Kratom comes in a wide range of products, the most common being powder. But did you know that you can transform your favorite kratom powder into a highly potent, concentrated extract?
Although not advisable for first-timers or beginners, making kratom extracts can be both a fun and rewarding experience. But be advised, a little goes a LONG way.
First, a brief introduction to extracts. An extract of kratom in its simplest terms is a concentrated form of the plant. This concentrated form tends to be potent, concentrating the naturally occurring alkaloids responsible for kratom’s desired effects.
Generally speaking, extracts of kratom are either alcohol or water-based. Although both can be just as potent as the other, alcohol-based extracts tend to preserve the alkaloids for longer periods of time. Oh, and don’t worry about getting drunk, we’re talking about drops not shot glasses.
1. Choose your preferred strain/vein of kratom.
2. The amount of kratom needed will vary depending on the intended size of your tincture bottles or how much you want to produce. You may need to experiment a bit here. That said, around 100-150g is a good place to start.
3. Fill a mason jar with your kratom powder,
4. Add either distilled water or ethanol to the mason jar using a 1:4 ratio of kratom to liquid. This means that for every 4 ounces of kratom used you will need 1 liter of alcohol (or distilled water). Make sure that the mixture does not fill up more than 50% of the jar.
*Alcohol is preferred if you intend on storing the extract for longer periods of time.
5. Mix well
6. Next, slowly add an ounce at a time of citric acid to the mixture. Doing so aids with improving the extraction process while preserving the integrity of kratom’s alkaloids. NOTE: Citric acid is different from Vit C. However, as an alternative, you may use freshly squeezed pure lemon juice.
7. After adding each ounce of citric acid and stirring thoroughly, use your pH strips to test the acidity. Your goal is to reach a pH of 4. If you go a little over it’s not a big deal but could be a bit harsh on the mouth and may require dilution with alcohol to reduce acidity.
8. Next up, add glycerin to your mixture. This step is optional and there isn’t a standard amount to add here. However, a 1:4 ratio is advisable if you opt to use it. Why consider adding glycerin? Food grade glycerin can help break down any byproducts of oils and fats and may improve the mixture for those who cannot use alcohol in their extract.
9. Shake the mixture vigorously until you achieve a smooth consistent solution
TIME FOR OPTIONS
Choose one of the following:
A. Store the jar in a dark cool space for 7 days;
B. Heat a pot of hot water and place the jar in the pot letting it sit for around an hour or so. Repeat this process twice more.
C. Place the jar in a crockpot and ‘cook’ them on low heat for around three days.
10. Once you’ve allowed your mixture to sit for the prescribed amount of time above, it’s time to get your strainer. Cheesecloth works great for this step and effectively removes any remaining large particulates (such as pieces of kratom leaf or stems).
11. After straining, return the remaining liquid to the jars and let it sit as long as it takes for around 50% of it to naturally evaporate (be patient).
12. Once around ½ of the solution has evaporated, you can transfer it to your tincture bottles for use.
Kratom extracts can be made into a tincture with alcohol or water, as a resin, or in its simplest form, as a heavily steeped tea. Extracts offer a quick, convenient and potent way for you to enjoy your favorite kratom strains, at home or on the go.