Uses and effects
The dosage should be adjusted to the desired effect. This is even more important with kratom than with other psychoactive substances. What's unique about kratom is that different dosages can produce different effects. Although effects can vary between kratom strains, low doses of kratom often have a stimulating effect, while high doses often have a relaxing effect. To manage this, some knowledge of dosage and effects is required.
Besides dosage, the type of kratom and individual sensitivity also play a role in the effects experienced. There are also several points to consider when consuming kratom to experience the optimal effect. We'll explain more about this below.
The description below is based on kratom powder. This is the most commonly used form and the only form of kratom we offer.
Effects
Kratom's effects can be noticeable within 5 to 10 minutes of ingestion. This effect can last for several hours. Kratom is often used as a natural supplement for various purposes, including energy, mood, relaxation, and pain relief. Its effects are often simultaneously relaxing and stimulating, creating a unique experience: you can feel relaxed, at ease, and dreamy, yet still eager to get active or work. Possible effects include euphoria and a dreamy, deeply relaxed state.
Medically, kratom is sometimes used to relieve anxiety, chronic pain, and opioid withdrawal symptoms. An important caveat here is that these medical effects are not considered scientifically proven and therefore should not be used as a sales agent for kratom!
Dose-dependent effects
How and to what extent the effect depends on the dose and the type of kratom requires some further explanation. With most psychoactive substances, the intensity of the effects increases with ingestion. To a certain extent, this is also the case with kratom. But with kratom, the relationship between dosage and perceived effects is more complex than that.
Kratom has a stimulating effect in lower doses and a relaxing effect in higher doses. The fact that the nature of the effects can change with different doses is one of kratom's most remarkable properties. With most substances, a higher dose intensifies the already noticeable effects. The fact that a higher dose can induce other types of effects is quite unique. However, this often doesn't mean that other effects disappear entirely. Rather, they are often less prominent.
Types and subvariants
Kratom varieties are numerous. Kratom is generally divided into three types: red, white, and green. This classification is based on the color of the veins and stem of the kratom leaf. Because the veins and stems are removed from the leaves before they are ground into kratom powder, these colors are not visible in the powder. However, the different colors are attributed with characteristic effects.
Each type of kratom is further divided into different sub-variants, the effects of which share the main characteristics of the strain, but may still place slightly different emphasis.
Besides the strain and subspecies, the location where the tree grows also plays a minor role. The kratom tree is incredibly sensitive to its location. One consequence of the environment in which the kratom tree grows is that the effects can be slightly different. However, compared to the dosage and strain, this is a relatively minor difference.
Characteristic effects
The predominant effects depend partly on the type of kratom and the dosage. However, there are some characteristic effects that apply to all types of kratom. While the degree to which these effects occur will vary, anyone with any experience with kratom will recognize them.
The effects of kratom that can occur can be reduced to the following general points:
- Increased energy and alertness : especially at lower doses, kratom often has a stimulating effect.
- Improved mood and entrepreneurial spirit : Kratom can have a positive effect on mood and promote a sense of well-being.
- Relaxation and calming effects : especially at higher doses, kratom can have a relaxing and calming effect. It can help reduce stress and tension.
- Pain Relief : Kratom has analgesic properties and can help relieve pain symptoms.
Increased energy and alertness
After taking kratom, one of the first noticeable effects will likely be a renewed surge of energy and the disappearance of any fatigue. Kratom is widely used in certain Southeast Asian countries for its stimulating effects during physical labor. An energy boost, the elimination of fatigue, and increased alertness are often very welcome during long workdays with intense physical exertion in the heat.
Although the kratom tree belongs to the same botanical family as the coffee plant, it doesn't contain caffeine. However, it can provide a significant energy boost! If you're feeling low on energy, you'll quickly feel the fatigue disappear after taking kratom. This may not be comparable to the energy that illegal stimulants can provide. But kratom definitely works as a pick-me-up when you're feeling sluggish!
Improved mood and entrepreneurial spirit
Kratom has a positive effect on your mental state. You generally feel uplifted and have a more positive outlook. The mental state it induces is where kratom's effect clearly differs from, for example, coffee or an energy drink. Kratom re-energizes both your body and mind. It provides energy, focus, and a positive outlook.
