The Different Types of Kratom Extracts and Their Benefits

As kratom grows in popularity, there are an increasing number of formulations of kratom products and extracts available to consumers. Learn more below about kratom powders, capsules, teas, and extracts to help you determine which type is best for you. 

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a powerful plant that grows as an evergreen in southeast Asia. It’s been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in its native areas, but it’s newly being discovered in the U.S. and the western world.

What Is Kratom Extract?

Kratom extract is the name for kratom powder that’s been concentrated to increase the desired alkaline content. It’s made from a process of boiling either kratom leaves or powder, and then the brewed liquid undergoes a straining and evaporation process. The solution, essentially a strong kratom tea, becomes a dark paste that is eventually further dried to a brittle solid. The solid, concentrated kratom is then ground up again into a fine powder, much stronger than regular kratom powder. 

How to Use Kratom Extract

Kratom extract is sometimes sold as an oil or a tincture, though it’s most frequently available as kratom extract powder. As kratom extracts are more potent than standard kratom powder, it’s important to be cognizant of your dosage.

Whether taking kratom extract powder or regular kratom powder, keep in mind that measuring kratom by volume is generally less accurate than measuring by weight. This is because the number of alkaloids contained depends on how finely ground the material is. 

Kratom extracts should have a potency indicator. This is listed as a number like ‘15x’, ‘25x’, or even ‘50x,’ meaning how many times more plant alkaloids are contained in the extract vs. standard kratom powder. As with kratom in general, it’s wise to “start slow and go low” initially.

For those seeking more concentrated forms of kratom, some investigate kratom resin vs. powder. Kratom converted to a resin form has a much higher potency than standard leaves. Users are advised to be cautious with dosages and consider taking breaks from use to prevent substance tolerance.

Kratom Tea vs. Powder

Kratom tea is usually prepared with kratom powder by heating water to a boil and allowing the infusion to simmer for 15-20 minutes. It’s easily sweetened with honey, sugar, or stevia.

Making tea with kratom powder is an easier way to become accustomed to kratom if you are new to it. But you may wonder, is kratom tea stronger than powder? The answer depends largely on how the kratom tea is prepared. In Thailand, kratom teas are traditionally brewed in large pots kept over a fire for around four hours, resulting in a strong concoction. But in the west, it’s typically milder in preparation.

What about making kratom tea with kratom leaf vs. powder? Many users say that the alkaloids included in the plant stem and veins of the crushed kratom are more potent when converted into powder form. Therefore, purchasing kratom as a powder saves you this step in preparation.

Another method for taking kratom is what’s referred to as “toss and wash.” With this method, you simply spoon a measured amount of kratom powder into your mouth and chase it down with water or juice (swishing around before swallowing to prevent the powder from clumping). 

Kratom Tea vs. Capsules

Kratom capsules are available for those who want to dispense with the concept of drinking kratom as a tea, which is more bitter than most teas or fighting a gag reflex from the “toss and wash.” Instead, you can take kratom capsules with water or any mild room-temperature or cooled liquid. A benefit of using kratom capsules vs. powder is that the dosage is easily measured because the kratom powder is encapsulated in flavorless gelatin or plant-based coating. 

Another benefit of taking kratom supplements in capsule form is that capsules require no hot water, sweeteners, or steeping time, so they are perfect for travel or taking while away from home.

However, some kratom users feel that making tea with kratom powder provides them with more immediate benefits than capsules. Consider, too, that if you have a favored brand of kratom powder that you usually consume as a tea, you can buy empty capsules and fill your own for when you’re on the go.

Kratom Capsules

Not all kratom vendors provide capsules or only sell capsules of a particular color strain of kratom. Fortunately, as one of the most trusted providers of kratom, Organa Kratom offers vegetarian kratom capsules with organically grown white, green, red, and gold kratom powder.

If you are familiar with which kratom strain works best for your needs, you can save significantly by opting for a 200 or 300-count capsule order, and you may wish to consider a convenient regular delivery for additional savings. However, taking kratom extract vs. powder involves an extra cost, as the extract is more labor-intensive for production.

Do be aware of the amount of kratom that you are consuming, in whichever form you ingest. 

Capsules typically contain from 0.5 to 0.7 grams of kratom powder.

The Takeaway

When considering the choice of kratom powder vs. extract, especially for new kratom users, it’s recommended to begin with standard kratom powder. Evidence suggests that taking high doses of kratom initially can cause the body to become resistant to kratom. Kratom concentrate is best used after an individual understands his or her own personal response to kratom.

Are kratom extracts worth it? Much depends on how experienced you are with kratom’s effects, your frequency of use, and the kratom’s beneficial effect you seek. Kratom extract dosage can vary with different brands, so be sure to find a trusted brand.