Will Using Kratom Sublingually Cause You to Feel the Effects Sooner?

With the popularity of kratom on the rise, many consumers are looking for new and effective ways to enjoy this herb. Traditionally in the form of a powder, kratom is often mixed in foods, drinks, teas, and other concoctions.

But can you use kratom sublingually? Will using kratom sublingually cause you to feel the effects sooner?

In this guide we’ll answer those and other questions about using kratom sublingually, giving you the rundown on the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision for yourself. Don’t forget to read our latest article, the Basics of Growing Kratom.

What is Sublingually Dosing Kratom?

Taking a supplement, herb or medication sublingually refers to the placement of the product underneath the tongue. The user holds the product in this position without swallowing, allowing it to dissolve and absorb through the dense vasculature of the tissues located under the tongue.

Why Might Sublingual Dosing for Kratom Be Used?

Be it kratom, a drug or another herb, sublingual dosing is sometimes suggested by healthcare professionals or wellness advocates for situations when:

Faster introduction of the product into the bloodstream is desirable
An individual may have issues with swallowing
Eating or drinking the product causes stomach discomfort

How Does Sublingual Dosing Kratom Work?

The tissue under the tongue is rich with capillaries. This microvasculature is also located just beneath a very thin, more permeable, layer of skin. Here, certain compounds, when dissolved, are small enough to be absorbed through the skin and into these tiny blood vessels, offering a more direct path to the bloodstream than through digestion.

How to Use Kratom Sublingually:

NOTE: Dosing kratom sublingually works best with a liquid kratom extract or kratom solution. If you have powder that can be used in a pinch, or you may want to make a small concentrated solution from your powder to improve effectiveness.

TIP: Kratom powder can be quite bitter. If you’re not using an extract, consider mixing the dose with honey, flavored baking extracts (they come in all sorts of flavors), or even vanilla extract.

If you have kratom extract, fill the dropper to the desired dose. Similarly, if you’re working with a powder, measure out your dose (we suggest mixing with a bit of juice or tea to make a small paste or solution).

Lift your tongue upwards and place the contents of the dropper or solution underneath your tongue.

Lower your tongue and leave the kratom underneath for between 1-3 minutes. The longer you leave it under the tongue the more it will absorb. Although anything more than 5 minutes is overkill.

IMPORTANT: do NOT swallow during the timeframe kratom is held under the tongue

Once 1-5 minutes have passed, you may either spit out the kratom or swallow it.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Kratom Sublingually?

Will Using Kratom Sublingually Cause You to Feel The Effects Sooner?

Yes. One of the major benefits of sublingually dosing anything is that it is absorbed into the bloodstream faster than many other modes of administration. This can result in the effects of kratom taking place sooner, sometimes within just a few minutes, a stark contrast to waiting 20+ minutes when consumed in a smoothie or with a snack.

Bypass the Liver

Because kratom taken sublingually bypasses digestion, it also skips processing by the liver. This may result in more potent results from a smaller dose.

A Purer Experience

Harsh stomach acids and metabolic breakdown can cause chemical and compound degradation. Enzymes, stomach acid, bile and more can all impact the purity and potency of kratom’s natural alkaloids, potentially rendering them less effective or potent.

Improved Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to the ability of a substance or compound to be absorbed by the body, where it becomes bio-available for use. In the case of kratom, sublingual absorption has a higher bioavailability than does ingestion.

Convenience and Discretion

Sublingual dosing can be done with small amounts of extract or powder, making dosing both convenient as well as discreet.

Feel it Faster By Taking Kratom Sublingually

Although a less common mode of use, taking kratom sublingually has its place and benefits that might be worth considering. For those that value the speed to effect ratio, this method of dosing offers faster results than does taking kratom with food or drink.

However, it is not without its potential downsides. If you don’t have access to a concentrated extract, you may need to make your own. If you have to make a ‘solution’ out of the powder (and not a concentrated extract), you may find that you are unable to get enough of a dose to fit in the space under your tongue.

Lastly, dosing orally can leave you bitter. Or at least your mouth that is. Kratom is notoriously bitter, and you may need to experiment with ways to mask that if you opt to try sublingual dosing.