Intro to Kratom: Learning How to Take It

Intro to Kratom: Learning How to Take It

How to Take Kratom Powder

Made from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa (an evergreen tree found throughout Southeast Asia), Kratom is a powerful holistic health supplement purported to exert a myriad of desirable effects.

Although research is always an ongoing effort, some studies have demonstrated Kratom’s potential for helping individuals improve their overall quality of life, health and perceived well-being. 

Given it’s popularity among users, many who are new to Kratom, have questions about how to take it. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular ways to take kratom, as well as discuss the varying types of preparations. For more information, you can check out our main page, The Kratom Connection.

NOTE: Remember, as with any herbal supplement, results often vary, and you should always discuss the use of any new regimen with your healthcare provider before starting. This guide is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. 

green borneo kratom powder

How to Take Kratom Powder: Methods and Preparations  

Kratom typically comes in powder form, leaving many novice users unsure of how to best prepare it for use.

One of the main challenges around preparing the powder for consumption, is the unappetizingly bitter taste. This may be especially off-putting for those who don’t tolerate the natural bitterness black coffee or raw cocoa well. 

1. Mix It With Your Favorite Drink

Simple, fast and efficient, many users opt to simply mix Kratom into their favorite beverage in an attempt to mask the bitter palette. 

The Best Types of Drinks to Mix Kratom With Include:

  • Teas
  • Coffee
  • Any tart or citrus juice such as lemonade or orange juice 

PRO TIP:If the resulting solution is still too distasteful, plug your nose and chug. Studies show that over 80% of our taste actually comes from the sense of smell.

2. Taking Kratom With Food

A quick search on the internet will reveal a myriad of recipes that combine kratom with food. However, given it’s bitterness, we find that kratom is best when incorporated into dishes that already have an element of bitterness (such as those using cacao), or those which are sweet to balance out the bitterness. 

PRO TIP: Kratom may cause stomach discomfort when taken on an empty stomach. Taking kratom with food may help reduce discomfort as well as aid in digestion. However, be advised that the onset of effects may come on slower. So be patient and don’t overdo it.

3. Taking Kratom as a Tea

One of the most popular methods of preparation is as a delectable tea. In fact, kratom, having been a staple of holistic and natural healing for centuries, was historically prepared and ingested as a kratom-infused tea.

Kratom tea has a few notable benefits over other preparations:

  • You can add as much or as little as needed, easily adjusting the dose
  • Tea tends to damper the bitterness of kratom
  • Tea may enhance the natural concentration of kratom alkaloids

4. Kratom Capsules 

Fast, convenient, and precisely dosed, encapsulated kratom is an oft-preferred mode of ingestion for those on the go or who need the added accuracy of pre-measured doses. Capsules also eliminate the need to mitigate any bitterness, allowing the user to simply swallow the capsule as they would any medication or supplement. One common downside reported by kratom enthusiasts is that the capsules take longer to break down inside your stomach and it takes longer to feel the effects.

PRO TIP: Always wash down the capsules with 8-12oz of water for best effect.

green borneo kratom capsules

5. The ‘Toss and Wash’ Method 

This one isn’t for the ‘faint of heart’, but it is a method employed among some avid kratom users. 

Here is How its Done:

  • Get yourself a large glass of water (or any non-alcoholic beverage of your choosing)
  • Measure out the dose of Kratom you want to take
  • Here’s where it gets interesting…
  • Place the measured dose of kratom powder directly on your tongue. DO NOT breathe in or swallow.
  • Take a BIG gulp of your drink but don’t swallow. Instead, swish the fluid around your mouth, mixing with the kratom to form a solution.
  • Swallow

PRO TIP: We suggest taking a few extra sips and swishing around in your mouth to cleanse your palate and get all of the kratom down the hatch.

Methods of Ingesting Kratom to Avoid

Despite the number of ways you can ingest kratom, there are a few which should be avoided due to potential health hazards and undesirable side effects.

Avoid the Following:

  • Smoking kratom
  • Snorting kratom
  • Injecting kratom
  • Taking kratom as a suppository 

What is the Best Way to Take Kratom?

The best way to take Kratom is largely up to your personal preference, tolerance of it’s bitterness, and needs. Those seeking the ultimate in convenience may opt for pre-measured capsules, while others who partake at home or before going out may opt for a simple powder mix or prefer relaxing with a delectable tea.

Whatever you decide, enjoy responsibly.