Kratom is one of the most popular herbal supplements as it is similar to coffee. In fact, the Mitrganaya Speciosa tree is actually a part of the coffee family. As it does not contain caffeine, but still has similar effects, many people are switching from caffeinated beverages to kratom capsules, teas, or powders. However, there is a new way to experience the effects of kratom in the form of kratom extracts!
What are kratom extracts?
Kratom is most often sold in powder form. A common misconception is that kratom powder is concentrated kratom. This could not be further from the case as kratom powder is simply kratom leaves that have been ground to form a fine powder that is more desirable for human consumption.
Historically, in Southeast Asia, kratom was simply harvested naturally, and then the consumer would chew on the kratom leaves to experience the benefits as one would chew on tobacco. As well, kratom leaves were also used to brew tea. Both of these methods are still popular in some cultures today. Kratom tea is catching on all over the world as more and more people are using kratom leaves to brew fresh kratom hot tea, iced tea, and even sun tea!
To make kratom powder, the leaves are first dried until they are able to be broken down more readily. They are then ground until they reach the desired consistency, which yields a whole plant powder that is either sold in powder form or put into capsule form. And contrary to what some may think, this process does not affect the level of alkaloids that are present in the kratom leaves.
Kratom extracts, on the other hand, are in fact more of a concentrated form of kratom. Most often, it is made from kratom powder. But it can also be made from whole kratom leaves. The goal of kratom extraction is to extract the alkaloids from the kratom plant (or powder) by boiling them to create a tea-like solution. This solution is then strained to remove any solids and simmered down until any remaining water evaporates, thus leaving behind a more concrationed form of kratom that resembles a dark paste. The paste is then dried into clumps or sometimes a brittle sheet that is then ground up into a powder form. Thus, kratom extracts are most often higher in alkaloid concentration than some kratom powders.
What is the difference between kratom powder and kratom extracts?
Currently, kratom powder is the most popular form of kratom for sale online. However, kratom powders are rapidly growing in popularity.
This may be due to the fact that there is a higher concentration of kratom in kratom extract as opposed to kratom. Therefore, a small amount of kratom is needed to experience the effects of kratom whereas this is not the case with kratom powder.
Another difference between the two is that kratom powder is less expensive than kratom extracts. Kratom extract has a higher price point as the extraction process is more laborious and time-consuming. However, many people don’t mind paying more for kratom extract due to the potency factor.
Keep in mind that the effects of these will vary from person to person. Also, kratom is not currently approved by the FDA. You must be at least 18-21 years old to legally purchase kratom. As such, it is illegal or banned in some areas. Purchase kratom at your own risk.
Before we take a look at some of the different types of kratom extracts, let’s get a little bit of general background on kratom.
Kratom 101
Kratom leaves come from the Mitragyana Specoisa tree that is native to Southeast Asia. These ancient trees grow best in tropical conditions and can grow as much as 100 feet tall. In Southeast Asia, people have enjoyed the benefits of kratom for thousands of years. However, kratom has recently become a worldwide phenomenon and is especially popular in the United States.
There are hundreds of vendors online that sell various kratom products, including kratom teas, powders, capsules, and of course, kratom extracts. It is wise to only purchase these products from a vendor that is backed by the American Kratom Association (or AKA). This will ensure that the kratom is naturally sourced, legal and safe for human consumption and manufactured under the proper guidelines.
Kratom is so popular due to the presence of both mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine compounds, both of which are high in alkaloids. Kratom has many benefits, which can vary from person to person. As well, different strains of kratom provide different benefits. To find out the benefits of specific kratom strains, search online for reputable kratom vendors.
Most Commonly Used Kratom Extracts
Kratom Tinctures
Kratom tinctures are the most popular form of kratom extracts. Most strains of kratom are available as a tincture and contain the original components of the kratom leaf without compromising any of the components.
Kratom tinctures are manufactured in extremely controlled environments to yield consistency and quality. Therefore, the process is quite time-consuming and tedious, which puts kratom tinctures at a higher price point.
Kratom tinctures, a full spectrum extract, utilizes a mixture of ethanol and water, citric acid, pH strips, and cheesecloth in the extraction process. These are the steps needed to make kratom tinctures
- Add about 5 ounces of high-quality kratom leaves to a sealable jar that is filled with a mixture of water and ethanol (ratio: 1 liter of solution per 8 ounces of kratom)
- Citric Acid is added to weed out the alkaloids.
- Using a pH strip, the pH levels are gauged until the pH level is lower than 4 (but not too low). More citric acid is added as needed to achieve this pH level.
- The container must be tightly sealed, vigorously shaken, and left in a dark place for approximately 7 days,
After 7 days, the remaining product is filtered with cheesecloth and the remaining kratom leaves are discarded. - The resulting liquid is measured for value, poured into a vial, and moved to a dark, cool place for storage until it is sold.
Resin Extracts
This form of kratom extract is actually semi-solid and is of a high quality due to the high presence of alkaloids. Kratom resin takes less time and money to produce and therefore tends to be less expensive than kratom tinctures.
Kratom resin is made using the following steps:
- Add water to the kratom powder until fully immersed.
- Mix well
- To boost the acidic content, add vinegar or lemon juice
- Allow sitting for 24 hours.
- Once it has sat for 24 hours, the mixture must be frozen.
- Once the mixture is completely frozen, boil water, add the mixture, and some lime juice.
- Allow simmering until one-quarter of the water evaporates.
- Allow the mixture to cool
- Strain until half is evaporated.
- Simmer the remaining wet powder with lime juice
- Repeat until the water is properly saturated.
- Place the mixture in an oven dish.
- Heat at 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The extract is ready when the water has evaporated into a thick resin.
When Should You Purchase Kratom Extracts
Kratom extracts are only recommended for those who are experienced users of kratom products. As such, there is currently only a small market for kratom extracts. Typically, those who are new to the world of kratom and its benefits do not typically purchase kratom in extract form. This is partly because these extracts are overwhelming for beginners as well as more costly. Newbies tend to invest in kratom capsules or powders, both of which are available in many different strains and veins.
Where to Buy High Quality, Naturally Sourced Kratom and Kratom Extracts
If you are experienced with kratom and its benefits, you might wish to branch out and try kratom extracts. You can find these online from reputable kratom vendors. Keep in mind that they will cost a bit more than kratom teas, powders, or extracts. As well, you should only purchase kratom extracts from vendors that are listed with the AKA (American Kratom Association)
As far as purchasing kratom extracts from a local vendor, one should proceed with caution. You must be certain that the store from which you are purchasing the kratom extract is doing so legally. Remember that there are some states in which kratom is legal or banned. Never purchase kratom that is not labeled or packaged. Make sure the package is sealed. Always ask for information about the manufacturer as well as certification before purchasing any kratom product from a local store.
Before you purchase kratom from any vendor, online or locally, take time to research the company. Look for customer reviews on the company website and on other sites as well. Reviews on sites other than the company website tend to be more honest and unbiased.
SA Kratom has a wide selection of kratom powder and capsules. All of our kratom products are naturally sourced and of the highest quality. Check out our store today and feel free to contact our customer service team with any questions or concerns.
