The Kratom industry is booming as more people wake up to the incredible benefits offered by this ancient plant. The demand is so high that some vendors are finding it difficult to keep up, especially because many of them sell different strains and product varieties of Kratom.
At first, Kratom was only available as an alkaloid rich powder and nothing else. As time passed, new product varieties were introduced including Kratom capsules, tinctures, and extracts. Of these varieties, extracts have seen a steady incline in popularity, thanks to the unique health benefits that come with consuming Kratom in this form.
Most people are wary of trying out Kratom extracts because they’ve heard a lot of negative misconceptions about it. The truth is that it’s possible to safely use Kratom extracts when you know how to take them.
What is Kratom?
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The substance we know today as Kratom originates from an evergreen tree called Mitragyna Speciosa, and it’s native to Southeast Asia. Interestingly enough, Mitragyna Speciosa is closely related to the coffea (coffee) tree, which comes from the same Rubiaceae plant family. Once harvested, the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa are usually dried and ground up into powder, capsules, and extracts to name but a few Kratom product varieties.
Kratom has different effects on the body depending on the amount you take. For instance, Kratom acts as a stimulant when taken in small doses. But once you up the dosage, the experience changes to one of calm and tranquility, similar to what happens with some opiates. These variances are because Kratom contains 25 compounds that are unique from one another. However, the most potent compounds are the active ingredients of 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine.
As a psychoactive alkaloid, mitragynine triggers certain parts of the brain similarly to alkaloids like nicotine and morphine. It tricks the brain into thinking that you’re not in pain by targeting pain receptors that are designed to react to opioids.
Meanwhile, 7-hydroxymitragynine acts as a powerful painkiller that can also help with anxiety when taken in the right doses.
What About Kratom Extracts?
As the name implies, a Kratom extract is a concentrated form of the plant. How are Kratom extracts made? By brewing dried Kratom leaves over a long period, to the point where all that’s left is a thick paste that mostly contains the active ingredients of the plant.
When in this state, Kratom extracts can be transformed into Kratom resin, liquid tinctures, oils, and powders. In the end, you have a concentrated form of Kratom that packs a punch even in small doses. Extracts last longer because you only need to take a little of it to get the same effect you’d get from a larger dose of Kratom powder, for example.
It’s important to note here that good quality Kratom extracts can only be manufactured by highly skilled professionals who know the exact methods needed to derive the best qualities of the plant.
How to Make Kratom Extracts
The point of making a Kratom extract is to provide the end user with the best aspects of the Kratom plant. In this section of the article, we’re going to share with you the process of extraction and hopefully clear up any misconceptions you may have heard about it.
The extraction process starts with 50kgs of Kratom powder. For the best results, the manufacturer will select only the most potent and alkaloid-rich strain. They pour the powder into a pot or kiln that’s large enough to make the extraction process smoother.
After that, 100 liters of ethanol goes into the kiln to activate and extract the dormant alkaloids in the powder. It’s important to stir the mixture vigorously to make sure that there are no clumps of powder that haven’t been combined with the ethanol. The mixture is left to steep and infuse for about three days to a week while stirring regularly to ensure more natural extraction later.
Next, they have to press the powder to release the liquid extract from the mixture, while making sure you squeeze every bit of liquid that comes out.
The liquid extract is transferred to a spray container, from which it’s later sprayed onto large glass trays, and these are left to dry for future use.
The crystallization process starts as soon as the liquid extract has dried. Now, several different techniques can be used to crystallize the liquid during this stage. One of the most effective is the scratching method, which involves breaking up the dried parts into little pieces that look like tiny crystals. It’s important to note here that the extraction process is not for the faint of heart, and it requires a fair amount of precision and focus. But, that’s what it takes to produce the best quality Kratom extract.
Understanding Extracts Grading
The grading for Kratom extracts can go from 1x to 5x, 10x and so on. Now, most people don’t understand what these gradings mean, so we’re going to clarify it for you.
Most people assume that the grading number has something to do with the strength of the extract. But the truth is that these gradings represent the concentration factor of Kratom by volume within the extract. For instance, a 15x grading means that there were 15 grams of powdered Kratom leaves at the beginning of the extraction process which later turned to 1 gram of concentrate. The same equation can be deduced from any extract number.
This means that you shouldn’t necessarily buy into the hype that an extract’s grading is the indication of its potency. Just because a Kratom extract is labeled with 15x doesn’t mean it’s any more powerful than a 5x extract.
You have to take into account other variables that contribute to the strength and potency of a Kratom extract, such as the alkaloid content, for example. If you want to determine the potency of Kratom extract, rather pay attention to the strain behind it and not the grading.
Kratom Resin Extract
Kratom resin extract looks and feels very similar to cannabis hash, as both substances have a dark brown appearance. The resin is quite popular among Kratom users, and most people seem to prefer it over powdered extracts.
