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There is a new phenomenon in the South East Asia
region right now that if it is not curbed by the authorities anytime
soon, may
destroy families and societies. More and more cash stricken drug
addicts has begun to find alternate relief to complement their
addictions on mainstream drugs such as heroine, morphine, marijuana
and opium. No, that new found alternative is not another cheap
chemically enhanced or created substance. It has been around ever
since the dawn of time right under our very noses!
It is indigenous in sub tropical regions of Asia and
Africa and scientifically named as Mitragyna speciosa Korth. In the
US, it is better known as Kratom. The tree can generally grow up to
30m in height with dark green leaves and yellowish flowers. It has
many amazing medicinal properties but such as an active compound
called mytragynine. This compound is said to have a stimulating and
sedative effects on the brain and this is causing much concern among
the societies and the authorities.
The locals who knew all about the psychoactive
properties of this plant has come up with various ways to stimulate
themselves. The most common is by concocting some sort of tea from
the leaves of the tree. This is not unusual in Thailand and
Malaysia. Such concoction is made by boiling the leaves in water for
a couple of hours. It would later go through a process of forced
cooling where the boiling container would be placed into a bigger
container of cold water. This process would give the drink a slight
hazy colloidal colour which locals saw as visually appealing. The
fact that children as young as 12 year olds have been found buying
this home made concoction from village stalls. There were also
reports of some other unusual methods of using the tree leaves
for self intoxication. So far, we have heard of stories where the
leaves are mixed with cow dung and tobacco later to be smoked as
cigarettes. There is also stories that betel leave lovers have added
the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa Korth for that additional kick into
their daily munching routines.
A quick
search in any of the major search engines would display websites
that openly disclose recipes to make intoxicating drinks from this
tree. It doesn’t end there; we even have websites that shares their
knowledge of producing many other intoxicating tonics as well! Parents and societies have every right
to be concerned. Heaven knows what would happen if such habits
becomes the norms of any society.
Saidul A Shaari
is the principal and founder of Sahabatul
Ventures, specializing in helping aspiring home based entrepreneurs
establish and setup their online businesses cost effectively.
An enterprising business individual who turn half ideas into real
money making opportunities.
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