Key Takeaways:
- Kratom Dosage Guidelines: Learn how to safely determine the correct kratom dosage based on your experience, body weight, and desired effects.
- Consumption Methods: Discover various kratom consumption methods, including tea, toss-and-wash, capsules, and extracts.
- Safe Usage Tips: Find tips for avoiding side effects, such as nausea and dehydration, and learn how to use kratom responsibly.
Kratom, a powerful botanical with roots in Southeast Asia, has gained widespread attention for its versatile applications, from providing an energy boost to aiding in relaxation. However, understanding how to take kratom effectively and safely is essential for getting the most out of its benefits. Whether you’re a beginner exploring kratom for the first time or an experienced user looking to optimize your approach, knowing the right consumption methods and dosages can make all the difference in your experience.
As industry leaders in kratom research and education, Kratom IQ™ has established itself as a trusted source for reliable and accurate information about kratom and its various uses. Our dedication to offering the most comprehensive, science-backed content sets us apart as experts in the field, ensuring that our customers and readers are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
In this piece, we will be discussing the various methods of taking kratom, dosage guidelines, and tips for choosing the best approach based on your personal preferences and needs.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of this tree have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, primarily due to their stimulating and minor pain-relieving effects.³*
Kratom leaves contain active compounds called alkaloids, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine being the most prominent. These alkaloids interact with receptors in the brain, producing various effects, depending on the dosage.¹
In lower doses, kratom tends to act as a stimulant, providing energy, focus, and mild euphoria. In higher doses, it can have sedative effects, potentially helping with minor pain relief from physical activity and relaxation. This dual nature has made kratom popular for a variety of uses, from managing pain to improving mood and enhancing energy levels.¹*
What Are The Different Forms Of Kratom?
Kratom is available in several different forms, allowing users to choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. Each form has its own advantages and potential drawbacks. Here are the most common forms of kratom:
Kratom Powder
Kratom powder is made by drying and grinding the leaves of the kratom tree into a fine, greenish-brown powder. This form is highly versatile and can be easily incorporated into various methods of consumption, including mixing it with liquids like juice or smoothies, brewing it into a tea, or taking it directly using the toss and wash method. While kratom powder allows for flexible and precise dosing, some users may find the taste to be bitter and unpleasant, which can be a drawback for those with sensitive palates.
Kratom Capsules And Tablets
For those who prefer a more convenient and tasteless option, kratom capsules and tablets are an ideal choice. These forms consist of kratom powder or extract encased in a gelatin or vegetarian capsule, making them easy to swallow without the need to measure or taste the powder. Capsules and tablets provide a pre-measured dose, ensuring consistent intake, which is particularly helpful for beginners or those who value convenience. However, because the capsule must dissolve in the stomach before the kratom is absorbed, the onset of effects may be slower compared to other forms like powder or tea.
Kratom Extracts
Kratom extracts are highly concentrated forms of kratom, created by boiling kratom leaves to extract the active compounds and then reducing the liquid to a more potent product. In addition to this traditional water-based method, extraction can also be done using ethanol or other solvents, which help isolate and concentrate the desired alkaloids for a more refined and powerful final product. These extracts are available in various forms, including liquids, tinctures, and enhanced powders, each offering a more potent dose of kratom with less material needed. Due to their strength, kratom extracts require careful dosing to avoid adverse effects, making them more suitable for experienced users or those who require stronger effects. While extracts can be more expensive, their potency allows for smaller, more controlled doses.
How Do You Measure The Right Dose?
Determining the right dose of kratom is crucial for achieving the desired effects while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Since the effects of kratom can vary greatly depending on the dosage, it’s important to start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to using kratom.²
General Guidelines For Kratom Dosage
- Low Dose (1-2 grams): At this level, kratom typically acts as a mild stimulant. Users may experience increased energy, improved focus, and a slight uplift in mood.¹*
- Moderate Dose (2-5 grams): This dose range is commonly used for minor pain relief from physical activity, relaxation, and mild euphoria. It strikes a balance between the stimulating and sedative effects.*
- High Dose (5-8 grams): Higher doses are more sedative.¹*
- Very High Dose (8+ grams): At this level, the effects are very sedative and can lead to drowsiness, potential nausea, and other side effects.*
Factors Influencing Kratom Dosage
- Body Weight: Larger individuals may require higher doses to feel the effects, while smaller individuals should start with a lower dose.¹
- Tolerance: Regular users of kratom might develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses over time to achieve the same effects.¹
- Strain and Potency: Different strains of kratom vary in potency.³ For instance, Maeng Da and Thai strains are typically stronger than milder strains like Bal.
