Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree from Southeast Asia and is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Kratom (the original name used in Thailand) is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Other members of the Rubiaceae family include coffee and gardenia.
The leaves of kratom are consumed either by chewing, or by drying and smoking, putting into capsules, tablets or extract, or by boiling into a tea. Capsule dosage is typically dependent on the size of each capsule.
How is kratom powder produced?
Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia offer the best cultivation grounds for kratom. To make kratom powder, leaves of the kratom tree are cut with careful precision. Once harvested the leaves go through an extensive process of drying and curating. They are then crushed to make the kratom powder and packaged in capsules.
What makes the capsule form of kratom so special?
Kratom capsules are special due to ease of use and convenience of delivery method. The fact is the taste of kratom powder in its raw form is rather strong (particularly for first-time users). To avoid this it’s best to ingest kratom via capsules and avoid the horrible taste in powdered form.
Another advantage of taking capsules instead of powder is the fact that each capsule consists of an accurately measured dose. So, if it’s a 1 gram capsule, and you want to ingest no more than 5 grams, you take 5 capsules. This allows you to make sure you don’t overdose
Effects vary based on type of kratom ingested
It’s important to note that kratom capsules produced from different strains have different effects. Some strains can be mildly stimulating. You feel energized after taking them.
The Maeng Da strain, for example, is popular for its energizing effects which are similar to coffee. Some users like to crush open a capsule and brew it along with an herbal tea of their choice in the morning. This often proves to be good substitute for morning coffee.
The Red Vein strain, on the other hand, can make you drowsy. Its mild sedative-like effects make this strain popular among thrill seekers who may be looking for a recreation herb. It’s best to take this particular strain in the evening rather than morning.
Health Tips
Some users report feeling dehydrated and thirsty after consuming kratom. To avoid that make sure to keep yourself fully hydrated both before and after consuming capsules.
It’s best to consume kratom on an empty stomach. This way, the effects are more noticeable right away. However, be sure not to abuse kratom. Avoid heavy dosage at all times or it could lead to unforeseen consequences and serious health issues.
When it comes to kratom, micro-dosing is always the safest option. Also, if you experience a sense of nausea, just wait for some time and that uncomfortable sensation should pass.
Final Thoughts
Kratom in capsule form is an excellent choice, especially for a beginner who doesn’t know what kind of taste to expect. However, it’s incredibly important that you know the type of capsule you are looking for and buying.
Familiarize yourself with different strain types, what effects they carry, and what constitutes as ‘safe dose’ to create a safe consumption environment for yourself.