Kratom Extract vs. Powder
kratom
21 Sep, 2022
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Kratom Extract vs. Powder
Kratom comes from the mitragyna speciosa tree, a tropical evergreen plant grown primarily in Southeast Asia. It comes in many forms: raw leaves, extracts, powders, and capsules. In this article, you’ll learn: what are Kratom extracts, powders, and capsules, their differences, and which form of Kratom is most potent.
Kratom continues to gain in popularity and usage as a herbal pain-relieving alternative to prescription opioids. Most people use Kratom as a sedative or, in smaller doses, 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 compare.
In this article, we will answer the following questions:
- What is Kratom extract?
- What is Kratom powder?
- What is a Kratom capsule?
- Which form of Kratom is more potent?
- Kratom extract vs. powder – what is best?
What is Kratom extract?
Kratom extract is a more concentrated form of Kratom in which the active alkaloids that are responsible for the effects of Kratom are isolated and extracted. There are three types of extract: Kratom powder extract, Kratom liquid extract, and Kratom tincture. Extracts are usually at least twice as potent but can be up to 50x as strong as powder. You will see this on the label as a ratio of 2:1 or 2X. Extracts are darker than powder and usually have a weaker smell due to less plant matter.
What’s the difference between powder extract, liquid extract, and tincture?
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. Next, 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 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. It is also a potent form of Kratom, but 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 your own 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 good 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, tea, resin, etc.
What is a Kratom capsule?
A Kratom capsule is the Kratom powder measured out and inserted into a capsule. The capsule can be made of vegan-friendly cellulose-based material, but capsules are commonly made of gelatin.
The benefits of capsules are that they are discreet and easy to transport. In addition, they are pre-measured, which makes them quick and easy to use, and they mask the slightly bitter taste of Kratom. You can also experiment with them by using two different strains at once.
Which Kratom form is more potent?
Kratom extracts are the most potent form of Kratom, but extract 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 extract. The only difference between Kratom powder and Kratom capsules is that capsules have the powder measured into convenient portions in the gelatinous capsules.
If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with powder or capsules and working your way up to extracts once you know how Kratom affects you and what is the best dosage.
Kratom extract vs. powder – what is best?
If you are a seasoned Kratom user and are comfortable using either extract or powder, you may wonder how they compare. To determine this, we need to consider four things.
Rate of absorption
Liquid Kratom extracts are the most easily digestible. Since they are already in liquid form, 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). Powder and powder extract is somewhere between liquid and capsules in terms of the absorption rate. 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 powder extract is the most potent. Therefore, the powdered extract might be a good option if you are comfortable with Kratom powder and want something stronger. However, you’re better off starting with powder or capsules if you are a beginner.
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 taste of Kratom, 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.
Takeaway
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 here at Kingdom Kratom is available to answer your questions. We also offer Kratom sample packs to determine which strain or form fits you best.
