But what exactly is kratom? Where does it come from and what is it used for? The drug is formed of leaves from the kratom tree – or Mitragyna Speciosa – a plant related to coffee that grows in southeast Asia. Leaves from the plant have been used as a traditional medicine for centuries, but in recent years it has become a popular psychoactive substance in a number of Western countries. Kratom is regularly consumed by chewing, smoking, swallowing in capsule form, or drinking in a kratom tea made from powder or dried leaves. At low doses, it acts as a stimulant and alleviates tiredness, but at higher doses euphoric effects can occur. It is commonly used to treat pain, anxiety and withdrawal from narcotics or heroin