Because kratom provides both physical energy and a mental boost, some people also find it enhances their creativity. Kratom use also generally makes you more sociable. You're often more talkative. It's not like you become a chatterbox with no off switch. Listening attentively to others also often becomes easier. This is likely because kratom makes you experience everything a little more intensely. As a result, you often live more in the moment and experience things more consciously. You're less preoccupied and feel more connected. Your sense of time sometimes changes as well.
Kratom also often makes you more enterprising. It creates a cheerful feeling and makes you want to get things done and be physically active. You become more active and often feel like going out or tackling things.
For a purely natural product, kratom's effect on physical and mental well-being is often quite remarkable. With normal use, the sensation is subtle and doesn't hit like a rocket. Unless you take too high a dose, however. Then the effects can be quite intense. In the right dosage, it can even induce a euphoric feeling.
Relaxation and calming effects
Kratom can have relaxing and calming effects. Especially in countries where kratom is traditionally used, it's used to reduce tension, reduce anxiety, and have a calming effect. This might seem at odds with the stimulating effect and energy boost kratom can provide. But they actually go hand in hand! What's unique about kratom is that its effects are often both relaxing and stimulating. The pleasant thing about the energy kratom provides is that it's not "nervous" or "tense."
Pain relief
Kratom contains a substance called mitragynine, which acts on your brain similarly to opioids like morphine. Kratom is not an opioid, but it does share some similarities. Kratom contains compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain. This can help stop pain and induce a sense of calm. However, it's important to note that while kratom has opioid-like effects, it is not classified as an opioid. This distinction is crucial for understanding its potential benefits and risks.
Negative effects
Unlike opiates, mitragynine usually does not cause nausea or vomiting. However, other negative effects may occur. These negative effects include dry mouth, increased urination, decreased appetite, and constipation. Intensive use can sometimes result in a mild case of lethargy. Finally, it should be kept in mind that low and high doses of kratom can have nearly opposite effects. This means that incorrect dosage adjustment may not achieve the desired effect.
Dosage
The correct kratom dosage is a complex topic. It varies not only by strain, but also by the nature of the effects. Therefore, the dosage should be tailored to the desired effect. The recommended dosage can vary by product. However, these differences are not significant. Therefore, a general guideline for dosages can be given:
- Low dose : 1 to 3 grams
- Average dosage : 3 to 5 grams
- High dosage : 5 to 8 to 10 grams
On our "Assortment" page, under all the kratom we sell, you'll find a section titled "Dosage and Effects," which describes the effects of different dosages.
Note : Especially if you don't have much experience with kratom, it's important to follow the recommended dosages! It's common for people to start with low to medium doses to test their individual sensitivity and tolerance. Based on your experience, you can adjust the dosage later to achieve the desired effect. It's important to remember that kratom's effects can vary, and it may take some time after ingestion before the effects are fully noticeable.
Usage
Kratom tea
- Measure out the desired amount of Kratom powder. Dosage guidelines can be found in the section above.
- Heat water until it's very hot, but not boiling! Or let boiling water cool slightly. Using hot water instead of boiling water ensures that the potency and effectiveness of kratom are preserved. This is therefore crucial for the quality of your kratom tea. It's recommended to add at least 100 ml of water for every gram of kratom.
- Slowly add the kratom powder to the hot water. Stir with a whisk or spoon until the powder is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This will help extract the beneficial compounds from the kratom.
- Simmer the mixture gently over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally as the tea simmers to help dissolve the powder.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the tea cool. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove any remaining kratom solids, leaving a smooth tea. A French press can also be used for this.
- Add lemon juice or the juice of another acidic citrus fruit. This helps extract the alkaloids from kratom. This extraction process enhances the tea's potency and effects. In principle, any acidic fruit juice or drink can be used for this. However, this addition will make the taste of your kratom tea slightly more bitter.
- If desired, add a sweetener like honey or agave syrup to soften kratom's bitter taste. This can help mask the bitterness without diminishing its potency. Other sweeteners are also possible.
Variation tips
- Kratom iced tea : If you prefer iced tea, you can let the hot brewed tea cool to room temperature and pour it into a glass with ice.
- Kratom Black Tea : Adding black tea to your Kratom blend can enhance the flavor profile while providing additional stimulating effects.
- Kratom-Matcha Tea : Mixing Matcha green tea with powdered Kratom offers both nutritional benefits and a unique taste experience.
- Kratom-Yerba Tea : Mixing Yerba Mate with ground Kratom leaf creates a stimulating brew popular with enthusiasts looking for sustained energy throughout the day.