General kratom info
KRATOM COLOR/STRAINS
There are three (3) color strains of Kratom:
- White Leaf
- Green Leaf
- Red Leaf
*Keep in mind many strains come in green, red and white versions. The color will decide which way it will lean on the scale between stimulating and relaxing. Among all color strains Bali and Maeng Da are the most popular.*
FUN FACT: The color of the leaf is dependent on the light spectrum it is exposed too. Red light for red leaf, blue light for green leaf and white light for white leaf.
DURATION
KRATOM FORMS
DOSAGE
HOW TO MEASURE THE AMOUNT
*I like to measure with the 1/4 teaspoon (aka 1ml spoon), it's more accurate and easier to do the math since it equals 1 gram or ~1mL. If you fill the 1/4 tsp a little too much or not enough it won't make as big of a difference as if you were to make that mistake with a larger spoon.
AMOUNT TO TAKE
*Be aware that the above dosages are for what you should be absorbing. It is common that as much as a 1 or 2 grams might never make it to your mouth. This is from the Kratom getting stuck to the side of the cup you are drinking it from. If this is the case add ~1 gram to compensate.
HOW TO INGEST KRATOM
Kratom DOES NOT MIX WELL! Regardless of the grind type you will have a difficult time trying to mix it with cold juice, milk, water, etc. Also a decent amount of Kratom will get stuck on the sides of your cup after drinking. Using hot liquids or a SMALL bottle that you can vigorously shake can help overcome this mixing issue.
POSSIBLE NEGATIVE SIDE-EFFECTS
WARNINGS & TIPS
GENERAL KRATOM INFO
General information about Kratom for beginners and experts alike. To be used as a quick reference guide.
*As a rule of thumb Kratom is similar to opiates. This means the effects, drug interactions, addiction potential, half life, withdrawal and negative side effects are comparable to low strength opiates*
KRATOM COLOR/STRAINS
There are three (3) color strains of Kratom:
- White Leaf
- Green Leaf
- Red Leaf
- White Leaf produces more stimulating effects. This is the type best used during the day, it will give caffeine like energy. The most popular type of white leaf is called White Leaf Maeng Da. Per volume Maeng Da (regardless of leaf color) is MORE potent than other strands, so use less at first.
- Red Leaf produces more of a sedating effect. This is type best used during the evening. A popular red leaf strain is Red Leaf Borneo or Red Indo.
- Green Leaf is somewhere in between. It's been know to be somewhat edgy as Kratom has the unusual property that taking a small amount can be stimulating but a lot can be sedating. Similar to opiates. You are better off combining White and Red leaf if you are trying to adjust the stimulate/sedate effect to your needs. For example 70% Maeng Da with 30% Borneo to take some of the edge off but not get you too sleepy. A popular green leaf strain is Green Leaf Bali and Green Leaf Maeng Da
*Keep in mind many strains come in green, red and white versions. The color will decide which way it will lean on the scale between stimulating and relaxing. Among all color strains Bali and Maeng Da are the most popular.*
FUN FACT: The color of the leaf is dependent on the light spectrum it is exposed too. Red light for red leaf, blue light for green leaf and white light for white leaf.
DURATION
- ON SET - If taken on an empty stomach (~3 hours or more since last meal) Kratom will take approximately 1 hour for effects to begin. Depending on the form of delivery this could vary slightly. I also find that when I eat my first meal at least an hour after consuming Kratom that it makes it kick in stronger. Perhaps this is because the food get's my digestive system moving.
- PEAK – Peak effects begin within 1.5 to 2 hours after initial ingestion. Lasting around 2-3 hours before coming down.
- DURATION – Assuming you have no tolerance the average duration of effects is 4-8 hours. This will vary based on the strain consumed, amount taken, method of ingestion and whether your stomach is empty or not.