Measuring Your Dose
Kratom doses are typically measured in grams. It’s important to use a digital scale to accurately measure your dose, as eyeballing the amount can lead to taking too much or too little. Start with a small dose, wait 30 to 45 minutes to assess the effects, and then decide if you need more.
Finding the right dose might take some experimentation, but it’s better to start low and adjust as needed to avoid unpleasant side effects like nausea or dizziness.²
What Are The Methods Of Taking Kratom?
There are several methods to consume kratom, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Choosing the right method depends on your personal preferences, convenience, and how quickly you want to feel the effects.
Kratom Tea
One of the most traditional and widely appreciated methods of consuming kratom is by brewing it into a tea. This process involves simmering kratom powder or leaves in hot water, allowing the active compounds to infuse into the liquid, which is then strained and consumed. Kratom tea is favored by many because it can mask some of the bitterness of the kratom powder, especially when flavored with honey, lemon, or other herbal additives.
Toss-And-Wash
The toss-and-wash method is one of the quickest and most straightforward ways to take kratom. It involves placing a measured dose of kratom powder directly onto your tongue and washing it down with water, juice, or another liquid.³ However, it requires some practice to master, as the bitter taste and powdery texture can be challenging for some users, and improper technique can lead to coughing or gagging.
Capsules And Tablets
Kratom capsules and tablets offer a highly convenient and discreet way to take kratom, particularly for those who find the taste of kratom unpalatable.¹ Each capsule or tablet contains a pre-measured dose of kratom powder or extract, which eliminates the need for preparation and allows for easy, consistent dosing. This method is especially popular among those who are new to kratom or who value convenience, as it removes the guesswork associated with dosing and can be easily integrated into a daily routine.
Kratom Extracts
Kratom extracts represent a more potent and concentrated form of kratom, offering a powerful experience in smaller doses.¹ These extracts are created by boiling kratom leaves or using other solvents to extract the active compounds, which are then concentrated into liquids, tinctures, or enhanced powders. Due to their potency, kratom extracts demand careful dosing to avoid overstimulation or other adverse effects, making them a choice often reserved for those who are familiar with kratom and its impact on their body.¹
How Do You Choose The Right Method For You?
Selecting the best method for taking kratom depends on several factors, including your lifestyle, experience level, and personal preferences. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right method:
Consider Your Taste Preferences
If you find the taste of kratom particularly off-putting, methods like capsules, tablets, or kratom extracts might be more suitable for you. Capsules and tablets completely mask the taste, while extracts often require less material, making the experience quicker and less intense in terms of flavor.
Think About Your Schedule
If you have a busy lifestyle and need a quick and easy way to take kratom, the toss-and-wash method or pre-packaged capsules might be the best fit. These methods are convenient and can be done in seconds, which is ideal if you’re on the go.
Evaluate Your Experience Level
For beginners, starting with capsules or a low dose of kratom tea might be the safest approach.¹ These methods allow for more controlled dosing and a slower introduction to kratom’s effects. More experienced users might prefer the toss-and-wash method or kratom extracts.
Assess The Desired Effects
Your intended use for kratom can also influence the method you choose. If you’re looking for long-lasting effects, kratom tea might be your best bet, as the effects tend to set in more gradually. For quick relief or immediate effects, the toss-and-wash method or liquid extracts are more effective.
Budget Considerations
Some methods are more cost-effective than others. Kratom powder and tea are generally less expensive than capsules, tablets, or extracts. If you’re on a budget, using kratom powder to make tea or employing the toss-and-wash method can save you money.
What Are Some Tips For Safe And Effective Kratom Use?
Using kratom safely and effectively requires understanding its effects, respecting proper dosages, and being aware of potential risks. Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your kratom experience while minimizing potential harm:
Start With A Low Dose
If you’re new to kratom, it’s crucial to start with a low dose.² Begin with 1 to 2 grams to assess how your body reacts. You can gradually increase the dosage if needed, but it’s better to err on the side of caution to avoid unpleasant side effects like nausea or dizziness.
