Kratom (scientific name: Mitragyna speciosa) is an ethnobotanical herb native to Southeast Asia. The plant shares a rich, sometimes controversial history in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Civilizations here have used the plant as a therapeutic medicine for thousands of years. Even where legislation bans the use of kratom products like crushed leaf kratom powder, you can find casual users consuming kratom tea or chewing leaves right from the kratom tree.
It only makes sense: recent studies have corroborated anecdotal reports that kratom can offer a variety of positive effects. For example, in a recent research study involving kratom and canines, clinicians administered mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—the active compounds in kratom products—to dogs. Humans share about 85% of their DNA with canines, making them a solid factor of comparison for human-kratom efficacy. What we learned from this study:
- Kratom can reduce stress-related behavioral signs; in canines, this appears as “pacing, barking, jumping, and spinning,” to name a few.
- Kratom induces “no clinically significant changes in vital signs,” a sign that the herb is well-tolerated in dogs.
- Kratom does not induce any side effects that would otherwise detract from its potential as a botanical supplement.
John Hopkins also released a report indicating the demographics of kratom users. These metrics signified a shift towards kratom acceptance for ailments like chronic discomfort, anxiety, depression, and opioid use disorders.
But as science continues to catch up to demand, kratom products like loose kratom leaf or powdered kratom continue to change lives around the globe. However, with so many noteworthy formulations out there, how can you know which form of kratom is right for you? Specifically, do you fall into the category of:
- Kratom Powder Fanatics: those who embrace the simplicity of the toss-and-wash method, the convenience of kratom capsules, or the variety of geographical kratom strains!
- Kratom Tea Heads: those who delight in an earthy, delicious cup of steaming kratom tea, brewed from kratom leaves sourced directly from small, family farms in Southeast Asia!
Each has its pros and cons. However, learning more about loose leaf vs. kratom powder may change how you approach your kratom regimen for the better!
Kratom Leaf vs. Powder Kratom
Everything You Need to Know About Loose Leaf!
In Southeast Asia, you would find kratom users consuming kratom tea from freshly picked leaves. But in the United States, where Mitragyna speciosa trees do NOT grow naturally, loose leaf kratom often comes in the form of dried leaves. This is comparable to many other forms of tea, including green tea, oolong, and beyond.
To make a perfect cup of kratom tea from these dried leaves, simply brew your kratom leaf as you would another variety of tea. The key is to use water that is not quite boiling. Boiling water can actually “shock” your kratom tea leaves, creating bitterness and damaging kratom’s signature alkaloids.
However, with successful brewing comes spectacular results! Kratom tea can be customized to match your flavor profile. At Kratom Spot, we offer Maeng Da dried leaves in all your favorite strain varieties:
If you didn’t already know, Mitragyna speciosa-derived products are generally categorized into three types: red vein, white vein, and green vein kratom. What do these definitions mean:
- Red vein kratom is known to induce relaxing enticements, bringing down the volume of your surrounding atmosphere!
- White vein kratom is known for its uplifting enchantments, heightening the energy of your day-to-day life!
- Green vein kratom is known as a hybrid of red and white, offering a middle ground between relaxation and excitement!
Choose the strain color of kratom tea that best fits your lifestyle! This drinkable form of kratom offers unique comforts as well. In fact, teas generally contain a plethora of antioxidants and aid your overall physiological health. You can even add wellness-boosting flavor enhancers like honey, vanilla, or fresh mint to truly capitalize on kratom tea’s notable benefits.
All About Powder Kratom & Its Varieties!
Now that we’ve learned the steaming aromatics of loose leaf kratom tea, let’s visit the opposite end of the spectrum: kratom powder! In actuality, kratom powder is both similar and different to loose leaf, tea, and other kratom leaf-derived formulations.
For starters, powdered kratom is just that: a fine, fine powder. This form of kratom offers so much variety because powdered kratom is much more versatile than dried leaves. You can use this fine powder to…
- Cook up some kratom-infused foods and beverages!
- Quickly take your daily dose using the toss-and-wash method!
- Craft your own easy-to-use kratom pills!
Plus, powdered kratom comes in many more forms. You can choose from red vein, white vein, or green vein products, much like loose leaf kratom. However, you can also opt for location-specific strains. Users often prefer particular regional strains because they offer signature alkaloid profiles, experiences, and overall effects.
The most popular regional strains include:
- Bali Kratom (Indonesia)
- Indo Kratom (Indonesia)
- Maeng Da Kratom (Thailand)
- Malay Kratom (Malaysia)
- Sumatra Kratom (Indonesia)
- Thai Kratom (Thailand)
Furthermore, kratom powder is used to create any number of product varieties. The many forms of kratom include:
- Crushed Leaf Kratom Powder
- Pre-Filled Kratom Pills
- Powerful Kratom Extracts
- Quick and Delicious Kratom Shots
Should You Use Loose Leaf vs. Powder Kratom?
All in all, each variety of kratom offers both pros and cons. With loose leaf kratom, for example, users receive a calming moment of tranquility in addition to their daily dose of kratom’s signature alkaloids. Kratom tea is available in fan-favorite Maeng Da varieties from Thailand and comes in the Big 3 kratom variants: red vein, white vein, and green vein.
Loose leaf kratom is perfect for those of us who have enough time in the day to stop and brew a delicious cup of tea! Furthermore, it should not be rushed. Loose leaf kratom is also recommended for first-time users as tea is straightforward, the process comparable to other common remedies. However, the perfect cup of tea takes proper care, but your effort will be rewarded!
For powder kratom lovers, on the other hand, crushed leaf kratom powder offers versatility beyond belief. You can find unique ways to take your kratom or simply follow one of the tried-and-true consumption methods available. Kratom powder is also available in the Big 3 kratom variants and can be found in some unique regional forms!
Kratom powder is ideal for those among us who want to try the spice of life, have a consistent ingestion method they want to stick to, enjoy DIY kratom projects, or want to increase the power of their dose with kratom extracts. We recommend unique forms of kratom powder to everyone, based on individual needs. However, we are sure you can find a memorable use for kratom powder today, no matter the requirements of your kratom regimen!