Should You Take Kratom Extracts or Kratom Powder?

For people who are just embarking on their kratom journey, the amount of available products can feel overwhelming. The individual kratom experience varies for everyone, but knowledge is power — by learning about the different forms of kratom, you can choose which product is right for you.

Among the most popular kratom products, kratom extracts and kratom powders have different tastes and can vary in suggested serving size. Let’s explore the features of these products and their potential beneficial results.

What is kratom?

Due to its potentially positive results, kratom’s popularity continues to grow across the globe. Yet many enthusiasts may wonder where the botanical originated. Kratom, (also known by its botanical name, Mitragynia speciosa), is a tropical tree and member of the coffee family found in Southeast Asia.

Natives of countries like Thailand and Malaysia have used the leaves from kratom trees to brew into teas, chew, or ground into powder, and use the botanical in both daily life and spiritual ceremonies. Kratom products sold internationally also use kratom leaves and are sold in various forms including:

• Capsules
• Gummies
• Liquid extracts
• Powders   

What to know about kratom extracts?

Kratom liquid extracts contain strong, concentrated kratom and enjoy a long shelf life. Extracts may also be marketed and sold as kratom drinks. Typically, these products are sold in small containers such as plastic bottles which makes them easy to transport. For kratom enthusiasts constantly on-the-go, this makes kratom extracts a great option.

How kratom extracts are made

Kratom extracts and powder both utilize kratom leaves to create the final products. However, extracts use the essence of the leaves or extract it from the powder. The kratom is then boiled with water and strained until the kratom thoroughly mixes with the water and becomes liquid.

As the extract sits, some of the liquid evaporates and the remaining mix becomes thicker. This allows a highly concentrated form of the botanical to be packaged and sold as a liquid. 

Reputable kratom vendors ensure that kratom extracts do not contain dangerous additives, such as heavy metals, or ingredients that could decrease kratom’s strength. Seasoned kratom users enjoy the purity of strength found in kratom extracts. However, beginners may find the strength too much for their initial experiences with kratom. 

How much kratom extract should you take?

Suggested serving sizes may vary depending on the strength of the product and the kratom brand purchased. However, it’s important to purchase products with transparent and clear labeling. For example, the amount of kratom contained in a product (usually measured by grams) can significantly impact the experience of a user.

Beginners should proceed with caution when trying kratom extracts for the first time. It may be wise to initially take a small amount and to always purchase extracts from a trusted kratom vendor. 

Seasoned kratom users may already understand how specific amounts of kratom impact their bodies and the serving sizes they should take to experience desired results.    

Where to buy kratom extracts

Kratom extracts are available in some specialty shops, kava bars, and in some states, convenience stores. However, industry-leading kratom brands have online shops which allows kratom users to purchase quality products directly from vendors they trust.

All you need to know about kratom powder

Kratom powder is typically derived from three strains: White Vein, Green Vein, and Red Vein. The strains are named for the stage in the growth stage when leaves are harvested and also denoted by the colors of the kratom leaf’s veins.

Kratom powder strains

Each strain of kratom powder may provide users with a positive experience. However, the results vary based on the strain and the serving size of the powder. Here are descriptions of each, along with the reported benefits from kratom enthusiasts:

• White Vein Kratom:

White Vein Kratom powder is made from leaves in the youngest stages of growth. These leaves are rich in color and contain a white vein running through the middle of the leaf.

Kratom users have reported potential energy-enhancing results from White Vein Kratom and espouse its uplifting benefits.

• Green Vein Kratom:

Green Vein Kratom powder is created from leaves harvested in the middle of the growth cycle, and this growth stage translates to the strain’s reported benefits. 

Kratom enthusiasts have shared the potentially balanced experience that Green Vein Kratom may give users. This powder may provide both soothing and energizing results.     

• Red Vein Kratom:

Red Vein Kratom powder is produced from kratom leaves harvested in a mature stage of growth. The dark leaves used for this powder have red veins. Red Vein Kratom powder potentially offers the most calming experience of the three stages.  

How kratom powder is made

After the kratom leaves are harvested, they’re dried through an exact process. Once the leaves are thoroughly dried, they’re finely ground into powder. Kratom powder is often 100% pure kratom, without any added ingredients like water or flavoring.

How to take kratom powder

As powder products contain pure kratom, the bitter taste of the botanical may be a strong, acquired taste. Thus, many enthusiasts take kratom powder through different methods, including by mixing it into a beverage, sprinkling it on favorite foods, and using the popular toss and wash method.

Kratom powder can be measured to the desired serving size, too. For example, a beginning user may want to start with a smaller size than someone who has used kratom for years. Powders allow kratom enthusiasts to take the amount that works best with their physicality. 

Kratom extracts vs powder 

Whether you choose to take kratom extracts or kratom powder, it boils down to personal choice. Extracts may be a great choice if you already use kratom and want convenient access to the botanical as you go about your day. 

It’s important to research reputable kratom brands via resources such as the American Kratom Association (AKA) website, which features a list of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Qualified Vendors, to verify the quality of products purchased. 

Look for transparent labeling to ensure that dangerous additives aren’t included as ingredients and to know how much kratom is contained in each product. 

Kratom powders can provide a great option for beginners and seasoned users alike, can be both measured and mixed, and can be taken in several different ways.

Connect with Golden Monk

Golden Monk is committed to quality and transparency in every kratom product. We’re dedicated to providing our customers with high-quality, safe kratom and supporting their positive journeys with the botanical.     

Visit our online store to start your journey with the best kratom products today. 

For Further Reading

If you’d like to learn more about kratom extracts and kratom powders, here are some great resources to help you decide which is a better option for your needs:

• