In recent years, kratom’s popularity has exploded onto the health and wellness scene. Maybe you’ve heard about the potential benefits of this magical botanical and have become curious about how kratom might fit into your own wellness routine, but you’re not sure where to start.
Well, don’t worry, because you’re in the right place! In this comprehensive beginner’s kratom guide, we’ll explore all of the basics you’ll need to know before embarking on your new kratom journey.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, mainly Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is closely related to the coffee family of plants. The leaves of this tree have been used for centuries in rituals and traditional medicine for a variety of effects.
Locals traditionally chewed kratom leaves or brewed them into tea. They used kratom to help with everything from boosting stamina to improving focus and alertness, as well as for meditation, among other purposes.
How Does Kratom Work?
The magic of kratom lies in its leaves, which are packed full of natural compounds called alkaloids. These alkaloids, which consist mostly of nitrogen atoms, interact with specific receptors in the brain.
When you consume kratom, these alkaloids latch onto your brain’s receptors. This can produce a variety of effects depending on the strain and dose that you consume.
The Different Strains of Kratom
Like other botanicals, kratom comes in different strains, each with its own unique effects. Generally, kratom strains are referred to by the color of the veins in the leaf and the region they originate from. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types of kratom strains:
Red Vein
The red vein variety of kratom is the most mature leaf of the kratom tree and is known for its soothing and grounding effects. This particular leaf is a great option for anyone looking to unwind after a long day. Ideal for taking in the evening, the most common strains are Red Maeng Da, Red Bali, and Red Thai. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this strain may have other potential benefits, such as helping to manage discomfort.
Green Vein
In the middle of the maturity spectrum is green vein kratom, which most users consider to be a fantastic middle ground between the effects of red and white vein kratom strains.
Green vein strains, like Green Malay and Green Borneo, offer a wonderful mix of heightened focus and an increase in stamina without being overly extreme in one direction or the other. Different from the red variety, you can take this strain at any time of the day and expect a nice tranquil state.
White Vein
Renowned for its “get up and go” vitality-enhancing properties, this leaf is the youngest in terms of maturity. White vein kratom is harvested while the leaf is still growing. It’s a great choice if you need a boost in focus and concentration. It’s perfect as a pre-workout or when you’re overwhelmed by chores or studies, making white vein kratom a great natural pick-me-up and caffeine-free alternative to coffee and energy drinks.
Yellow Vein
A bit of a unicorn in the kratom community, this variety is not one of the three principal strains. It does not occur due to leaf maturity. Instead, yellow vein kratom gets its distinctive color from a variation in the harvesting process. After being exposed to sunlight for a certain amount of time in the drying process, the leaves go through a process called chlorosis, where the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down through oxidation. This turns them yellow.
Yellow vein kratom is becoming increasingly popular and offers a balanced experience similar to green vein kratom. Users report that it provides a gentle enhancement, making it a great choice for beginners.
How to Dose Kratom
When it comes to dosing kratom, especially if you are a beginner, it’s important to remember the saying, “Start low and go slow.” It’s also important to keep in mind that kratom is not FDA-approved to treat any medical conditions. If you have any health concerns or currently take prescription medications, speak to your doctor before trying kratom.
Kratom’s effects can vary significantly depending on your body, your metabolism, the strain, how much you take, and how hydrated you are.
If you are just beginning your journey with kratom and aren’t certain how much to take, you can use the following steps as a starting point.
- Start Small: If you’re just starting out, it’s best to start with a low dose. This will help you gauge how your body reacts without overwhelming yourself.
- Wait and See: Kratom’s effects can take a little time to kick in, so be patient. After taking your first dose, wait about 30 to 45 minutes to see how you feel.
- Make Adjustments (if needed): If you don’t feel much after your first dose, you should gradually increase the dosage by a very small amount. The key word here is “gradually”. Don’t go doubling up your dosage right off the bat.
- Graduate to Higher Doses: After you’ve gained some experience with using kratom and have found your personal “sweet spot” for dosage, you can consider taking a higher dosage, but remember to go slow. Increasing your dosage can provide you with more intense effects, but it may also have contradictory effects.
Be cautious when increasing your dosage, as higher doses can also increase the risk of side effects like nausea and dizziness.
Different Ways to Consume Kratom
Kratom is super versatile. There are several different ways that you can consume it, depending on your preference. Here are the most common methods:
Kratom Powder
The most popular form of kratom, kratom powder can be mixed into water or any other number of beverages, like juices and smoothies. Some kratom enthusiasts use the “toss-and-wash” method, where they put some raw kratom in their mouth and wash it down with their drink of choice.
While kratom powder is versatile and very easy to find, the raw taste can be pretty bitter and earthy for some people. If you’re new to kratom, it may be best to mix your kratom powder rather than “toss-and-wash.”
Kratom Capsules
Similar to kratom powder, kratom capsules are pre-measured doses of kratom powder encased in some type of gelatin or pectin capsule. Just swallow with water or another nonalcoholic beverage like you would with any other pill.
They’re very convenient, don’t have a bitter taste, and they’re easy to dose. You can even purchase kratom powder and make your own! The only downside would be that capsules may cost just a little more than raw powder and can take a little longer to kick in since they need to dissolve in your stomach first.
Kratom Tea
Kratom tea is brewed with either full kratom leaves or powder into a tea. Simply add your kratom to hot water (do not add it to boiling water, as this breaks down the alkaloids that produce all of the kratom effects) and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
It’s definitely a soothing way to enjoy tea. The only cons to this method is that you have to take the time to make the tea. It may also produce less potent effects than other methods. If you are still averse to the bitter taste of the kratom, we suggest adding honey, lemon, or ginger to improve the flavor.
What To Expect When Taking Kratom
Kratom’s effects can vary depending on a number of factors like strain, dose, body composition, and individual body chemistry. For example, a taller, larger person will experience kratom differently than a shorter, smaller person.
In general, at low doses, one can expect to experience an increase in vitality, improved focus, and deeper concentration. At a more moderate dose, users report experiencing a balance of vitality and clearer presence, along with enhanced well-being overall. At higher doses, many users report feeling a deep grounding sensation that helps them slow down and unwind.
Whether you are a beginner or have already started your journey through the world of kratom, it’s always prudent to start with low doses and slowly increase your doses over time. Be patient, and don’t expect to find the sweet spot right off the bat. Remember that it’s important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Purchasing Kratom
When it comes to buying kratom, quality is key. A good rule of thumb when buying kratom is to look for reputable vendors who test their products for purity and potency. Companies that are certified GMP are specifically recognized as having the highest quality standards.
Make sure to do plenty of research and read reviews, not just to make sure that you are getting a good quality product but to ensure that you are engaging with a reputable vendor.
Storing Kratom
To keep kratom fresh and avoid degrading the alkaloids, store it in a cool dark place, away from sunlight and moisture. So don’t leave it in an open jar next to a window by the sink. Opaque, airtight containers or mason jars make great kratom containers. And if you have different strains or dosages, make sure to label your containers so you don’t have to guess.
Conclusion
Kratom is a powerful plant that can offer a range of benefits. But as with any other supplement, it’s important to approach it with knowledge and patience. Start with low doses, choose the right strain to fit your needs, and always follow your local laws and regulations when purchasing from reputable sources.
By incorporating kratom into your health and well regimen thoughtfully and with careful consideration, you can explore its many potential effects, helping you to feel your best– naturally. Try it today!
