In countries of southeastern Asia, kratom has been used for centuries because of its therapeutic properties (such as sedative, analgesic or even euphoric). And it is thanks to these properties that kratom popularity has spread worldwide. But while people of southeastern Asia has traditionally consumed kratom by chewing its leaves, in other parts of the world where kratom is becoming popular it is more often consumed by adding it to sauces, smoothies, drinks, or, most commonly, brewed into a tea.
However, even though tea is quite likely the most popular way of ingesting kratom, there are many users who are switching to kratom capsules, so they can avoid kratom bitter taste. In this article we will show you the pros and cons of kratom tea and kratom capsules, so you can choose which of them is best for you.
Kratom Tea Pros and Cons
Tea is one of the most common ways of ingesting kratom. By this process, the active elements of the kratom leaves dissolve into the water that we drink.
Pros of Kratom Tea
It acts very quickly. This is probably one of the major advantages of kratom tea. When dissolved in hot water, the active elements of kratom (including alkaloids mitragynine, 7-OH and mitraphylline) our body can absorb them very quickly. Therefore, you can also feel the effects of kratom very quickly.
It is easy to prepare. Making a tea is incredibly easy and simple. Everybody can prepare a tea and has the necessary tools. You can also add sugar, honey or any other to sweetener to cover its bitterness.
It is cheaper than other options. Yes, kratom powder and dried leaves are more affordable than other options (such as kratom capsules, for instance).
Cons of Kratom Tea
Its taste. Kratom peculiar bitterness and taste is unfavored by many users, who seek for different ways of covering it (in smoothies, sauces, fruit juice…). There are even users who just cannot stand kratom earthy taste.
It takes time to prepare. Yes, making a tea is very easy. However, it still takes some time (you need to wait for the water to boil, then leave the kratom leaves or powder to infuse until its active elements are extracted).
Kratom Capsules Pros and Cons
Many users prefer kratom capsules. Not only those who dislike the taste of kratom. But also other consumers who are seeking a more convenient way of consuming kratom. If you choose to buy kratom capsules from a vendor, take into account that the amount of kratom and the product (strain, extract…) will vary among vendors. So, make sure you are choosing the correct type of kratom and the milligrams per capsule that you are looking for.
Pros of Kratom Capsules
They spare you the taste of kratom
By consuming kratom in capsules, you will not have to notice its taste. This is very likely one of the major (if not the major) pros of kratom capsules.
Kratom capsules are very convenient
Because of its size, you can take kratom capsules with you everywhere, so you do not need to be home to consume your kratom dosage. Just take the kratom capsules with you and you will be able to ingest them whenever wherever you want to.
Kratom properties last longer
By keeping kratom powder in capsules, it will remain fresher for longer.
Cons of Kratom Capsules
The effects will take longer to be felt
This is the greatest disadvantage of consuming kratom in capsules. It will take you longer to feel its effects as our body needs to digest the capsule before the kratom goes to our brain through our bloodstream.
Kratom in capsules may be less potent
There are some users who claim that kratom in capsules is less potent than powdered kratom. The possible explanation is that our body never absorbs the kratom powder contained in a capsule completely. Because of this, some of the kratom powder is lost during the digestion process. Nonetheless, other users report not to notice any difference.
Kratom capsules are not that easy to find
Even though it is not difficult to find kratom capsules online, not all kratom sellers provide this kind of product. Because of that, you might find that your favorite vendor does not sell kratom capsules.
Kratom capsules are more expensive than kratom powder
To save money, you can also make your own capsules at home. But bear in mind that you will need to buy the capsules. Also, you will lose some kratom in the process. Unless you use a filling machine, as we explain below.
Kratom capsules are not suitable for vegetarians
Most of the kratom capsules that you can buy are made of gelatin, which is of animal origin. If you are a vegetarian and want to take kratom in capsules, you will need to make your own using vegetarian capsules. You can find cellulose capsules very easily online.
Capsules can be difficult to swallow
Some people find it hard to swallow capsules. In the case of kratom capsules, the smaller the capsule, the less amount of product it will contain. So, you will need larger capsules and even take several of them to reach the desired effects.
If you enjoy kratom effects, but cannot put up with its taste, you can try and make your own kratom capsules. As you will notice, the process may turn out somewhat “clumsy”. Therefore you could use a filling machine. By using a filling machine, you’ll make sure the capsules have the same amount of product. And you won’t lose any kratom during the process.
