The Chiang Mai temple in Thailand.

What is Sakae Naa? Uses, Benefits, & History

Share this post: twitterfacebookpinterest Whatsapp

What is Sakae Naa: Thailand’s Magical Tree

Known colloquially as Sakae Naa, Combretum quadrangulare is a Southeast-Asian tree that produces leaves with a similar appearance and taste to kratom (Mitragyna speciosa).

This tropical tree grows natively in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar (Burma) and can be found in wetlands and in jungles along the riverbanks. Legend has it that Combretum quadrangulare may even have magical powers!

Meet the Combretum Family

There are over 370 known plants in the Combretum family, many of which share properties with Sakae Naa and all of which grow in tropical areas across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Many of these herbs, shrubs, and trees are known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and are also used traditionally as remedies for digestive disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, malaria, and wound care.

A Valued Leaf in Thai Culture

In Thailand, where recreational kratom has officially been banned since 1943, Combretum quadrangulare has provided a welcome kratom alternative that looks and works somewhat similar to Mitragyna speciosa—although its effects are not as strong.

Until now, Sakae Naa has not been widely known outside of Asia and has only started gaining traction recently among those looking for natural stimulants.

What is Sakae Naa Used for Traditionally and in Modern Times?

A brown-colored river in the jungle in Tambon Lum Sun, Thailand.

While Sakae Naa has only started making its way out of Asia in the last few years, Combretum quadrangulare has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a remedy for mild ailments such as sore throats and the common cold.

In Thailand and Myanmar (Burma), users pluck the Sakae Naa leaves directly off the trees and use them while they are still fresh. Similar to kratom, the leaves of the Combretum quadrangulare plant act as a natural stimulant to help laborers endure a long and hard day’s work.

What is Sakae Naa’s Effect on the Body?

Online accounts on Combretum quadrangulare describe the herb as having an incense-like smell and pleasantly stimulating effects that are similar to a caffeine-rush. Users describe Sakae Naa as great for a productive day but warn readers not to use this leaf in the afternoon or evening as it is known to cause insomnia.

What is Sakae Naa Like When Compared to Kratom?

Those who have done much reading about kratom will notice that many of the short and long-term side effects of Combretum quadrangulare are very similar to those of kratom. The principal effects that kratom and Sakae Naa have in common are their energizing and stimulating aromas. Whereas kratom is also used for relaxation, mood enhancement, and relief from physical discomfort, Sakae Naa is mostly limited to its energizing properties. As a consequence, kratom users who enjoy the green and white kratom varieties will probably enjoy Sakae Naa as well.

What is Sakae Naa’s Legal Status?

In contrast to kratom—which is illegal in a number of states and countries—Combretum quadrangulare is largely unregulated and easy to find online. Please note, however, that Sakae Naa has also not been approved by the FDA as a standardized drug or supplement. At Kratora, our pure dried Sakae Naa powder is sold for incense purposes and is not intended for human consumption.

The Science Behind Sakae Naa

Very little research has examined the properties and effects of Combretum quadrangulare. However, one study has found that a MeHO extract from the seeds had a liver-protective effect in mice. This effect was attributed to the flavonoids and triterpenes found in the plant.

Another study showed that Sakae Naa seeds have antibacterial properties and can last for years if stored in a dry, airtight container.

Shop the Best Sakae Naa Online at Kratora

Here at Kratora, in our collection of premium kratom alternatives, we offer top-quality fresh Sakae Naa powder that comes directly from our trusted suppliers in Southeast Asia. Our special powdering technology grinds the leaves to a sugar-like consistency for the smoothest result, and our packaging keeps the powder fresher for longer.

Shop with us today to receive same-day shipping on orders submitted before 3 PM EST Monday through Friday and 1 PM EST on Saturdays (excluding holidays)!

Please note that none of the products sold on our website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Please note that the US FDA has not approved this product to be sold for human consumption, sold for external use only. None of the products sold on our website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Want to learn more about kratom quality and value? Start here:
Why Buying Cheap Kratom Can Be Dangerous

Author Bio

Colleen

Author Picture

Colleen is a part owner of Kratora along with her brother David. Kratora was founded in 2013 by David with Colleen joining the team later in 2017. The siblings were born and raised in the Bay Area and spent most of their professional years working in Silicon Valley. Their interest in botanicals began in the early 2000s as they cared for a sick family member and quickly grew into the passion that formed Kratora.

Colleen and the team at Kratora are dedicated to providing the best quality botanicals on the market along with the best customer service. They believe their loyal customers are what makes Kratora so special! Over their many years in business it has always brought them joy to work with their customers and see how botanicals are changing lives for the better.

Kratora’s vision is to help their customers live a better life by consistently providing the highest quality, safest, and purest botanicals on the market. Colleen and her team specialize in regular kratom, kratom extracts, liquid kratom, even kratom gummies — plus a lot of kratom alternative products. Kratora is always looking to expand their product line while remaining true to their high standards.

Colleen believes in transparency between the Kratora team and the expert farmers in South Asia which is why they follow Fair Trade policies. Without these farmers, Kratora would not have any products to sell. As part of Colleen’s commitment in providing the highest quality botanicals, Kratora invests highly into third-party lab testing for all of the products they sell.

In Business Since

2013

# Of Satisfied Customers

70,000 +

Overall Review Rating

4.9/5

Yellow Stars

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Kratora Leaves

Exclusive Offer!

Save 15% on Your Order

When You Keep Up with Kratom on Our Blog!

Coupon Code: BLOG15

*Limit one coupon per customer.