How to Prepare Kratom: Tea, Powder, Capsules, and More

Wondering how to prepare kratom? You’ve come to the right place! One of the best things about kratom is its versatility. From powders and capsules to teas and tinctures, there are many ways to prepare kratom to suit your lifestyle. You can even get creative and add kratom to your favorite recipes. 

For thousands of years, people have used kratom to improve their wellness. Today, there are a number of methods for preparing this potent botanical. In this article, we’re diving deep on how to prepare kratom to get the most from your kratom experience.

Kratom Preparation Basics

Before we discuss how to prepare kratom, it’s important to understand some basics. This information will help you get the most out of your kratom experience, no matter how you prepare it. 

Choose Your Strain

First, learn the difference between kratom strains. The main varieties of kratom are called white vein kratom, green vein kratom, and red vein kratom. Although each of these strains derive from the same plant – the Mitragyna speciosa tree – they offer unique effects. 

That’s because the alkaloid content of each strain is slightly different. Alkaloids are the plant compounds that naturally occur in kratom and cause users to feel certain sensations or benefits. When you consume kratom, your body metabolizes the alkaloids and absorbs them into your bloodstream. From there, they interact with key neurotransmitters to release dopamine and other neurochemicals. 

The two main alkaloids in kratom leaves are called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Mitragynine is the “get up and go” alkaloid that induces a sensation of heightened focus and motivation, while 7-hydroxymitragynine is known to produce a grounded feeling of tranquility and presence. All strains of kratom contain both alkaloids. However, some strains have a higher concentration of one alkaloid, or a balance of each, which is why different strains feel different.

What determines a kratom strain’s alkaloid concentration? Age! The youngest leaves have more mitragynine, while more mature leaves have more 7-hydroxymitragynine. Depending on when the leaves are harvested and naturally processed, the color of the veins change. That’s why vein color is the most common designation used for differentiating strains.

White Vein Kratom

White vein kratom (sometimes referred to as simply “white kratom”)  is made from leaves that are harvested at the beginning of the plant’s life cycle. These young leaves have pale, whitish-yellow veins that indicate a higher concentration of mitragynine and less 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Due to the mitragynine in white vein kratom, this strain is known for giving users a boost of concentration and stamina. White vein kratom is popular for daytime use. Many enthusiasts prepare white kratom as a preworkout supplement or use it as a natural alternative to energy drinks.

Green Vein Kratom

When kratom leaves are “middle-aged,” they create a strain known as green vein. Named for the vibrant yellow-green veins in the leaves at the midpoint of their growth cycle, green kratom offers a smooth balance of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine alkaloids.

Green kratom strains are popular with beginners and long-term kratom enthusiasts alike. That’s because green vein kratom creates a pleasant, well-balanced feeling of ease and enjoyment. It’s simultaneously motivating and calming. If you’ve tried the other two primary strains, you’ll agree that green vein offers the best of both. 

Red Vein Kratom

Finally, there’s red vein kratom. Also known as red kratom, red vein is derived from the oldest leaves. As they near the final stage of maturation, the veins have turned ruddy-brown to indicate a higher concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine as the dominant alkaloid.

Thanks to this specific alkaloid, red vein offers the ultimate “chill vibes” experience among different kratom strains. Its effects are grounding and tranquil. Many users say that red vein kratom creates a deep sense of presence and helps lower the volume on noisy thoughts. This strain is frequently enjoyed in the evenings or any other moment where you’re looking to unwind.

Know Your Dose

After you pick your favorite strains, the next foundational step in kratom preparation is dosing. However, it’s important to understand that kratom doses aren’t “one size fits all.” Kratom affects different people in different ways. In addition to your body’s unique metabolism, you may also experience variations on kratom’s effects based on factors such as:

• How frequently you use kratom
• Your body mass
• Whether you’re properly hydrated
• Whether you’ve eaten before taking kratom

That’s why we always recommend starting with the lowest possible dose until you understand how kratom affects you. Remember the adage, “start low, go slow.” Take a small amount, then gradually increase it as you adjust to the kratom’s effects.