The resin extract is produced by agitating the mixture with a solvent to get the maximum amount of alkaloids possible. Once the mixture is done, it’s strained and further concentrated on creating an alkaloid-rich and sticky resin.
Why Choose Kratom Extracts
Now that you know how Kratom extracts are made let’s take a look at why you should try extracts and what makes them different from other forms of Kratom.
Higher Concentration
Kratom extracts contain a much higher concentration of the plant’s beneficial compounds per dosage compared to other products. This means you get a higher level of potency with 1 gram of Kratom extract than what you would get with 1 gram of powder. This means you only need a little bit of extract to experience the same results, and they usually act fast as well.
Lower Price
If you’re an avid Kratom user, then you’ve probably heard the rumor that it’s more expensive to buy a Kratom extract than it is to purchase other forms of the plant. On the face of it, this seems to be true because extract tends to be pricier as a product when compared to powder or capsules. But you have to consider the fact that the Kratom extract gives you more bang for your buck. You only need 5 grams of the extract to get the same effects that you would get from 50 grams of powder. You end up saving money because the extract will last longer even though it seemingly comes in smaller quantities.
Faster Absorption
Kratom extracts come in a liquid form which makes it easier for your body to absorb and assimilate the plant’s beneficial compounds into your system. This means that the effects will kick in faster and are most likely to last longer.
Enhanced Effects
When making Kratom extracts, producers typically add potent natural ingredients that help to lock in the alkaloids into the final product. That’s why Kratom extracts are more powerful in their effects than other Kratom products. Their acidity levels are intact as well, which makes for a richer experience. There are plenty of reports from users who say that taking a Kratom extract is much more effective than taking the plant in capsule or powder form.
Other Methods of Use
Another great aspect of Kratom extracts is that you can consume them in some different methods because they’re available as oils and tinctures. There’s also Kratom soap and body lotion which you can apply topically to derive the best effects possible.
All in all, Kratom extracts are a great way to get the best out of your Kratom experience with the lowest dosage possible. They offer a wide variety of natural consumptions methods, and they’re a great way to mix things up and try a different version of the Kratom plant.
How to Use Kratom Extracts
If you’ve decided to purchase a Kratom extract, here’s what you should do to use it wisely:
Find Our Your Dosage
When it comes to consuming Kratom extract, it’s highly recommended for beginners to start with as low a dose as possible. The only time you’re allowed to increase the dosage is when you’re no longer experiencing the same effects as the first time.
Learn What Concentration Values Mean
The concentration of Kratom within the particular extract is typically shown as an x that follows a digit, e.g., 10x, 15x. To clarify, the x stands for the amount of Kratom leaves or powder that was used to make 1 gram of the concentrated extract you bought. For instance, if the packaging says 100x, this means your 1 gram Kratom extract contains 100 grams of dried Kratom leaves.
Schedule Your Intake Cycle
It’s essential to cycling Kratom intake to avoid building up a tolerance to it. This means you’ll have to take a break from it now and then, or only take it on alternate days.
Use the Right Tools
For extracts that come in liquid form, use a disposable dropper to measure the dose, and for powder, extracts use a clean and dry measuring spoon.
Take It Through the Mouth
The best way to enjoy Kratom extract is by putting it under your tongue and swallowing. This is the fastest way to absorb the beneficial compounds into your bloodstream, and you’ll feel the results much quicker also. We know you might be tempted to drink some water right away to dilute the taste in your mouth, but it’s best to wait a few minutes for that to make sure that the alkaloids have been absorbed into your system. Some people prefer to take it with food and beverages, but this might mean a slower intake.
Clean the Tools
Always clean your measuring tools and dry them thoroughly before and after use. Not only is it sanitary, but it’ll help to prevent getting incorrect dosages.
Store the Extract Properly
Keep your extracts in an airtight container and put the containers in a space that’s cool and dry. Whatever you do, never leave your Kratom extract containers in direct sunlight as that might damage their quality and integrity.
Kratom Extracts’ Effects
Consuming Kratom extracts is quite similar to the powder, except you need smaller doses of the former to get the same experience. When taken in small doses, Kratom is energizing and stimulating, but in higher doses, it acts as a sedative.
In case you’re wondering, here’s a list of some of the most common effects of taking Kratom extracts.
Positive Effects:
- Elevates mood
- Improves focus and concentration
- Relieves pain
- Sedation
- Stimulating
- Enhances sex drive
- Highly relaxing
Negative Side Effects:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Aggravation
- Frequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Stomach aches
Conclusion
There’s a lot of controversy and misconceptions surrounding Kratom extracts, such as the rumor that you need a 100x extract to get the most potent effects. The reality is that Kratom extracts are potent no matter what grading they have. The most important thing is to take them in the appropriate dosage for you and understand its effects, so you know what to expect.
