For centuries, the Kratom tree has been revered as a powerful plant capable of being used to significantly enhance health and wellness.
This plant grows natively in regions of southeast Asia, and it’s earned a reputation for being incredibly effective at improving health and wellness across a broad spectrum. Even though Kratom has a long history of use, it has only recently become popular in places like the United States and Canada.
Proponents of Kratom love the effect it has on mood, motivation, and overall well-being. This has prompted a lot of interest for those looking to bring more balance to their lives via natural means.
Credit: Kats Botanicals
For many of these new Kratom users, a lot of confusion can come as a result of learning about the multiple different strains and formats Kratom can take. Information on the internet and elsewhere is often confusing and contradictory, which is why we’re clearing the air with this easy guide to Kratom powder.
In this article, we’re going to explore the numerous types of Kratom powder currently available today, and we’re going to give you some food for thought as you continue to learn more about this amazing herb.
How Kratom Powder is Made
Mitragyna Speciosa is the taxonomic name given to the species of tree that has become commonly known as ‘Kratom’. Even though there is only one species of Kratom tree, there are some variations in the wild, including rare forms of Kratom that exhibit white- and green-veined leaf patterns.
80%+ of all Kratom trees grow red veins as the tree matures. When the time for harvesting is right, the Kratom farmers will cut the leaves from the tree and then begin a process of drying them.
The Art of Kratom Leaf Drying
This drying process is crucial to the final outcome of the Kratom powder. In fact, the exact method that is used to dry the Kratom leaves plays a significant role in the balance of alkaloids that is included in the final product.
These are some of the most common Kratom processing methods used to alter the Kratom alkaloid profile:
- Sun drying. When Kratom leaves are sun-dried, the natural thermal heat of the sun aids in evaporating the moisture in the fresh Kratom leaves. Sun drying is also very effective at fighting off contaminants like mold and pathogens.
- Indoor drying. Many Kratom cultivators have found that indoor drying methods yield a finished product that has very unique properties. Also, this method of drying is much easier to control.
Sometimes, indoor drying is supplemented with UV light exposure, a step that further modifies the phytochemicals contained in the Kratom leaves.
- Fermentation. In the production of some strains, the Kratom leaves are bundled together and encased in burlap bags where they are left to ferment for a short period of time.
This process causes a catabolic reaction within the plant matter, and the resulting Kratom powder takes on yet another, different kind of alkaloid profile.
- Hybridized methods. To create some of the ‘exotic’ Kratom strains, some farmers will employ a hybridized drying method that incorporates two or more of the above-listed techniques.
Remember that Kratom powder has been used for centuries by native peoples in southeast Asia. These cultures have had a long time to experiment with various post-harvest methods of processing Kratom, and now, the rest of the world is benefiting from their knowledge.
After the Kratom leaves are sufficiently dry, it’s time to execute the next step in the Kratom powder production process: pulverization.
The Last Steps
Some Kratom consumers prefer to make brewed teas with the leaves of the Kratom tree. For this type of use, a ‘crushed leaf’ format of Kratom works best. And, the remaining Kratom plant matter can often be used two or more times to brew even more tea. This allows for optimal use of the Kratom leaves.
Crushed leaf Kratom is coarser than powdered Kratom, as it is not meant to dissolve in water. You can think of crushed leaf Kratom as having the consistency of standard, loose-leaf tea.
Credit: Kats Botanicals
Producing crushed leaf Kratom is a fairly straightforward process. The Kratom farmer will simply grind down the dried Kratom leaves into a fineness that is suitable for brewing, and then they will package it for distribution throughout the world.
Making Kratom powder, on the other hand, involves yet another step—pulverization. For this, specialized equipment is needed to produce a clean, ultra-fine, contaminant-free powder that can easily be mixed into water, coffee, juice, or another beverage for consumption.
Interestingly, this last step in the processing of Kratom powder carries with it the highest risk of the powder becoming compromised by bacteria, heavy metals, or other unwanted substances. For this reason, it’s absolutely essential that Kratom producers maintain utmost cleanliness and sanitation practices, and it’s why the laboratory testing of Kratom should be a high priority for anyone looking to buy Kratom powder. We suggest purchasing from reputable vendors such as. Kats Botanicals.
Know the Three Main Strains
Within the Kratom family of trees native to southeast Asia, there are three major strain categories: White Vein, Green Vein, and Red Vein.
These names are given to the Kratom leaves that end up with white, green, or red leaf venation after the drying process has been completed. Each of these different strains has a slightly different alkaloid profile, including the two most powerful Kratom alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Different Kratom strains are reported to have widely different effects on the people who use them. Even though the Kratom experience can be said to be subjective to the user, there are some identifying traits of each strain effect that have been agreed upon by most Kratom users.
They are:
1. White Vein Kratom – Produces a boosted, activating feeling that can help to get you up and moving if you’re feeling tired. For this reason, White Vein Kratom is often taken earlier in the day. View All White Strains
2. Green Vein Kratom – Contributes to enhanced motivation and increased well-being. Many Green Vein users report feeling more focused and less distracted after taking Green Vein Kratom. View All Green Strains
3. Red Vein Kratom – Red Vein Kratom has the reputation of providing a peaceful feeling perfect for the evening. Many Kratom advocates claim that Red Vein Kratom helps them to relax. View All Red Strains
While White, Green, and Red make up the broadest categories of Kratom powder, there are other strains that come as a result of mixing two or more of these strains together. These blends are often produced with branding that is specific to the company doing the blending. As such, there is no industry standard for what a ‘Yellow’, ‘Gold’, or ‘Rainbow’ blend contains.
It’s all up to the vendor.
To confuse matters even further, the amount of Kratom powder blends on the market is as numerous as the amount of Kratom vendors there are (which is to say, dozens if not hundreds). So, if you don’t know what to look for as a new Kratom user, you can get lost pretty quickly in the myriad of different Kratom brands that exist.
How to Choose the Kratom Powder That Is Right for You
Perhaps you’ve done enough research into Kratom that you’re now ready to try it for yourself. Great! You’re well on your way to finding out first-hand how beneficial Kratom can be.
But, which strain of Kratom powder do you go with? Do you just take a gamble on a few of the most popular strains and hope for the best? How much of the powder do you take once you do get it?
Credit: Kats Botanicals
Firstly, it’s important to locate a reputable, reliable, consistent Kratom vendor that has a track record of supplying a clean, lab-tested product. The importance of this cannot be overstated! You deserve the highest-quality Kratom that is certifiably free from harmful contaminants. If the vendor you’re considering cannot prove their lab testing results, it’s recommended that you look for a vendor that can.
When choosing a strain to start with, refer to the color listing mentioned above. If you’re more interested in using Kratom to unwind after a long day, consider starting with a Red strain.
For focus, motivation, and a boost during the day, look to a Green, White, or Green/White hybrid strain.
Some people like to begin their day with Kratom, tapping into the morning focus that a White Kratom strain can provide.
With some experimentation and access to a high-quality Kratom vendor, you’re bound to find the right Kratom strains to meet your unique needs.
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