As with any herbal supplement, stay mindful of your overall health. If you have any underlying health conditions or take prescription medication, talk to your doctor before trying kratom. Don’t use it if you’re pregnant or nursing. Don’t combine kratom with alcohol or other recreational substances. 

Generally, kratom has a low risk of side effects. The most common side effects are dry mouth, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and dehydration. However, if you have concerns about using kratom, discontinue use and speak to a healthcare provider.

Storage Tips

No matter how you prepare kratom, it’s also important to store it properly. The best kratom is all-natural and free from preservatives. It won’t spoil like food, but kratom can lose its freshness and potency. When kratom loses its freshness, it may appear discolored and have a clumpy texture. In rare cases, raw kratom powder may also develop mold if exposed to moisture. 

To keep your prepared kratom as fresh and long-lasting as possible, store it properly in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Don’t let it get damp; if you use powder, always scoop it with a dry spoon. If handling kratom directly, wash your hands first and dry them thoroughly. 

Additionally, store your kratom out of reach of children and pets. Keep it properly labelled, too. If you prepare homemade kratom teas or use it in recipes – such as kratom cookies – make sure you label the container with the strain type, the amount of kratom per serving, and the date. This will make sure you enjoy your kratom preparations responsibly and use them while they’re still fresh.

How to Prepare Kratom Powder

Kratom powder is one of the most popular forms of kratom. It’s made by harvesting the leaves of the kratom tree, allowing them to cure, then grinding them into a fine powder. People all around the globe love kratom powder because it’s simple, potent, and versatile. There are many creative ways to prepare kratom powder.

Toss ‘n’ Wash

The easiest way to prepare kratom powder actually requires no preparation at all. It’s a tried-and-true method known as “toss ‘n’ wash.” As the name suggests, toss ‘n’ wash involves tossing a pinch of kratom powder in your mouth and then washing it down with your nonalcoholic beverage of choice. It’s just that simple.

Parachuting Kratom Powder

Parachuting is another popular way to prepare raw kratom powder. To parachute kratom, users add powder to oblate discs, rice paper packets, or other edible casings. It’s essentially a quick way to make DIY kratom capsules or ingest via toss ‘n’ wash without experiencing kratom’s slightly-bitter, grassy flavor.

Adding Powder to Drinks

But one of the best ways to prepare kratom powder is adding it to drinks. From smoothies and protein shakes to lattes and hot chocolate, kratom powder can provide a pleasant boost of wellness to your favorite beverages. Preparing a kratom drink also reduces the potential of dehydration or dry mouth as a side effect. 

To prepare a kratom drink, simply stir in your dose of powder, sip, and enjoy. However, it’s important to note that kratom isn’t fully water-soluble. You likely won’t notice its texture when it’s added to a smoothie or shake, but if you’re preparing kratom juices, mocktails, or adding it to a latte, you’ll want to stir continuously to avoid clumping.

Adding Powder to Recipes

Kratom powder also makes a great addition to recipes. Try adding a scoop to your morning oatmeal, baking with kratom, or using it as an ingredient in soups, sauces, and marinades. Get creative! Although it’s an acquired taste, the flavor of kratom powder is grassy, earthy, and slightly bitter. This can complement a variety of other flavors.

Preparing DIY Capsules

Finally, many people enjoy kratom by preparing their own kratom capsules. While commercial kratom capsules are convenient and affordable, there are several advantages to preparing your own:

• You can create your own custom blend from different kratom strains
• You can control the precise dose of kratom per capsule
• You can add additional botanicals, such as turmeric or ginger

Preparing DIY kratom capsules also enables you to adjust for dietary restrictions and potential allergens. At Kratom Spot, our capsules are vegan-friendly, but some manufacturers may use gelatin or marine-derived casings for their capsule products. Creating your own capsules lets you ensure that the materials will meet your specific needs.