Stay Hydrated
Kratom can have dehydrating effects, especially if taken in larger doses.² Drink plenty of water before, during, and after taking kratom to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of headaches and other dehydration-related symptoms.²
Avoid Mixing With Other Substances
Mixing kratom with other substances, particularly alcohol or stimulants, can increase the risk of adverse effects and dangerous interactions. It’s best to use kratom on its own to understand how it affects you before considering any combinations.³
Be Mindful Of Potential Side Effects
While kratom is generally well-tolerated at low to moderate doses, it can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, dry mouth, or dizziness, particularly at higher doses.³ If you experience any of these, reduce your dosage or take a break from using kratom and inform your healthcare provider.
Store Kratom Properly
Kratom should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to maintain its potency. Proper storage helps prevent contamination and degradation of the product over time.
Monitor Your Body’s Response
Pay attention to how your body responds to kratom, especially when trying new strains or methods of consumption. If you notice any unusual symptoms or if kratom doesn’t seem to agree with you, stop using it and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Kratom can be a powerful tool for enhancing energy, relaxation, or minor pain relief when taken correctly and responsibly. By understanding the various consumption methods, dosage guidelines, and how your body responds to kratom, you can safely incorporate it into your routine and maximize its benefits. Remember, starting with a low dose and gradually adjusting is key to finding the right balance for your needs, and always stay mindful of potential side effects.
As with any supplement, it’s important to approach kratom use with care and to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns, especially if you are new to using kratom or are considering combining it with other substances. Whether you’re new to kratom or an experienced user, making informed choices will help you get the most out of your kratom experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom
What is the safest way to start taking kratom for beginners?
For beginners, it’s recommended to start with kratom capsules or tea. Capsules provide a pre-measured dose, ensuring controlled intake, while tea offers a more gradual onset of effects. Begin with a low dose, such as 1 to 2 grams, and monitor how your body responds before adjusting your dosage.
How long do the effects of kratom typically last?
The effects of kratom can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the dosage, method of consumption, and the user’s metabolism. Lower doses generally provide shorter durations, while higher doses or methods like tea tend to last longer.
Can kratom be mixed with food or beverages?
Yes, kratom can be mixed with food or beverages. Many users blend kratom powder into smoothies or juices to mask its bitter taste. However, it is essential to avoid alcohol or other substances that might interact negatively with kratom.
Is there a best time of day to take kratom?
The best time to take kratom depends on the effects you’re seeking. If you’re using kratom for energy and focus, taking it in the morning or early afternoon is ideal. For relaxation or minor pain relief, late afternoon or evening doses may be more effective.
How can I avoid nausea when taking kratom?
To avoid nausea, start with a low dose and increase gradually. Some users find that taking kratom on a full stomach or with food can help reduce nausea. Staying hydrated before and after consuming kratom also minimizes this side effect.
Can kratom be taken daily?
While some individuals use kratom daily, it’s important to avoid long-term use to prevent tolerance buildup. It’s recommended to take breaks and alternate days of use to ensure kratom remains effective and to reduce the risk of dependence.
How quickly do you feel the effects of kratom after taking it?
The onset of kratom’s effects depends on the method of consumption. Toss-and-wash and extracts generally take effect within 15-30 minutes, while tea or capsules may take 30-45 minutes due to slower absorption in the digestive system.
How does body weight influence kratom dosage?
Body weight plays a significant role in how much kratom is needed for desired effects. Larger individuals may require higher doses to feel the same effects as someone with a smaller body mass. It’s important to start low and gradually adjust the dose based on personal response.
Can kratom be used alongside other supplements or medications?
It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before mixing kratom with other supplements or medications, as certain combinations could lead to negative interactions. Kratom can affect the nervous system and may interact with stimulants, sedatives, or blood pressure medications.
Are there any long-term side effects of using kratom?
Long-term use of kratom can lead to potential side effects such as tolerance, dependence, or digestive issues like constipation. To minimize these risks, users should avoid high doses, take regular breaks, and monitor their body’s response over time.
Caution: Kratom is not intended for those under the age of 21. Do not consume if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not consume while operating heavy machinery. Do not take if you have a medical condition. Do not use with alcohol or drugs. To do so might cause serious harm. Consuming on an empty stomach or exceeding 1 serving per 24-hour period may cause nausea. Intended for short-term use only. Please consult a physician prior to using.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
- “Curious About Kratom? Here’s What We Know, Based On Science, Of Course.” Kratom.org, https://kratom.org/guides/
- Kratom.org. “Kratom Side Effects.” Kratom.org, https://kratom.org/guides/side-effects/.
- Sheikh, Zilpah, et al. “Kratom: Effects and Benefits.” WebMD, 13 May 2024, https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-kratom
