The confusing legality and regulation of kratom can cause issues among consumers interested in learning more about trying the herb. Below is a guide to one of the forms that kratom comes in: kratom powder.
What Is Kratom Powder?
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree — Mitragyna speciosa — that can be found in different parts of Southeast Asia. As the name indicates, kratom powder is the powdered form of the plant. Traditionally, the leaves of the plant are chewed raw or else brewed into tea for recreational drinking. The leaves may also be dried and processed into a fine powder. Kratom powder is one of the more commonly-used methods of ingesting kratom because of its versatility, and modern users often ingest the powdered form in capsules and as an additive to foods and beverages. It can be consumed in a variety of ways, and it is easy to deal with.
Kratom Powder Uses
There are a variety of reasons for choosing to use kratom powder, and new studies are showing additional benefits as time goes on. It is important to be aware that the relationships between kratom’s active components and potential applications are still being explored — but some examples of why people use kratom include:
- Reducing physical discomfort
- Alleviating uneasy feelings
- Boosting energy
- Increasing focus
- Helping with dependence
- Promoting relaxation
- Reducing restlessness
- Reducing inflammation
- Helping suppress appetite
- Increasing libido
- Enhancing immunity
Additionally, there are various ongoing studies that are attempting to provide insight into the correlation between kratom consumption and different health issues — potential applications that are being researched include:
One of the reasons behind kratom powder’s popularity is that the powdered form lends itself to a variety of ways to take kratom. Kratom leaves and extracts have limited consumption methods, while kratom powder can be mixed with food, mixed with liquids, put into capsules, and consumed plain.
Kratom Powder Dosage
If you are new to kratom, it is important to understand how much kratom you should take. Different strains, as well as the amount of kratom consumed, can cause different effects for different people; so it is crucial to fully understand kratom safety and dosages prior to use. Although recommendations vary, below are suggestions on dosages:
- Female users:
- 125 pounds or less – between 0.25 and 0.50 grams
- 125 pounds to 160 lbs – between 0.50 and 0.75 grams
- 160 pounds or more – between 0.75 and 1.00 grams
- Male users:
- 150 pounds or less – between 0.75 and 1.50 grams
- 150 pounds to 210 pounds – between 1.50 and 2.25 grams
- 210 pounds or more – between 2.25 and 3.00 grams
Keep in mind, it is better to take too little than too much. Take smaller amounts and add more if you feel like you need to. Avoid adding in more than 0.25 grams increments if you choose to take more kratom than recommended above.
You should also consider that your body type comes into play with how much you should take. Botanicals affect everyone’s body differently. If you are new to using kratom you may not need as much to feel its effects. If you are a frequent kratom user, you will likely have built up a tolerance to the plant and may wish to consume larger dosages in order to feel your desired effects.
Additionally, you should consider the strain and their respective effects. There are three main varieties of kratom and each type functions differently — in how fast they act, and the duration:
- Slow-acting kratom
- Moderate-acting kratom
- Fast-acting kratom
When you are buying kratom be sure to understand how fast or slow-acting it may be so that you do not add unnecessary amounts prior to the kratom taking effect.
How to Take Kratom Powder
There are a variety of ways to use kratom. It ultimately comes down to consumer preference and the amount of time or effort that you want to put in..
Kratom Tea
You can mix kratom powder with hot water to make kratom tea. It is important not to mix kratom directly with boiling water because the heat can destroy the alkaloids found in the kratom. Below are instructions for making kratom tea:
- Boil water — either in a kettle or in a pot on the stove;
- Measure and place your kratom in a mug or glass;
- Allow water to stop boiling, then pour water over the dosage and let the mixture sit for a minute;
- Stir the mixture until everything is dissolved. If the mixture will not dissolve, add more hot water.
Kratom has a very distinct, bitter taste on its own, so you may want to combine other ingredients like tea bags, coffee, milk, creamer, half and half, honey, sugar, or artificial sweetener. If you do not prefer hot drinks, you can always add ice — it doesn’t matter if you drink your kratom warm or cold.
Kratom Capsules
Kratom capsules are considered one of the most convenient methods of consumption. You can either buy the capsules pre-packaged with kratom powder, or you can purchase the powder and capsules and package them yourself. There are two types of capsules: 00 capsules, and 000 capsules. Be sure to use the 000 capsules for kratom powder as the 00 capsules are intended for kratom extracts. The 000 capsules are larger, so you don’t need to use as many to get the required dosage.
Toss ‘n Wash
The “toss ‘n wash” method is simple. You toss the dosage of kratom directly into your mouth, and then you wash it down with some form of liquid. Common liquids are juices (especially bitter juices, like orange juice or grapefruit juice) or water. You can choose whatever liquid you want, but sweet liquids tend to taste odd with the bitter taste of kratom.
Be careful doing this, because it can be easy to choke, gag, or cough — both wasting the kratom, and potentially harming yourself. Although many like the simplicity of this method, if you are someone who requires larger dosages, you may need to do this in several attempts. Even if you are taking small doses, some still choose to break it up into smaller portions and “toss ‘n wash” multiple times.
Be sure to take a deep breath before tossing to avoid choking, and drink plenty of fluid before, during, and after consumption for proper washing.
Kratom powder is one of the many forms of kratom that is readily available for individuals. The dosages, uses, and consumption methods vary depending on the consumer and their personal preferences.