To prepare DIY kratom capsules, simply buy your powder of choice, purchase your empty capsules, and invest in a capsule-filling machine from your local pharmacy or an online retailer. Then, fill the empty capsules with powder, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy your favorite kratom on-the-go.

How to Prepare Kratom Tea

There are several different ways to prepare kratom tea. If you’re using a traditional method, you can purchase loose leaf kratom and brew it directly in a teapot, a French press, or a reusable metal tea steeper. 

Whatever method you choose, be mindful of your water temperature! When preparing kratom tea, always use water that’s hot but not boiling. Boiling water may cause the alkaloids in kratom to degrade, which means your tea will be less potent. It can also bring out the bitterness in the kratom’s flavor. We recommend bringing your water to a boil, then turning it off and letting it cool for a few minutes before pouring over your kratom.

Additionally, remember that brewing time will affect the strength of your tea. The longer you steep your kratom tea, the stronger it will be. If you’re new to kratom tea, start with a short steep-time. Then, increase the duration to your desired potency. Just don’t forget that the flavor will also become more potent, too. You may wish to add a dash of honey or lemon to make your kratom tea more delectable.

Aside from classic tea preparation, many kratom enthusiasts also enjoy:

Kratom Tea Bags

Kratom tea bags are an excellent choice for sipping your favorite kratom on-the-go, or simply enjoying it when you’re pressed for time. If you use an ultra-fine mesh tea bag, you can also brew kratom tea from powder – not just the loose leaf raw form.

Like DIY capsules, homemade tea bags also let you add other ingredients to your kratom. Consider preparing kratom tea with dried herbs like mint and sage, or add raw ginger root, cinnamon bark, cloves, or citrus peels. Experiment with different flavors. You may find a custom combination you’ll love. 

Kratom Iced Tea

On a hot summer day, is there anything more refreshing than a glass of iced tea? Actually, yes – iced tea made with kratom! To prepare kratom iced tea, start by brewing kratom in a teapot, French press, or in tea bags. Steep to your desired strength, then pour the tea over ice. Alternatively, you could pour it into a jar or other container and leave the tea in your refrigerator overnight. 

Kratom iced tea pairs well with fresh mint and lemon slices. You could also prepare your kratom iced tea with lemonade for a wellness-boosting twist on the classic Arnold Palmer.

Kratom Tea Lattes

Looking for cozy vibes? Consider preparing a kratom tea latte. Kratom tea lattes offer the peaceful, pleasant sensations of kratom with the luxurious, creamy texture of a latte. They’re also easy to make at home. You don’t need to be a barista to prepare the perfect kratom latte. However, you will need a small hand-mixer or an electric milk frother. 

If you want to prepare a kratom tea latte, start by gently heating your favorite milk. This could be traditional dairy milk or a nondairy substitute like oat milk, almond milk, or soy. We’re big fans of vanilla oat milk, but use whatever milk you enjoy! Heat the milk until it’s just below boiling, then add kratom powder.

Whisk the kratom powder into the milk until it’s fully dissolved, pour into a mug, and enjoy! For an added flare of flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa powder. 

Other Kratom Preparations

Powdered kratom and brewed kratom tea are the most popular ways to prepare kratom at home. However, you’ll also encounter commercial kratom preparations including:

• Kratom tinctures
• Concentrated kratom extracts
• Liquid kratom shots
• Kratom candies
• Kratom sodas and seltzers

For instructions on ingesting kratom in these forms, refer to the packaging’s instructions or reach out to the customer service department of your favorite kratom vendor.

Prepare the Best Kratom from Kratom Spot

When you’re ready to prepare kratom at home, turn to Kratom Spot. Our kratom products are 100% natural, with zero additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. We also conduct laboratory testing through an independent third-party to ensure that our kratom is potent, fresh, and free from harmful contaminants. 

Whether you’re interested in preparing green vein kratom, white vein kratom, or red vein kratom, try Kratom Spot today.