There are two major types of forms kratom comes in: powder and extract. You may even see Kratom capsules marketed with containing both. What is the difference between kratom powder and kratom extract? We’re going to break it down so you can be really clear about how they differ. Let’s go over those differences so that you can make the right choice based on your needs.
What Is Kratom Powder?
Kratom powder is essentially powdered up kratom leaves that were first dried, process, and ground up. You can either get kratom powder as a very fine powder or crushed up kratom leaves.
Kratom powder can be taken as a tea or supplement with a meal or beverage. So, how do you take kratom powder? One common way of taking kratom powder is by making a paste using a little bit of water, although some people simply sprinkle it in their food.
Kratom powder is more affordable than kratom extract, which is one of the reasons for its heightened popularity. Anyone who feels they need kratom can take it in a very economical way. Also, there are many different kratom strains available to choose from when it comes to kratom powder.
Kratom powder isn’t highly concentrated or enhanced in any way. It’s simply ground up or crushed up kratom leaves. You’ll still get all the beneficial alkaloids found in a kratom extract, but there will be less of them.
The effects of kratom powder, especially at low doses, lead to you feeling more energized, focused, and upbeat. You’ll also see a slightly larger appetite and more sexual stamina. The effects of kratom powder on energy levels are so significant that it’s fast becoming a replacement for caffeine for many.
What Is Kratom Extract?
Now that you know what kratom powder is like, it’s time to shift our focus to kratom extract. Essentially, kratom extract is highly concentrated kratom powder. In fact, kratom extract usually starts off by using kratom powder as the base of it. However, the extracts will sometimes be made using the entire leaf.
There’s a tremendous amount of alkaloids in kratom extract. The reason alkaloid content is important and highly-sought-after is because it is very effective in relieving pain, while also skyrocketing energy levels.
To make kratom extract, water must be boiled along with kratom leaves. When this process occurs, alkaloids get extracted from the leaves. After the water completely evaporates, what’s left is a thick paste that is filled with potent alkaloids, including mitraphylline, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.
Since kratom extract is a more concentrated form of kratom, there are more alkaloids extracted from it. All the effects people are looking to get from kratom stem from these alkaloids. The more alkaloids there are, the more potent the kratom is. That’s the main point of attraction for people getting kratom extract.
Given that kratom extract is very potent, you will start feeling the effects incredibly fast. It can take as little as five minutes after ingesting kratom extract to feel them! While you may at first think that since it comes on quicker that it will last for a shorter time, that’s not true. In fact, it lasts longer than any other form of kratom.
As with kratom powder, there are powerful effects and benefits you can enjoy. These include pain relief, feeling energized, and even feeling sedated. Kratom extract has recently exploded in popularity as a safe method of opiate withdrawal.
A Word About Serving Size
When it comes to serving size, you will be taking a different amount of kratom powder vs. kratom extract.
For kratom powder, a small amount is considered to be between one and two grams. Someone who uses kratom regularly will take three grams of kratom powder. A large amount is considered anything over three grams. However, especially if you’re new to kratom, this could lead to having trouble sleeping, feeling nauseous, and other minor side effects.
The serving size you choose when taking kratom extracts is a little more complex. This is due to varying degrees of potency. Extracts can be 5X, 10X, 15X, or even more. These numbers refer to the quantity of leaf or powder needed to reach the potency of the extract.
You should start off with a smaller serving size when starting out with kratom powder or extract. Feel out what the ideal amount is for you to receive the benefits you’re after.
Kratom Powder vs. Kratom Extract – Which One Is Better?
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the difference between kratom powder and kratom extract, you probably want to know which one is better. The open secret is that it depends.
If you’re a newbie to the world of kratom, it’s a good idea to start off with using kratom powder. It’s less potent than kratom extract, which will allow your body to accept it. If you start off with a 15X kratom extract, your body may develop resistance to it early on.
If you’re looking to kick an opiate addiction, you may want to go straight to a less potent kratom extract, and work your way up from there. Also, if you’re looking to simply elevate your mood or get mellowed out, a kratom extract is the preferred choice.
Whichever form of kratom you choose, you’re going to see the benefits of taking kratom pretty quickly. There’s plenty of strains to choose from, so you can try out different ones until you find one that is the go-to kratom strain that you love and enjoy regularly.