So you’ve had your fair share of cold brew coffees and turmeric lattes. You’ve tried the matcha teas and the saffron powders. And you’re looking for the next big thing in health and wellness.
You want something with a little more kick. You want to feel motivated to start your day with a bit more pizazz and a few less boring cups of coffee.
In walks the latest trend in the tea world: kratom tea. It’s a wellness beverage known for its quick stimulating effects. Although it’s a relatively new arrival to the Western wellness world, it’s the next health beverage you should give a taste.
Keep reading for more information on kratom tea, as well as how to make your own brew.
What Is Kratom Tea
The leaves used to brew kratom tea come from the kratom tree, which is a tropical species most native to Southeast Asia. In fact, it is closely related to the coffee plant.
In addition to brewing tea, traditional medicinal uses have also included chewing and smoking the leaves.
Kratom is available for purchase in several forms, including a solid powder, a more potent extract powder, pills, and kratom tea bags. For making teas, you should focus on the solid and leaf powders, or the tea bags, for the best results, especially when first trying this supplement.
Some Kratom History
Also known by its scientific name, Mitragyna speciosa, kratom has traditionally been chewed or brewed as tea in Southeast Asia as a productivity stimulant and for curing certain medical illnesses.
It has also been used in religious practices and ceremonies, likely in much higher doses as a psychoactive medicine.
As with many medicinal herbs and plants, kratom’s history is much longer than can be summarized in a few sentences. But it’s longevity is promising for its future potential as a regular pain reliever and mental stimulant, among other benefits which you can read below.
Benefits of Kratom Tea
The effects of kratom come from the active alkaloids within the leaves. These alkaloids are fairly delicate and are easily altered by excessive heat. But they are also the beautiful compounds that have made kratom the latest craze in the natural health industry.
Although studies are still being conducted on kratom tea effects, there are many potential positive outcomes.
In as little as 10 minutes after drinking a kratom tea brew, you will begin to feel the results. Most prominently, kratom is known to reduce fatigue, relieve anxiety, and alleviate chronic pain.
There are also ongoing studies about kratom’s abilities to improve cognition, increase stamina, and assist with addiction recovery.
Further, you won’t experience the classic crash that occurs several hours after drinking caffeinated coffee. The lack of a crash, along with the similarly stimulating effects of coffee, is another reason why kratom has had a significant rise in popularity.
In short, kratom can get you going and keep you going, and it won’t take you down after a few hours of productivity.
It is still a somewhat new supplement in the modern health world, so it’s important to tread carefully on your first dose. Less is more.
How to Make Kratom Tea
Making kratom tea is a bit more complicated than other teas you may have brewed. The water must be hot, but should not be boiling when you incorporate the kratom powder because the alkaloid compounds will dissolve.
You can still let the water get to a boil, but then let it rest for a minute or so before adding the kratom. Then let the kratom simmer for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Also, you can add citrus, like lemon or lime juice, to protect the alkaloid structure in hot water.
Adding additional flavors like lemon will also break up the traditionally bitter taste of the kratom leaf. You can also use other popular tea additives like honey or sugar to improve the taste. Or you can go all out and chug a cup and be done with it.
And for all you tea-fanatics, find out more kratom tea recipes to add variety to your supplementing routines. There’s always a fun new way to incorporate herbal supplements into your day, including apple sauces, yogurts, and tinctures.
Go Slow
Kratom has been used as a recreational drug in certain higher doses, so it’s important to be aware of the potency of your dose and chosen method.
It’s best to start with 0.5 to 2 grams and monitor how your body reacts. As you adjust to your kratom tea recipe, you can try different strains.
Each strain has a different balance of effects. While Green Indo Kratom is more of a mood enhancer, Red Kali Kratom is better for pain relief, and Maeng Da Kratom is a more stimulating strain.
Whatever kind of relief you’re looking for, there is probably a kratom strain that can do the job. And you won’t have to pile on doses to sustain the effects, as kratom can linger longer than other stimulants like coffee.
Cheers and Enjoy
While kratom tea may take a little more time and attention than other teas or supplements you’ve had in the past, the results are worth it.
Plus, it incorporates a little mindful self-care cooking into your morning before you wake your mind up and get to work. What a great morning that sounds like, right?
Seriously, this is a must-try you can’t miss out on. Get your taste of kratom tea and reek the amazing benefits.