Shopping for kratom can be both overwhelming and frustrating to many people, especially for kratom newbies. This is due to the many varieties of kratom and the many formats that are available in the market. Moreover, since kratom is relatively new in the Western countries there is not so much information about it yet, and sometimes it’s difficult to find what you are looking for. And, additionally, due to the sensitive nature of the product and the fact that it is not yet approved as a supplement by the FDA, kratom vendors can’t give advice on how to take kratom.
For all these reasons, many people feel frustrated when they try to buy kratom for the first times. So, following our article on the best way to take kratom, we’ll try to explain what are the most common kratom formats that you can find in the market.
Kratom Properties and Effects
The popularity of kratom has dramatically increased in recent times thanks to its properties and benefits. Despite the efforts of the FDA trying to include this substance in the Schedule, I of the CSA, kratom advocates have been able to stop it and kratom still remains legal in most US States. Although there are not enough studies on how kratom acts in the system, these kratom advocates report that the substance has helped them alleviate a wide number of conditions. Namely, kratom users report that it has the following properties:
- Pain reliever and analgesic
- Antianxiety and stress relief
- Calming and relaxing
- Sedative
- Energy boosting
- Improves mood, focus, and motivation
- Helps ease opiate withdrawal symptoms
For all these reasons, more and more people are interested in trying kratom to find out if it can alleviate their illnesses and conditions.
Kratom Types Vs. Kratom Formats
When shopping for kratom for the first time, you’ll see that there are many kratom types and strains in the market. On the other hand, you’ll find that kratom comes in different formats. But are kratom types and kratom formats the same thing? The answer is no.
Whilst kratom types and strains refer to the specific kratom variety, kratom formats refer to the way kratom is presented and sold. For instance, red vein, white vein, and green vein are kratom types and Maeng Da and Bali kratom are strains or varieties. All these strains, types and varieties are sold in different formats such as powder, capsules, and extracts.
But, once you know the difference, what are the most common kratom formats and how do you take them? Let’s see them below.
What Are the Most Common Kratom Formats?
As we mentioned above, kratom comes in different formats. Each of these formats has different methods of preparation and intake. Also, the dosage may vary depending on them. Let’s explore the most common kratom formats and how to consume each of them.
Kratom Powder
The most popular kratom type in the market is kratom powder. Most (if not all) kratom vendors offer this format. In order to get kratom powder, the leaves of the plant are separated from the stem and vein and then crushed into a fine powder.
But, how do you take kratom powder?
- Using the toss and wash method: this consists of scooping your kratom dose into your mouth and washing it down with a glass of water or juice.
- Brewing the powder into a tea and drink it.
- Mixing it with sweeteners, such as applesauce or yogurt.
The advantage of preparing kratom tea is that, by brewing the powder, you’ll be able to kill most bacteria that might be present.
Kratom Extracts
Although they come in powder form, kratom extracts are a bit different from regular powder. They contain a more concentrated alkaloid amount, which makes them more potent than regular powder. Typically, you’ll see that kratom extracts are sold by a number followed by an X, i.e.: 20x, 50x, etc. This doesn’t mean that the potency is 20 or 50 times stronger than regular kratom. The number refers to the concentration by volume. So, a 20x concentration means that an initial amount of 20 grams have been concentrated in 1 gram.
Kratom Capsules
As you may guess, kratom capsules are exactly that: capsules filled with kratom powder. Many users prefer this format, as it is a good way to avoid kratom’s taste. Nevertheless, not many kratom vendors offer this format. On the other hand, the downside to this format is that you can’t really control your dosage. But the good news is that you can easily make your own kratom capsules at home.
Kratom Tincture
This is a liquid kratom extract format. Typically, it is sold in little bottles with a dropper to measure the dosage. To consume kratom tincture, you’ll need to place a few drops under your tongue and leave it there without swallowing until it’s fully absorbed. Although it is an easy way to take kratom, there is a downside to it: it’s bitter taste. That’s why many people prefer to dissolve their dose in a juice or mix it with yogurt or applesauce.
Kratom Resin
Kratom resin format consists of a solid mass that is made by boiling the leaves and leaving them to boil until the water completely evaporates. The leftover residue is what we know as kratom resin. Like tincture, kratom resin is a form of extract, so you will need to consider the potency to measure your dose. Typically, to consume resin, you’ll need to boil it in water until it dissolves to prepare a tea.
Enhanced Kratom
Enhanced, super enhanced and ultra enhanced kratom are more potent types of kratom powder. Nevertheless, they are not the same as extracts. This kratom format is regular kratom powder that has been processed to increase their alkaloid content. Although they are not the same as extracts, their potency is greater, so you’ll need a smaller dose to experience its effects.
Kratom Stem and Vein
When processing kratom leaves, the material substance of the leaf is separated from the stem and vein. This will be later packed and sold under the name of kratom stem and vein. This format has its own properties and effects. Kratom stem and vein is typically milder than regular kratom leaf and some people add it to the powder to potentiate its effects. Others report that using stem and vein will help them reduce their tolerance.
Finally, remember that it is crucial to find your kratom dose for each format. But take into account that there is no general rule about the right kratom dosage. As every person is different, he or she will also react differently to the dosage. So, it is recommended to always start on a low dose and start increasing from there until you feel the effects that you are looking for. Also, remember not to exceed a daily dosage of 8-10 grams to avoid developing tolerance.
