What Is Kratom Powder and How Is It Used?

There are several ways to prepare kratom. One of the most popular methods of packaging and selling kratom is in its powdered form. However, kratom powder is known to be further prepared in several different ways. Knowing what kratom powder is — and distinguishing its type and preparation method — may help users understand how to better handle and enjoy it.

What is Kratom Powder and How To Use It

Kratom powder begins as the leaves of the evergreen tree known as mitragyna speciosa (a.k.a. kratom). Once these leaves are dried, they are easily broken down and ground up into a fine powder. This powder can then be encapsulated, brewed into a tea, or made into a kratom extract.

Kratom Powder vs. Kratom Extract

It is easy to mistake kratom extract for kratom powder. However, this mistake may be very harmful. It is essential to know the difference between kratom powder and kratom extract, as kratom extract can at times be a very concentrated form of kratom. 

Kratom extract can be created from whole leaves, but often starts with kratom powder itself. During the extraction process, alkalines — a main active ingredient of kratom — are separated from the plant material through a boiling process. This process leaves a solution that is then strained to produce a solid-free liquid. After simmering this liquid down, and evaporating the water out of this concentrated alkaloid solution, a dark paste is formed. This paste is then dried and ground into a fine powder, which is why many people mistake the extract for kratom powder. 

Kratom extract may be darker, however, you will want to confirm whether you are purchasing kratom powder or extract, and do so from a merchant who clearly marks their product as such. Additionally, it is advised to continue purchasing kratom powder and extract through the same provider, as concentration levels (dosage) may vary across vendors.

How to Use Kratom Powder

As mentioned above, kratom powder is just one common product kratom leaves are used to produce, because it is easy to store, transport, measure, and use in further preparations and extracts. In many cases, how people use kratom powder is just a matter of personal preference. There are three common ways to prepare kratom powder for further use— all of which may be preferred or avoided for various reasons.

Tea

Brewing kratom powder into a tea is a popular and easy preparation method. Additionally, kratom powder may be added into green, black, oolong, white, or herbal tea for a more balanced brew. Kratom tea can be potent or unappealing to some, and has a pretty distinctive flavor and aroma. 

Capsules

Kratom powder can be made into pill form, or capsules, for easy portioning and storage. Kratom in pill form is said to avoid bitterness or odor and is easier than brewing tea to achieve consistent, standard portions. 

Smoothie

Adding kratom powder to food is another common method of preparation. In general, this works much the same way as making kratom tea, only, instead of steeping the powder, one simply blends it with fruits, or even other smoothie/shake powders. The variety of kratom smoothie recipes is even more diverse and extensive than for teas, so you can easily find (or even create your own) kratom smoothie or shake that suits your tastes and preferences.

Can You Smoke Kratom Powder?

Smoking kratom powder (or kratom leaves), such as through a pipe or in a cigarette, may be possible but is highly ill-advised. Smoking kratom powder or leaves is an unfavorable way of consuming kratom, as it requires an impractical amount. More importantly, there may be health risks associated with smoking any kind of substance, and more research is needed to assess the exact hazards associated with using kratom this way.

Kratom Powder Preparation

Creating kratom powder is as simple as purchasing or growing the leaves (if it is legal in your state) and grinding the leaves into a powder. However, portioning and concentration levels at this stage may be challenging for the typical kratom user to control. You may want to leave making kratom powder to the professionals, and purchase kratom from a trusted online source.