When deciding on a kratom supplement for specific symptoms, users often wonder which form of kratom will work best for them. Although crushed leaf kratom and kratom powder were once the only forms available, today kratom products range from capsules, to liquid, to kratom tablets. Each form has its pros and cons, but the overall benefits of kratom remain the same.
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Benefits of Kratom
For centuries, people of Southeast Asia have used kratom for medicinal use. This herbal supplement comes from the kratom tree, native to the region and known botanically as Mitragyna speciosa. In recent years, people worldwide have recognized the benefits of kratom as a natural alternative to prescription drugs for a plethora of conditions, including:
- Chronic or acute pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Lack of energy
- Low cognitive function (lack of concentration and focus, poor memory)
- Opiate withdrawal
- Diabetes
- Low libido
- Insomnia
Kratom is also one of the best antioxidants on the market, due to its ability to fight certain cell damage from free radicals. In addition, many users have reported that kratom supplements are effective for quick weight loss.
Forms of Kratom Supplements
Today, kratom is available in the following forms:
- Crushed leaf
- Powder
- Capsules
- Liquid
- Kratom tablets
Factors Affecting Results
In this article, we will compare the uses, benefits and dosage of kratom tablets to those of other kratom supplements. It’s important to note, however, that there are other factors that influence the results gained from kratom.
Kratom Veins
Veins of kratom are designated by the color of veins in the leaves of different varieties of the kratom plant. The three primary veins are green, red and white. Each vein lends certain effects to any form of kratom. For example, red vein kratoms tend to lean on the sedating side. Therefore, they are typically effective to improve sleep quality and are good herbal supplements for anxiety. However, they wouldn’t be the best choice for those wanting to know how to improve sex drive.
Kratom Strains
Strains are typically designated by geographic origin. Examples include Bali, Borneo, Malaysian (Malay), Indonesian (Indo) and Thai. As with kratom veins, different strains will provide different results. For instance, Malay kratom is known for its ability to relieve pain, but without the sedation that comes with other strains used for fighting pain. In contrast, Thai kratom is for users wanting deep relaxation.
Kratom Dosage
Dosage influences the effects of kratom, regardless of vein, strain or form. The general rule is that the lower the dose, the more stimulating the effects. In contrast, higher doses will provide more sedating effects.
For example, Red Bali kratom is popular with many users for its opioid-like effects. Remember that red veins are typically sedating. However, this strain provides stimulation and sociability at lower doses. Moderate doses can provide both effects simultaneously, making Red Bali a great overall mood enhancer.
Now, let’s look at the different way’s formulations contribute to kratom’s effects.
Kratom Tablets vs Other Forms of Kratom
It’s important to remember that all forms of kratom have their benefits. Ultimately, the one(s) you choose will depend on personal preferences. While some forms are more versatile in their usage, others are more enhanced to provide stronger effects for targeted symptoms.
Kratom Tablets
Kratom tablets are the newest form to hit the market. This formulation allows for extracting or isolating alkaloids for a more potent product. Tablets are ideal for users who have built up a tolerance for kratom in crushed leaf, powder or capsule form.
In addition, kratom tablets are effective for those who need an extra potent and fast-acting dose for acute pain or chronic pain flare-ups. On the flip side, kratom tablets can be a convenient way to get a quick pick-me-up. Moreover, a unique characteristic of this form is that it comes in various sub-forms, including chewable kratom tablets and kratom tea tablets.
Liquid Kratom
Much like kratom tablets, liquid kratom is essentially kratom extract. This means you are getting a highly potent dose. However, you will taste the kratom slightly more with liquid kratom than with tablets. Liquid kratom is also fast-acting and convenient.
Crushed Leaf Kratom
The original form of kratom was whole leaves, which natives of Southeast Asia chewed for both their stimulating and euphoric effects. However, this method wasn’t an option for users in other countries once the benefits of kratom began to spread worldwide. Users in other regions of the world needed kratom shipped to them in a form that would survive the shipping process.
Hence, suppliers began to use machinery to dry and crush the leaves for shipping. Today, kratom users who prefer this form enjoy its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The most common way users consume crushed leaf kratom is in the form of a tea. Additionally, it is the cheapest form of kratom since it is the least processed.
Kratom Powder
Kratom powder is simply crushed leaves, ground into a fine powder. These two forms have many similarities. They are both minimally processed and cost-effective, with kratom powder being only slightly more costly than crushed leaves. Users who enjoy kratom in powdered form often use the simple “toss n wash” method (putting the desired dosage on a spoon, then into your mouth and washing it down with any beverage. Many users also add powdered kratom to food or brew it into tea.
The downsides of both crushed leaf kratom and kratom powder are:
Measuring your dose is required. Both of these forms require a scale to measure out the proper dosage. Many users find this process too inconvenient and time-consuming. With kratom tablets, your dose is pre-calculated.
Withstanding kratom’s bitter taste and pungent odor. Some users simply can’t withstand these factors without nausea or vomiting. Taking kratom tablets eliminates this concern, as do kratom capsules.
Kratom Capsules
Kratom capsules are simply kratom powder encased in a gelatin shell, making them easy to swallow. This allows for not only a bitter- and odor-free experience, but also a pre-calculated dose. In addition, kratom capsules are portable and discreet. Finally, you can be sure you are getting a pre-labeled proportion of active alkaloids with capsules. Brewing crushed leaves or powder into a tea can cause chemical reactions that alter this proportion.