Kratom (pronounced KRAY-tum or KRAH-tum, depending on who you ask) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia — and the leaves of that tree have been used for centuries for their unique effects.
At Antidote, we work with kratom every day. But we know not everyone’s starting from the same place. So if you’re new here, this is your no-nonsense intro to what kratom actually is, how it’s used, and why people are talking about it.
Kratom grows in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. For generations, locals have chewed the fresh leaves, brewed them into teas, or dried and ground them into powders.
It’s known scientifically as Mitragyna speciosa, part of the coffee family — which makes sense, considering its alkaloids can have stimulating or relaxing effects depending on dose and variety.
The main compounds that give kratom its signature effects are alkaloids — especially mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
These naturally interact with receptors in the body tied to energy, mood, and physical response. But kratom isn’t “just like” anything else — it’s its own thing, and people respond to it differently based on their biology, dosage, and delivery method.
Traditionally, kratom was used to fight fatigue, promote focus, or take the edge off after physical labor.
Today, people turn to kratom for all kinds of reasons — to feel more centered, to ease into the day, to unwind at night, or to power through a task without the crash.
That said, context matters. We’re big on personal responsibility and smart, informed use — because kratom is powerful, and may not be for everyone.
Raw leaf? Powdered capsules? Teas? They all exist. But we believe in refined extracts because they offer:
Precise control over how much you take
Cleaner taste, perfect for custom mocktails
Faster onset and more consistent results
Which is why we made a product that gives you full flexibility — and no guesswork.
That’s your call. Our goal is to give you the cleanest, most reliable starting point if you choose to explore it. Because when used with intention, kratom can be a powerful part of a balanced routine.
And when the extract is as dialed-in as ours?
Anyone can make the perfect drink, anywhere.
