A brief history of Kratom powder and Kratom leaves
Kratom powder is made of the leaves of a tree that grows in the woods of South-Eastern Asia. These trees are technically known as Mitragyna Speciosa.
For decades, several civilizations have made use of Kratom. It was a common folk remedy used for sleeplessness, lethargy, pain, anxiety, etc. In olden times, workers also utilized it for an additional boost in energy. Originally, the locals would chew the raw leaves or boil them to brew Kratom tea.
Kratom was first formally researched as a plant in the 1830s. With the beginning of the 21st century, its popularity increased rapidly, and new ways of consumption were introduced. Although some people prefer kratom leaves, others enjoy them in their powdered form. Some favor extract, while others prefer capsules.
Kratom was initially harvested and sold as raw leaves, but as the leaves were shipped to remote locations, the merchants noticed that they rotted when the cargo reached its destination. The merchants, therefore, began to dry the leaves before shipping. Dried Kratom leaves had a longer shelf life than fresh Kratom leaves.
Later with new developments in technology and technique, producers began dehydrating the leaves and then grinding them to a fine dust to make them more consumer-friendly. This powder is what we call powder Kratom.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of Kratom powder vs. Kratom leaves.
Kratom Powder Pros
- Kratom powder has a much longer shelf life than raw leaves.
- It is simple to carry and to store.
- Kratom powder works more quickly as compared to Kratom leaves.
- It is easy to use for beginners and seasoned kratom enthusiasts alike.
Kratom powder Cons
As compared to kratom leaves capsules and extracts, it requires a little preparation time.
Kratom pills are more convenient in comparison to Kratom powder.
Capsules and extracts of Kratom dissolve and function more efficiently.
You may believe that the kratom capsule is superior to Kratom, but you cannot ignore that kratom powder is the basis of all these new goods. Kratom capsules contain measured quantities of powder.
We are going to compare the preparation process for both Kratom powder and leaves.
How to prepare Kratom powder from leaves
You can buy dried kratom leaves from any reputable kratom shop like Jack Botanicals and Gold Kratom. You can convert these leaves into powder by crushing them. Just put the leaves on your palm and close your fist to crush them. The dried leaves are already brittle. Remember to put a paper underneath your hand to collect any fallen powder.
Alternatively, a pepper mill may also be used. You should buy a new one to avoid mixing spices with Kratom. Another option is a simple kitchen grinder. Make sure that the container of the grinder is completely dry. Add your dried Kratom leaves and whiz them in the grinder till you have a fine powder.
How should I use Kratom powder or Kratom leaves?
Some users prefer to take it just like that. This is called the toss and wash method. They take the dry Kratom powder in a spoon and immediately wash it down with a sweet/tasty drink to disguise the taste.
Others might prefer to combine it with orange/apple juices. Again, this is a great method to disguise the flavor.
Kratom powder is a great way to add an extra kick to smoothies, yogurt, and a protein shake.
It can also be baked into cookies and brownies or added to savory meals. If none of these methods work for you, buy empty gelatin capsules at a pharmacy near you and store it in these capsules.
A tried and tested way of using Kratom powder or Kratom leaves is as a tea. Those who seek a healthy coffee/tea alternative may find it a real lifesaver. Kratom leaves and powder can be both be used in brewing Kratom tea.
Nearly all recipes for Kratom tea are identical save the difference in basic green teas and sugars. You will require a strainer to filter out the sedimented powder or leaves.
How to use Kratom leaves
Kratom leaves can be chewed as they are. Or they can be boiled to make Kratom tea, If the leaves are dried, they can be crushed for powder. They can also be added to smoothies or shakes in a food processor. It is not recommended to use them for baking.
Get your dose right!
It is important that you measure your Kratom carefully for each dose. Since each strain has a distinct impact profile, you have to be aware of both the dose and the effects.
Begin with the smallest possible dose, then increase it by grams until the ‘sweet spot is reached. Monitor the physical and mental effects of each dose. The only way to find out which dosage works for you is via observation and testing.
These recommendations may help a little. 1-3 grams – This amount is ideal for people who are just starting. You will see some effects even at this dosage. The effects may be less apparent but will be there. However, they may not be very long-lasting.
3-5 grams —This is a medium dose. This is ideal for people who have built up some tolerance to lower doses. The effects are moderately stimulating at this dose.
5-7 grams — This is a very strong dose. At this stage, the effects can go from calming to stimulating.
Seven grams and higher – the effects may be very overpowering at this stage. Sometimes they may be difficult to anticipate too. This is why consumers are discouraged from using such high doses. It would only be safe to take over 7 grams of leaves or Kratom powder if you were a very experienced user.
So which one is better- Kratom leaves of Kratom powder?
There is no ‘optimal’ method of taking Kratom. The product you choose depends on your personal choice. If you want convenience, choose Kratom powder. If you don’t mind the harsher taste and want to maximize freshness, you can opt for Kratom leaves instead of powder.
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