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Kratom Extract vs. Powder: Which is Right for You?
kratom
5 Apr, 2024
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Kratom Extract vs. Powder: Which is Right for You?
Are you curious about whether to use kratom extract or powder? This is an essential consideration before starting your new kratom journey. Maybe you’ve been using one and want to consider switching to the other. Either way, you’re in the right place. We’ll fully unpack this debate to help you make the right choice.
Kratom comes from the mitragyna speciosa tree, a tropical evergreen plant grown primarily in Southeast Asia. It is available in many forms: raw leaves, extracts, powders, and capsules. In this article, you’ll learn how kratom can be used for relaxation, energy, and general well-being.
Kratom continues to gain in popularity and usage as an herbal alternative to many prescription drugs. Most people use kratom as a tool for relaxation or to boost concentration and energy and lift spirits. However, as more people get to know kratom and its many strains and veins, some might become confused about the different forms of kratom and how they can be used. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to fully unpack the kratom powder vs. extract debate to help you understand which delivery method is best for your unique situation. We’ve also included tips for using this powerful plant to the fullest. So, let’s dive into our comparison between kratom extracts and kratom powder.
What’s the difference between kratom powder and extract?
Before we compare and contrast kratom powder and extract, we need to explain each of these consumption forms fully. Kratom powder is pretty self-explanatory: it’s just a finely ground form of kratom. But what exactly is kratom extract? Find out more about this more concentrated delivery method below.
What is kratom extract?
Kratom extract is a more concentrated form of kratom in which the active alkaloids responsible for its effects are isolated and extracted. There are three extracts: powder extract, liquid extract, and tincture.
Extracts are usually at least twice as potent but can be up to 50 times as strong as powder. The ratio of 2:1 or 2X will be shown on the label. Extracts are darker than powder and usually have a weaker smell due to less plant matter.
The different types of kratom extract
This conversation isn’t quite as simple as comparing kratom extract vs. powder. There are quite a few different forms of kratom extracts. Before comparing kratom powder vs. extract, we must unpack the three most common types of extracts below.
Kratom powder extract
In powder extract, the kratom leaves are dried and crushed. Next, the powder is boiled to extract its alkaloids and strained through a filter to remove all the solids and particles. Simmering the kratom further reduces the water content and forms a thick, dark paste. Finally, this paste is dried and ground to a fine, super-potent powder.
Kratom liquid extract
The liquid extract is the same as the powder extract, except the concentrated paste is mixed with a bit of water to make a solution. It is, therefore, slightly less potent than the powder extract due to the dilution with water.
Kratom tincture
The kratom tincture uses a different method to extract the alkaloids. The kratom powder is mixed with ethanol and left to sit for a week to allow the alcohol to extract the active compounds. It is then strained, reduced, and bottled. The tincture is also a potent form of kratom, but it is not as potent as the powder extract because, once again, it is more diluted.
The benefits of kratom extracts are that they are more potent than other kratom forms, so you need to use less of them. In addition, if you have developed a kratom tolerance, extracts are better as you can avoid consuming large amounts of powder. They are also fast-acting and long-lasting. The downside is that they are more expensive, but you can make a homemade tincture.
What is kratom powder?
Kratom powder is made with the whole leaf of the plant. The leaves are dried and ground to produce a powder. Kratom powder contains the entire plant with all its active compounds and leaf matter, so it is less potent than the extracts.
A benefit of powder is that it’s the most economical option. You can add it to smoothies, make it into tea, or add it to food. It is suitable for beginners who want to start slowly and use small doses to determine how kratom affects them.
Another benefit is that you can usually find all strains of kratom in powder form, whereas extracts may be available only in selected strains. You can also use powder to make your tincture or make kratom tea or resin—there are so many ways to enjoy kratom powders.
Kratom extract vs powder: which is best for you?
Now that we’ve fully introduced the two components of this comparison, it’s time to get into what you came here for—to discover whether you should choose kratom extract or powder.
Before we start unpacking the key differences and comparing/contrasting the two choices, we want to mention that both forms of kratom are worth trying. Ultimately, you can achieve whatever goals you have with both methods. But only one of them is optimal for your unique preferences. Let’s start by comparing the strength of kratom powder vs extract:
Rate of absorption
Liquid kratom extracts are the most easily digestible. Since they are already liquid, they can be absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly, especially if taken sublingually (under the tongue).
Capsules are the slowest to be digested, although the time difference between them and powder is only about 15 minutes (the time it takes for the capsule exterior to dissolve in your stomach).
Regarding the absorption rate, powder and powder extract are between liquid and capsules. You can take kratom powder extract the same way you take kratom powder—in tea, with food or drinks, or using the toss-and-wash method.
Potency
Kratom extracts are the most potent form of kratom, but their potency can vary depending on how far the extraction has gone and how pure the end product is. Kratom powder and capsules are less potent than extracts. The only difference between kratom powder and capsules is that capsules have the powder measured into convenient portions in gelatinous capsules.
If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with powder or capsules and gradually increasing to extracts once you know how they affect you and the best dosage.
Cost
Kratom extract is more expensive but goes further. After that, kratom powder is the most economical, followed by kratom capsules.
Personal preference
Ultimately, it’s very much down to preference. If you don’t like the kratom taste, a capsule or tincture might be better for you. A kratom extract in powder or liquid form may be ideal if you want something more potent and longer-lasting.
If you prefer to mix it with your food or take milder doses, or if you want to make your kratom tincture, kratom powder could be your preferred option. You can always learn ways to make your kratom taste better by going to our blog on how to make kratom taste better.
So, which is best for you: kratom extract vs powder?
Now, after weighing all the critical comparisons above, which is best for you: kratom extract or powder? You can’t go wrong with either option. However, based on the above criteria, you should start to see which is ideal for your case.
For example, those who are new to kratom should stick with powder – as extract can be a bit much. Similarly, if you’re on a budget and want to try kratom powder, it is a more affordable starting point.
On the other hand, more seasoned users can get more bang for their buck with a liquid kratom extract vs powder forms. We encourage you to try both and see which you prefer in the end – because you won’t know for sure until you try each one!
Final thoughts on the kratom powder vs. extract debate
The form of kratom you choose depends on your circumstances. We recommend using the same supplier and strain as you experiment with advancing from powder to extract so you can measure the effects.
If you need any advice about kratom forms, our team of passionate experts at Kingdom Kratom is available to answer your questions. We also offer kratom sample packs to help you determine which strain or form suits you. Don’t play the guessing game as you enter this new world of kratom. Lean on our experience to enjoy it to the fullest!
Our blog has more resources to help you navigate this new phase in your life. You can learn how much kratom to take and discover the best kratom for relief from discomfort, relaxation, or energy and motivation.
The Kingdom Kratom catalog also includes all the different types of kratom, including all the major veins: red vein, green vein, white vein, and yellow vein kratom. You can also find all the popular strains, such as Bali Kratom, Bentuangie Kratom, Borneo Kratom, Horn Kratom, Thai Kratom, and Malay Kratom.
Whether you end up choosing kratom extract vs. powder – or even kratom edibles or other forms of this potent plant – one thing is for sure: with your new knowledge, you’re well on your way to living a happier, healthier life by harnessing the power of kratom.
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