Kratom is an herbal supplement with roots in Southeast Asia and has numerous benefits. But unfortunately, kratom products are not known to have good taste. In fact, its bitter taste makes it pretty difficult to consume kratom, prompting users to come up with creative ways of taking the herbal supplement. Fortunately, kratom powder, unlike stems and veins, offers a variety of methods for ingesting kratom without dealing with its strong herbal taste.
If you are short on ideas on how to take kratom powder, read on as we discuss five of the most viable kratom powder consumption methods.
The toss-and-wash method is a widely used consumption method among most kratom users. Kratom consumed this way offers a quick and easy way to take kratom powder. The fact that it bypasses the taste buds makes it perfect for anyone who doesn’t like the strong, herbal taste of kratom powder.
As the name suggests, it typically involves tossing kratom powder to the back of your throat and washing it down with a liquid, such as water or orange juice.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
When done right, you won’t taste the bitter kratom powder | This method requires a bit of a learning curve. Some new users end up choking or even breathing in the kratom powder |
No added costs if you use water | Using the toss-and-wash method when traveling can be quite challenging |
It's quick and easy | You're limited to the amount of kratom powder you can swallow at a go. If you need more to achieve your desired dosage, you'll have to take a second toss and swig |
The process is not messy. You won't have additional dishes to clean up when you're done other than the glass, of course | It doesn't always prevent you from tasting the kratom powder. Sometimes the powder ends up all over your mouth, leaving you to deal with what you were avoiding in the first place |
No added calories unless you use a caloric drink | With an empty stomach, taking kratom powder with this method can be quite uncomfortable |
If you like tea and don’t mind dealing with a hint of kratom’s bitter taste at the back of your throat, this might just be the right consumption method for you. Making kratom tea works pretty much like most herbal teas. Here’s what you need:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
You can add your preferred tea sweeteners to mask the taste | You’ll still have to deal with the strong, bitter taste of kratom powder |
You can adjust the brew strength to match your dosage preference | It takes a considerable amount of time to prepare and clean up |
You ingest limited kratom plant material | A lot of kratom alkaloids go to waste in the remaining sludge |
Requires attention to detail for proper alkaloid extraction | |
New users may experience certain discomforts when taking kratom powder and tea on an empty stomach |
The sweet taste and thick consistency of yogurt makes it ideal for masking the bitter taste of kratom. And unlike most methods on this list, it’s actually pretty fast.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Works with any yogurt | It’s pretty hard to mix effectively. You may still end up with gobbles of kratom powder |
Yogurt works pretty well in masking the bitter taste of kratom powder | You need flavored yogurt to mask kratom’s taste effectively |
Besides the obvious benefits of masking the bitter taste of kratom powder, smoothies come packed with lots of beneficial vitamins that accentuate the benefits of kratom. Mixing kratom with smoothies offers a delicious and healthy alternative for kratom users.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Works with any yogurt | It’s pretty hard to mix effectively. You may still end up with gobbles of kratom powder |
Yogurt works pretty well in masking the bitter taste of kratom powder | You need flavored yogurt to mask kratom’s taste effectively |
Kratom capsules offer the most effective way of taking kratom without dealing with the strong, bitter taste. You can buy pre-filled kratom capsules made from powdered kratom from your favorite vendor. Alternatively, you can go the DIY way and make them yourself at home, but you may need specialized equipment.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Taking kratom in capsule form completely masks the bitter taste of kratom | Making kratom capsules can be quite messy |
Capsules are portable, so you can travel with them effortlessly | Capsule filler machines are pretty expensive |
You can cut costs by buying kratom powder and capsules in bulk | Most capsules are made of gelatin, which is an animal product |
Making kratom capsules is a time-consuming process |
This is one of the most controversial methods of taking kratom. On the one hand, die-hard kratom users appreciate the level of convenience when smoking kratom, coupled with the fast-acting effects. On the other hand, experts warn against smoking kratom since you end up taking other harmful substances in the smoke. It is also harder to smoke kratom powder, unlike stems and veins.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Smoking kratom offers a fast and easy way to consume kratom | This method poses numerous health risks |
It offers fast-acting effects | Smoking kratom leads to a higher alkaloid conversion ratio, which means you may end up taking more kratom than you can handle |
There is limited cleanup required |
There’s no rule of thumb for how much kratom powder you should take. The effects of kratom on any dosage depend on several other factors, including the specific strain you take, your tolerance, age, weight, and sex. With that said, experts recommend starting with a low kratom dosage and then working your way up as you gauge the effects and build tolerance.
For a beginner, experts recommend starting with a safe dosage of about 2 to 4 grams. After ingesting the kratom, you should wait about 30 to 40 minutes for it to take effect. If the dosage doesn’t quite get you there, you can take another gram or two, giving each dosage time to take effect before taking more. While you’re at it, you should note that taking more than 12 grams of kratom might induce negative side effects.
Here are the general guidelines for dosing kratom.
Like its beneficial effects, the side effects of kratom become more pronounced as you increase your dosage. Prolonged use can also lead to psychological dependence, which paves the way for unwanted kratom withdrawal symptoms like discomfort, cravings, and sleep challenges.
Some of the most common side effects of kratom include nausea, constipation, and dry mouth, among others.
When new to using kratom products, you must always listen to your body and take it slow so that you get the best out of the experience.
Kratom users now have several options if they are looking to mix kratom powder. Besides the methods mentioned above, you can experience all the benefits of kratom minus its bitter taste. In fact, you may never run out of ways to take kratom powder. You just have to be a little creative.
Regardless of your chosen kratom products or strains, the method you choose to take your kratom powder comes down to the amount of kratom powder you want to take at a go and your preferences in terms of taste considerations. Therefore, before settling down on a kratom powder consumption method, it is advisable to weigh the pros and cons to see which resonates with your preferences.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
Yes I have been a kratom user for about 3 years now and I just don’t know anyone else to talk to regarding doses and tolerances and strains, I’d appreciate a message back or a call I’ve been having difficulties with strains.