Kratom is derived from a tree known as Mitragyna speciosa (aka kratom tree). It is a natural herbal supplement that acts similarly to an opioid in its effects on the brain. The main active compounds in kratom are the alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These bind to the same brain receptors that opioids do when users take kratom products in higher doses. In lower doses, however, kratom produces stimulating effects.

Aside from these general effects, users report that kratom is effective to relieve the symptoms of numerous ailments and conditions. Depending on the form, strain and dosage of kratom taken, effects will vary.

 Kratom uses may include:

• Relief of acute or chronic pain
• Increased energy and alertness
• Anxiety relief (i.e. from racing thoughts and panic attacks)
• Elevated mood (i.e. for depressive users)
• Increased focus and concentration
• Better sleep and shorter sleep latency
• Increased sexual stamina
• Cough suppression
• Relief from diarrhea
• Relief from opioid/opiate, cocaine and alcohol withdrawal

For users who are at a healthy starting point, kratom is a safe and effective natural supplement that can enhance life experiences. For example, it can calm you in high pressure situations, provide social confidence and induce energy and motivation at the gym.Now that you have an understanding of how kratom affects your body, let’s take a look at how to use kratom.

Factors Affecting Use and Effects

The kratom tree is native to Southeast Asia, where inhabitants have traditionally chewed the leaves for energy or euphoria for hundreds of years. However, today’s user typically begins with finely ground leaves known as kratom powder. This powder can be ingested in multiple forms and comes in various categories. Before you can fully understand how to use kratom effectively for your individual needs, it’s necessary to know which types produce which effects.

Types of Kratom

Different names for these types of kratom consist of the country of origin and the color of the leaf veins before processing. These characteristics generally indicate which effects the kratom will produce.

For instance, Thai kratom tends to produce energetic effects, while Bali kratom offers more relaxing effects. For a moderate combination of both, Indonesian kratom and Malaysian kratom are most ideal. Kratom colors (veins) include red vein, green vein, white vein or yellow vein. Like the original location of the kratom, different veins of kratom provide varying effects.

Finally, combining veins and strains into Red Borneo for example, will determine the kratom’s speed. This designation refers to whether it provides energy and productivity, relaxation or somewhere in between. Kratom types are categorized as fast, slow and moderate respectively.

Ways to Take Kratom

Different formulations (forms) of kratom offer different methods of consumption and will vary in potency and proper dosage for the desired effects. Crushed leaf kratom or kratom powder is generally where new users start, since it is easy to measure out low doses with these forms. This allows for experimentation to gauge the kratom’s effects without jumping right into more potent forms.

Here are some popular methods for how to use kratom:

Brew a Tea

This is a popular method of ingesting kratom powder or crushed leaf kratom. Just boil the kratom in water for about 30 minutes, let it steep and pour the solution through a strainer before drinking. Many users report that this method produces more consistent and better results. However, this is a time-consuming task that many users shy away from. You can choose to drink the tea hot or iced.

Toss n Wash

This is one of the simplest and quickest ways to get kratom into your system. You can customize this method to your liking. One way is to spoon the desired dosage into the back of your mouth and wash it down with water. You can also mix the powder into a small amount of any beverage and gulp it down like a shot. Some users can’t choke down kratom this way without becoming nauseous due to the bitter taste. The same goes for drinking kratom tea.

Capsule Form

This is a preferred method of users who are put off by kratom’s taste. You can buy kratom in capsule form or buy empty capsules and fill them yourself. One disadvantage of this form of consumption is that it can take quite a few capsules (10 or more) to get an adequate dose.

Add to a Protein Shake

This is a way to avoid kratom’s taste to a degree. However, it doesn’t completely eliminate it. If you don’t mind consuming your kratom with calories, this is one way to go. Some users even report that they get better results with this method, but there is no scientific evidence confirming this.

Add to Yogurt

Unless you want to add bitter to bitter, go with a fruity yogurt to mask kratom’s taste. Again, you’ll be consuming calories along with your kratom with this method. In addition, you’ll get quicker results if you take kratom on an empty stomach. This method is great, however, if you regularly have a daily serving of yogurt. You can simply stir the kratom in and go about your normal routine.

Other forms of kratom include liquid kratom, such as a tincture or liquid alkaloid suspension. These are excellent forms to take on the go, as they are more easily tucked into your bag or purse than kratom powder.

Shots

You may have seen kratom shots in convenience stores and head shops. These are typically in tiny plastic bottles that look like 5-Hour Energy shots. You should steer clear of these because there is no way of knowing what else the mixture contains other than kratom.

However, DIY kratom shots are easy and fun to make. Simply mix 1-2 ounces of a favorite beverage with 1 ounce of honey or maple syrup. Next, microwave for 30 to 45 seconds and then stir in 2 to 5 ounces of your favorite kratom powder. Drink hot or slightly cooled.

A Tasty Mocktail

To actually sip and enjoy your kratom, add 5 grams of powdered kratom to a glass of water. Then, add honey and/or sugar and squeeze in your favorite fresh citrus juice. A combination of lime, orange and grapefruit juices is an excellent combo. Pour over ice and enjoy.

And, That’s How to Use Kratom!

As noted above, users can adjust the dosage with any form, type or concoction of kratom to personalize your results. Kratom is a safe and effective way to relieve unwanted symptoms or to simply enhance your quality of life. The key to the best and safest results, however, is to find a reputable online vendor who specializes in kratom products.