- HALF LIFE – The approximate HALF LIFE of Kratom is 4-6 hours. This means that every 4-6 hours HALF of the chemical compound has been broken down by you body (very similar to opiates). If for instance you take 5 grams now then ANOTHER 5 grams 4 hours later you would actually have 7.5 grams in your system (2.5g + 5g = 7.5).
KRATOM FORMS
- Powders – These are the stems and leaves ground into a powder form. This is the most common form online retailers sell. Similar to the consistency of standard grind coffee.
- UF (Ultra Fine) Powders - Same as the powders but ground to the consistency of talcum powder. Usually they have less stems/veins in the ground. This form mixes the best. WARNING: Due to the high density if using a measuring spoon LOOSELY fill it. A compact spoon could have twice as much UF powder as would fit a regular grind. Additionally tap the measured spoon into your cup (if making a drink) otherwise the powder will hold it's form and not break apart when stirring.
- Leaves – Leaves can be chewed when taken from the tree. This is the least effective due to low surface area.
- Tincture – It can be melted and extracted into a tincture. Be careful with this form of Kratom as it is VERY easy to accidentally take too much. Really only necessary if you have a HIGH tolerance to Kratom and don't want to ingest several grams of powder at a time.
- Extract – An enhanced version so one does not have to take as much, you can make an extraction so less is more. Like what liquor is to beer. Be careful with this form of Kratom as it is VERY easy to accidentally take too much. Really only necessary if you have a HIGH tolerance to Kratom and don't want to ingest grams of powder at a time.
- Pills – Many people don’t like the taste of Kratom powder so they cap it. This option is usually more expensive. It would be more economical to buy empty gelatin casings and make your own. This is done by filling it with measured powder Kratom.
DOSAGE
HOW TO MEASURE THE AMOUNT
- GET A CHEAP SCALE OR MEASURING SPOONS! – Taking a couple grams more or less will have noticeable differences on the effect of Kratom. A cheap digital scale (that weighs in grams) from any headshop or online will do fine. A balancing scale can also be used and is probably the most accurate (and possibly time consuming) option.
- Measuring Spoon - One (1) teaspoon (the TINY spoon NOT the larger tablespoon) holds 4.2 grams or 5mL (from base to rim, NOT with powder ABOVE the teaspoon rim). You can also use the smaller measuring teaspoons. The 1/4 size measuring teaspoon (1/4 tsp) is equal to about 1 gram or ~1mL.
- METRIC Measurements: If you are outside America you can use a 1ml measuring spoon (equal to a US 1/4 teaspoon). This will equal ~1g. You can also use the clear measuring cups that come with cough medicine as long as they have markings in mL.
*I like to measure with the 1/4 teaspoon (aka 1ml spoon), it's more accurate and easier to do the math since it equals 1 gram or ~1mL. If you fill the 1/4 tsp a little too much or not enough it won't make as big of a difference as if you were to make that mistake with a larger spoon.
AMOUNT TO TAKE
- 1-3 Grams (~1-3mL): This is the STARTING dose to use when discovering what works for you. Take it on an empty stomach (at least 3 hours after last meal). Then wait at least 1 hour before taking more if effects are not felt. Stimulating effects range in this dosage.
- 3-5 Grams (~3-6mL): This is the AVERAGE dose most people take. However do not start with this when trying Kratom for the first time OR when trying a new strand. Some stands can be more potent due to being more finely ground or just inherent to the strain taken. Start at 1-3 grams, taking an additional gram every hour than waiting an additional hour for it to kick in until you have discovered the right dosage for yourself. Pain relief and sedating effects range in this dosage.
- 5-8 Grams (~6-10mL): This is the range where the border begins when the most stimulating effects of Kratom can become sedating. Similar to an opiate nod. It is also the range where (if you're not use to taking Kratom) you risk bad side effects like nausea.
- 8+ Grams (10+ mL): Only take this much if you know what you are doing. Much like pot you can't overdose on Kratom but you can get sick. This is usually the range for Kratom tolerant people and/or weaker strains. For the intolerant this amount will amplify the negative side effects.
