Mar 2, 2019

Kratom Preparation – Traditional and Modern Methods

Throughout the thousands of years kratom has been used, preparation methods have remained relatively the same; however, as western society has interacted with this plant, there have been some unique additions —  recipes and methods to fit our unique needs.

The Kratom Quid

The quid is the original method of kratom use for Southeast Asian cultures, especially Thailand. The quid method of use involves taking fresh kratom leaves (a rare commodity in the western world), removing the stems and veins in one quick motion, bundling the kratom and chewing it while holding the saliva and chewed leaf material in their mouth.

The quid works through mostly sublingual methods, however, the swallowed portion also has a considerable effect.

Toss and Wash Method

One of the most common kratom preparation methods, if it could be called preparation at all, is the toss ‘n’ wash. This method is typically done by:

• Putting water (or other liquid) in the mouth
• Adding desired kratom dose to this water
• Submerging and mixing the kratom/water mixture within the mouth to avoid dry particles getting caught in the mouth and throat
• Taking another gulp of water while simultaneously swallowing the mixture
• Chasing with more water to get down any debris

Kratom Tea

This is another very common preparation method, both in the west and east. Learning how to make kratom tea is fairly simple:

• Add water to pot (3-10 ounces)
• Add desired kratom dose
• Simmer for 15 – 45 minutes (20 minutes typically suffices)
• Optional: strain powder

Tea is considered effective by many because of the quick onset of effects; however, by straining out the powder, one may lose the full alkaloid spectrum of the plain leaf, reducing some medicinal potentials.

Tea Tips

• Adding water to kratom powder and freezing prior to making tea can increase the amount of alkaloids absorbed
• Adding lemon juice, or small amounts of citric acid can also increase amount of alkaloids absorbed
• One can salvage the strained powder from tea and reuse it to ensure no alkaloids are wasted

Kratom Tea Recipes

Because some are more sensitive to the bitter taste of kratom tea, many tea recipes have been developed. One of the most effective we have seen for masking the taste of kratom is to mix it with a flavoring, or mixture.

Speciosa Chai

One of the most effective kratom recipes we have found is what we have heard called “Speciosa Chai”. This method is very simple and is composed of a few simple steps:

• Condense kratom tea to 3-4 ounces
• Add 4-5 ounces of Chai tea mixture
• Add sugar & cream/milk if desired

There are a variety of different chai mixtures one can experiment with; however, the Tazo Organic Chai Black Tea mix is the favorite we have seen at an associated kava bar in our area.

Simple Flavorings

Something that we have seen to be surprisingly effective at masking the taste  are pump flavorings– especially the fruit-based flavorings. You can find these pump flavorings at local coffee shops or online for a very reasonable cost.

Mixtures & Blends

Another common method that has been more recently for those who don’t want to toss ‘n’ wash or make tea, is to mix kratom. Some of the most common mixers we have heard are:

• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Peanut Butter
• Honey
• Juice
• Chocolate Milk

Mixing kratom with these has the added benefit of allowing it to be taken while minimizing the taste, however, with some of these it may take longer to digest.

Another creative method we have heard is to kratom with peanut butter to form little peanut butter balls to swallow. Nearly any decent tasting drink/mixture can be effective.

Additionally, tools such as blender bottles, commonly used for protein shakes, have been suggested for this process.

Kratom Capsules

A common form of kratom preparation is by capping the kratom powder rather than taking it whole, mixed or in tea form. Kratom capsules have the benefit of being easy to use.

Considerations

Buying capsules can be extremely expensive in comparison to powder, and kratom capsules (especially the variety sold by less reputable companies at shady stores and gas stations) that have had a big part in giving kratom a bad name. Additionally, when buying these capsules you don’t really know what you’re getting, as it isn’t an approved dietary supplement; which could lead to dangers for both the user, and kratom’s legality.

Because of this, anyone who wants to keep kratom legal should avoid buying kratom capsules. There are a large variety of capsule tools, such as “The Capsule Machine” and “Cap m Quick”, which can make capsules in bulk (and save you a tremendous amount of money over time in the process).

Kratom Strain Differences

Differences between strains is a factor that can’t be overlooked when calculating a dosage. There are a few primary strains that should be dosed relatively lower than the average, these strains are:

• Maeng Da – Potent, active at lower doses
• Bali – Side effects encountered at lower doses in comparison to other strains
• Thai – Can be overstimulating for some at higher doses

Because of this, it is a good idea to modify dosage with these strains accordingly in order to achieve best results. Some strains, such as Borneo, can be dosed relatively higher, due to their lack of side-effects. Because of this variability in strains, it is advisable to start low with any new or unknown strain.

Traditional Dosage

Dosage has been a key factor for those looking for specific effects. By dosing too low, the medicinal capabilities are nulled, while dosing too high can often lead to relatively harmless, but potentially unpleasant side-effects, such as the “wobbles” and minor nausea. To learn about kratom dosage, refer below.

