in the United States. Kratom is an all-natural substance that is often referred to as an herb.
Where Does Coffee Come From?
Coffee comes from a small evergreen tree and is considered a fruit. It's originally from Ethiopia but has spread to South East Asia and Central and South America. Brazil, Vietnam, and Ethiopia are the top 5 producers of coffee. The caffeine in coffee provides a stimulant effect that many people enjoy, making it a popular beverage worldwide.
Gold Bali Kratom Powder
Does Kratom Have Caffeine?
Wondering if kratom has caffeine? It does not. Although they are related, caffeine is the main alkaloid in coffee and is not present in kratom. Kratom has more than 25 alkaloids, and the main ones include mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. It does not contain caffeine, but the alkaloids have some of the same support seen in caffeine.
Coffee Vs Kratom
The Rubiaceae family is a collection of plants and trees in different shapes and sizes. As you know, coffee and kratom both look very different. Kratom comes from the tropical evergreen Mitragyna Speciosa trees. The leaves are large and are the source of kratom. While Mitragyna Speciosa trees do not produce fruit, they have small clusters of flowers at the end of their branches.
Kratom is classified by the veins which run through these leaves. They can be red, green, or white. These veins are also known to have subcategories, which are called strains. Kratom Strains are often named by the color of the veins they come from and where they originate. For example, Red Thai comes from red-veined kratom leaves in Thailand.
Coffee trees are a lot smaller and are seeds that are housed within the fruit of the plant’s flower. Coffee beans are mature fruit that must be properly ripened to harvest coffee beans efficiently.
Kratom leaves can be used to produce several kratom products. This may include kratom powder and capsules. Another popular form is kratom tea, which can be enjoyed like coffee.
Coffee does not have as many different forms as kratom does. You typically find it as a hot or cold drink. However, the coffee bean is used in various products, including cosmetics, hair, body products, and diet supplements.
Both coffee and kratom thrive in warm climates. However, each originated from different parts of the world. Coffee originated in Africa but is now grown in Asia as well. This differs in the fact that kratom is still primarily produced in the habitats that it originated from in Southeast Asia. Kratom and coffee both need a warm climate to thrive.
Both kratom and coffee are produced and exported all over the world. Since kratom has gained popularity in the West, it is thought that one day this herb will be grown in exported from other regions of the world as well. However, as of right now, kratom is primarily sourced from Asia.
Coffee produces stimulating effects called caffeine. Caffeine is an alkaloid and is found in several products. However, kratom is not one of them. Kratom has a very different alkaloid profile, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These alkaloids provide different support than caffeine.
Believe it or not, kratom has been utilized much longer than coffee. For centuries, people in Asia have used kratom. Coffee did not become popular until the 1500s. This was centuries after Asians used kratom in religious ceremonies and for therapeutic reasons.
Once coffee gained attraction, it faced similar fears and worries that kratom now faces. Europeans were very skeptical of coffee when it first debuted in Europe. However, it is now one of the most loved beverages. Thousands of individuals start their day with coffee all over the world. Perhaps, someday, kratom may gain the same popularity. It will take time, research, and more understanding of what this herb truly offers regarding overall wellness support.
Kratom use differs from coffee, as kratom is considered an herb. It provides wellness support, unlike coffee. You must consult your physician before starting any new type of substance. They are the only ones who can properly guide coffee and kratom. As you know, many physicians will warn against excessive caffeine use and ask that you limit your intake of coffee.
Coffee vs. kratom bears many similarities and differences. However, they are both part of the coffee family and are prevalent in today's society.
Can You Mix Coffee and Kratom?
As you know, kratom comes in powder form, and many of our customers often ask what it can be mixed with. Some users mix the powder with juice. However, kratom is pretty diverse and can typically be combined with any beverage, including coffee. Before starting any new substance, you should always consult with your general practitioner.
Oasis Kratom
Now that you know the similarities and differences between kratom and coffee, you may be ready to try this herb. Check out the kratom powders and capsules that we offer. If you have any questions about the legality of kratom in your state, please check out our kratom legality page and let us know if you need further assistance.
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