The Different Benefits of Kratom Powder, Capsules and Extracts

Everything you Need to Know to Get the Most from Your Kratom

Although kratom remained popular in regions of its origin, the world was slower to adopt the use of this mysterious botanical. Recently, however, this holistic supplement has seen a marked increase in popularity around the world. The last two decades have seen an explosion in its use, with some estimates reporting more than 15 million users in the United States alone.

As people around the world learn about the potential benefits of this natural supplement, feedback from millions of individuals has been overwhelmingly positive, with users reporting results ranging from pain relief to reducing stress and tension while uplifting mood.

The cat is out of the bag so to speak, and kratom is on a fast-track to becoming one of the most revered and sought-after supplements among Western and other regions alike. With these developments has come increased demand for safe, reliable, and convenient ways to use kratom.

Although how you decide to use kratom may boil down to personal preference, each form has its own unique benefits. From kratom powder and capsules, to extracts, this guide will take you on an exploratory journey of the most popular ways to take kratom, along with their potential benefits.

What is Kratom and What are the Benefits of Kratom Powder vs Capsules or Extracts?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a popular traditional medicinal herb native to South Asia. For ages, this herb has been used for its purported analgesic, stimulant and euphoric effects. 

Throughout the centuries, it was widely popularized by agriculturists and country workers in Thailand and other South Asian nations. The natives of these regions chewed on Kratom leaves as a way to stay energized, focused, relaxed, uplifted and vigilant during the dull and rigid working days.

Today, savvy consumers around the world use kratom for a myriad of health concerns and to improve overall mental and physical well-being.

Kratom Powder

Kratom powder is made from the careful grinding of kratom leaves. The leaves from the kratom tree may be dried mechanically or left to dry in the sun naturally. Care is taken to carefully maintain proper levels of humidity and to prevent oxidation.

When the leaves have been properly dried, the leaves are then ground into a powder that can be as fine as flour or as course as crushed tea leaves.

Apart from making tea, Kratom powder can be taken directly with a ‘toss in your mouth’ and wash down method, or mixed in your favorite drink or food items.

A typical dosage for Kratom powder is highly dependent on the strain and other factors such as body weight, age, health, and desired effects.  Some strains like the Maeng Da, for example, are highly potent and will thus call for lower dosage for the same results as milder strains. 

TIP: A typical dosage for a starter is 2 grams. Unless you are a regular Kratom user, a dose should not go beyond 5 grams as higher doses are more often associated with uncomfortable side effects such as dizziness, nausea and insomnia.

BENEFITS OF KRATOM POWDER:

• Versatile 
• Easily stored in a cool dry place
• Can be incorporated into foods
• Can be easily mixed into drinks

DOWNSIDE OF KRATOM POWDER:

• Requires a bit of preparation (measurement, mixing, etc.)
• Could be messy / leave residue behind if you’re sloppy 
• Bitter, earthy taste
• Requires precise measurement to get the exact dose right

Kratom Extract

Kratom extract is a potent form of the herb, and should be used with care. The extraction process aims to pull out a highly concentrated dose of alkaloids from the leaves, resulting in an extract that is rich with psychoactive alkaloids.

The process involves boiling kratom leaves under high temperatures, reducing the ‘soup’ and removing moisture as the mix boils down. As the evaporation happens, the extra water leaves behind a thick paste of the herb. This thick paste later forms a black-ish resin that can either be solid or semi-solid in form.

A high-quality Kratom extract is high in Kratom alkaloids that include 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine and mitrapyhylline, and is considerably more potent as compared to Kratom leaves or powder.

BENEFITS OF KRATOM EXTRACT:

• Potent 
• Hits hard and fast
• Results in stronger effects
• A little bit goes a long way
• Can be easily stored (takes up little space)

DOWNSIDE OF KRATOM EXTRACT:

• May Be too strong for novices 
• Easy to use too much if you don’t measure correctly 
• May require special glassware or other methods to consume
• Can be sticky/messy

Kratom Capsules

Kratom, just like other dietary supplements, are also available in capsule form. Capsules are a common and convenient way to consume a wide variety of supplements, with many users finding this method simple and reliable. Capsules may also be a great option for those who may be uncomfortable with the powder’s naturally bitter taste.

Since all the capsules that come in a packet or bottle are of the same potency, it becomes much easier to dial in a preferred dosage with each use. For reference, each capsule typically has around 0.6 grams of Kratom powder.

Kratom capsules can be taken orally with the help of water or any other non-alcoholic drink of choice and may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.

BENEFITS OF KRATOM CAPSULES:

• Pre-measured
• Precise doses 
• Portable 
• Discreet 
• Easy to take on the go
• Eliminates the need to mask the powder’s bitterness 

DOWNSIDE OF KRATOM EXTRACT

• Can be more expensive than raw powder
• It May take longer to absorb and take effect

The Different Benefits of Kratom Powder, Capsules and Extracts – which is right for you?

Kratom’s rise in popularity has brought with it several interesting developments, including new and exciting ways to use the botanical. From powders and extracts, to capsules, consumers now have more choices than ever.

As to which is best for you? That is largely up to personal preference, and an answer that you may only find by trying a few different methods for yourself.