Average Dosage by Grams

• Mild – 1 to 2 grams
• Moderate – 2-4.5 grams
• High – 4.5 – 8 grams

Average Dosage by Teaspoon

• Mild – .5  to .9 tsp
• Moderate – 1 to 2 tsp
• High – 2 to 3.5 tsp

It should be noted that due to varying potency between strains and plants, this estimate is in no way standardized, instead it an estimate based on historical and experiential reports. Doses at the the “high” end of the spectrum are also much more likely to cause side-effects, depending upon the strain.

Enhanced Leaf

Enhanced leaf has become the go-to choice of many extract users due to it’s high potency and lack of side effects. Enhanced leaf is used by taking a highly potent kratom extract, dissolving it in a solution, soaking kratom leaves/powder in this solution and letting it dry. When done correctly, this method can create a highly potent leaf.

One of the most popular enhanced leaf blends of our era is known as Ultra Enhanced Indo otherwise known as UEI.

Pros:

• Very potent when done well
• Lack of side-effects per potency
• Typically well-rounded
• Highly effective for pain

Cons:

• Rapid development of tolerance
• Relatively high price

Kratom Tinctures

Unlike the other forms of extracts, kratom tinctures can vary in their method of extraction and their potency; because of this, buying them from an disreputable source can leave one disappointed. On the other hand, when they are done well, they can be quite potent.

Pros:

• Ease of Use
• Fast-acting
• Convenience of storage

Cons:

• Typically expensive
• Variable Potency
• Rarely provide a full-spectrum of effects
• Rapid development of tolerance

Extract Guide

While typically not as well-rounded as the plain leaf in effects, kratom extracts can certainly serve a purpose for those with chronic pain or other debilitating conditions in which the plain leaf will not suffice.

There are a large variety of different types of extracts with varying effects, based upon both the method of extraction as well as the base plant material used to make them. Read below to learn about these different extract types.

Water-Based Extracts

Water-based kratom extracts are by far the most common variety. As the name implies, the extract is performed by:  dissolving a portion of alkaloids into water, straining the powder, and evaporating the water. This process leaves a  brownish, more alkaloid-concentrated version of the plain leaf behind.

Water extracts are commonly referred to with an ‘x’ (e.g. 10x, 25x), which implies how much plain leaf material was used to create the same weight of resulting extract. Sadly, these figures are nearly always incorrect due to vendor dishonesty.

Pros:

• More alkaloid-concentrated than plain leaf
• Can be used in addition to plain leaf to potentiate effects
• Relatively side-effect free in comparison to resin and full-spectrum extracts
• More stimulating than the plain-leaf base material
• Ability to dissolve in water

Cons:

• Must be taken in conjunction with some plain leaf for best effects
• Not a well-rounded extract in terms of effects (less pain-killing effect and sedation)
• High price per potency
• Can increase tolerance rapidly

Kratom Resin Extracts

In comparison to water-based extractions, kratom resin extractions have a much more well-rounded profile of effects. These extracts are typically performed by extracting kratom with both a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent; a simple example of this would be water and ethanol. Like the water extract, the powder is strained and the alkaloid saturated non-polar/polar solvent is left to dry.

Pros:

• Full-spectrum of effects
• Ease of use
• Easy storage
• High potency per weight

Cons:

• More expensive than plain leaf
• Side-effects to potency ratio comparable to plain leaf
• Temperature sensitive (melts in minor heat)

Vein Types: Effects & Analysis

Something unique to this plant, in comparison to many other medicinal plants, is the distinct differences of vein color which result from breeding and growth conditions. These different vein colors often correspond to very reliable differences in effects and can provide strong clues as to what to expect from a given strain.

However, there are some minor exceptions, especially when dealing with strains with a less balanced alkaloid profile such as Thai, or Borneo/Indo strains which on the whole provide a more polarized kratom experience (being more stimulating or sedating, respectively).

White Vein Kratom

Despite the lower amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine found in white vein strains, this vein type should not be treated lightly. White vein kratom has a very strong following, and many have found it very effective for conditions such as lack of focus/energy.

Of all the vein types, white vein shows the most potential as a nootropic (cognition enhancing) substance. Many have found that using this vein type first thing in the morning to be a great substitute for coffee due to it’s “clean” effects on alertness and focus.

Pain Relief: 1/3

Energy: 3/3

Vein Types: Effects & Analysis

Something unique to this plant, in comparison to many other medicinal plants, is the distinct differences of vein color which result from breeding and growth conditions. These different vein colors often correspond to very reliable differences in effects and can provide strong clues as to what to expect from a given strain.

However, there are some minor exceptions, especially when dealing with strains with a less balanced alkaloid profile such as Thai, or Borneo/Indo strains which on the whole provide a more polarized kratom experience (being more stimulating or sedating, respectively).

White Vein Kratom

Despite the lower amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine found in white vein strains, this vein type should not be treated lightly. White vein kratom has a very strong following, and many have found it very effective for conditions such as lack of focus/energy.

Of all the vein types, white vein shows the most potential as a nootropic (cognition enhancing) substance. Many have found that using this vein type first thing in the morning to be a great substitute for coffee due to it’s “clean” effects on alertness and focus.

Pain Relief: 1/3

Energy: 3/3