Kratom extracts are very popular among many members of the kratom community. They can provide more potent effects at a much lower dose. But are kratom extracts the right choice for you? In this article, we will discuss what kratom extracts are and how they work, as well as the differences between kratom powder and kratom extracts. And we will also explore the pros and cons of using kratom extracts.
How does Kratom Work?
The leaves of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) contain over twenty alkaloids, such as mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine or mitraphylline. Kratom alkaloids activate the mu and delta receptors in your nervous system. These receptors are also known as opioid receptors and are also part of the opioid system. This system groups the opioid receptors and endogenous opioids that your own body produces, such as endorphins, enkephalins or dynorphins. The opioid system manages pain, mood, addictive behavior, pleasure, and even decision-making processing. It even seems to impact cognitive function. The opioid receptors are activated by the endogenous and exogenous (that is, external) opioids, opiates, and other substances. Those substances include kratom’s alkaloids or some proteins found in dairy products.
By activating the opioid receptors, kratom alkaloids can trigger different actions, including:
- Pain relief
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Stimulation
- Focus improvement
Hence, millions of people have turned to kratom to cope with pain, anxiety or depression. It is also a good natural remedy to get an energy boost. And according to a lot of anecdotal evidence, kratom also seems very useful to manage the symptoms of withdrawal when fighting an addiction.
Considering this wide range of properties, it is only natural that kratom has become such a popular product. Extracts are a more potent form of kratom, but are kratom extracts the right choice for you? We will discuss it in the sections below.
What Are Kratom Extracts?
You will easily find that kratom powder is the most common kratom format. Kratom powder is made of dried leaves that were ground to a fine powder. The M. speciosa trees grow in Southeast Asia, in countries like Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia. It is in Indonesia where local farmers pick the best kratom leaves to prepare the powder that you will eventually get.
Kratom extracts are concentrated forms of kratom. Because they contain a higher level of alkaloids, kratom extracts are more potent than pure kratom powder.
There are different types of kratom extracts, depending on the extraction method. For instance, you can find kratom liquid tincture (made with water or water and ethanol) or kratom resin. But you will also find powdered kratom extracts.
Kratom Extracts Grading System
If you want to buy kratom extracts, you will find they are commonly graded with a digit and an “X”. For instance, you can find 25X kratom extract or 50X kratom extract. Does this mean that a 25X extract is 25 stronger than regular kratom powder? No, it does not mean that. In fact, this grading system may be misleading for many users. These gradings refer to the extract concentration by volume. So, how should you read this? For instance, a 25X extract means that 25 grams of kratom were used to produce 1 gram of kratom extract. For a 10X extract, you should need 10 grams of kratom leaves or powder to obtain 1 gram of extract. And so on.
Are Kratom Extracts the Right Choice for You? Pros and Cons of Kratom Extracts
At first sight, kratom extracts may seem more convenient than pure kratom powder. In the end, you will need a lower dosage to obtain the same or even stronger effects. But this is not always the case. So, are kratom extracts the right choice for you? Let’s find out!
With so many different types of extracts available (different potency, different format) using kratom extracts may require some expertise. You will need to make sure you use the right dosage to avoid side effects. Thus, kratom extracts are not the best choice for kratom new users. If you are new to kratom, you will first need to learn how to establish your own kratom dosage. And even find the best kratom strain for you. Moreover, pure kratom powder may be enough for you, as it is for most users who defend kratom powder vs. kratom extracts.
Using kratom extracts might increase the risks of experiencing kratom side effects, which include:
- Constipation and dehydration
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Eye wobbles
- Digestive issues
Furthermore, kratom extracts might also speed up kratom tolerance. After using kratom for a while, especially if you consume extracts or high doses, its alkaloids may eventually become ineffective. Therefore, you will need to increase your dosage gradually in order to notice its effects. That is why you should always be very careful with the dosage and avoid taking kratom on a daily basis.
On the other hand, kratom extracts are more expensive than kratom powder. In many cases, much more expensive. For many users, the price difference is not worth it. Nevertheless, for many other users, kratom extracts help them achieve a pain-free life or cope with their ailments in a very effective way.
However, there are some kratom extracts that you can make at home. The process is not very difficult, and you can find many different recipes.
And what do you think? Are kratom extracts the right choice for you?