*Be aware that the above dosages are for what you should be absorbing. It is common that as much as a 1 or 2 grams might never make it to your mouth. This is from the Kratom getting stuck to the side of the cup you are drinking it from. If this is the case add ~1 gram to compensate.
HOW TO INGEST KRATOM
Kratom DOES NOT MIX WELL! Regardless of the grind type you will have a difficult time trying to mix it with cold juice, milk, water, etc. Also a decent amount of Kratom will get stuck on the sides of your cup after drinking. Using hot liquids or a SMALL bottle that you can vigorously shake can help overcome this mixing issue.
- Toss and Wash – This is preformed by taking a gram or 2 of Kratom at a time and throwing it in the back of your mouth. While resting on your tongue quickly wash it down with juice or a beverage of your choice. CAREFUL there is a chance you might gag as Kratom is bitter and can get stuck in your mouth. This method is fast with very little Kratom lost in the process but can be the most uncomfortable method.
- Milk Shake Method – Get (or prepare) a small bottle of chocolate milk and dump your dose of Kratom in the milk and shake vigorously. The thicker milk mixes well with Kratom while a number of other water base liquids (like cold juice) do not mix well.
- Tea Method – Kratom tea is another very popular way to consume. Most people put their desired Kratom in water and squeeze a fresh lemon into it. Then boil for 20 minutes on med-low. After which they strain the Kratom and consume the liquid. You can also make any type of hot liquid and stir in the Kratom, drinking it altogether. The Kratom mixes MUCH better in hot liquid. Hot Chocolate works well. Try to avoid coffee, it can cause nausea or aggravate other symptoms while waiting for the Kratom to kick in.
- Capsules – You can cap your Kratom and then swallow the capsules so you don’t have to taste it. Be aware you will probably need to make and swallow around 10-20 capsule for one (1) Kratom dose. The advantage is that there is no bitter taste and full dosage is delivered.
- Parachuting - Similar to capsules this is when you take a gram of powder and wrap it in a small piece of tissue or toilet paper. You place it on your tongue and wash it down with a drink QUICKLY before it unfolds in your mouth. The paper will instantly open and dissolve in your stomach allowing you to ingest the Kratom while bypassing your taste buds.
- Hot Chocolate w/ Milk - This is my preferred method. Make a mug of hot chocolate using only milk and powdered hot chocolate mix. Fill a mug with milk, microwave it for 90-120 seconds (depending on the size of the mug), mix in the powdered hot chocolate THEN stir in a MEASURED amount of Kratom. Continuously stir the entire time you are drinking to keep the Kratom evenly disperse in the mug. Otherwise it will begin to rise to the top. This method works well because the milk is hot and thick which makes it much easier to mix in the Kratom. The hot chocolate mix masks the taste very well due to all the sugar. You can choose to make a large mug (~12+ oz) to dilute the Kratom and reduce the taste. Alternatively you can make a smaller mug (~8-10oz) which will have a stronger taste but you can drink faster for quicker absorption
POSSIBLE NEGATIVE SIDE-EFFECTS
- Nausea
- Upset stomach / throwing up
- Hot / cold flashes
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sedation when taken in higher doses
- Dependency if taken for more than 7-14 days straight
WARNINGS & TIPS
- Do not drink alcohol with Kratom.
- Do not take other drugs with Kratom.
- Do not take Kratom if you’re taking anti-depressants.
- Do not drive while under the influence of Kratom.
- Kratom can become addictive if used continually. Try to keep at least 2-3 days between usage to prevent tolerance and addiction.
- Kratom use is not detected by typical drug screening tests.
- Store Kratom in glass jars, sealed Ziploc bags or plastic Tupperware containers in either the fridge or a dry, room temperature cabinet. Kratom can last for years this way.
- Keep stored Kratom away from moisture!
- Kratom teabags can be kept in the fridge for 4 days before it begins to lose its potency.
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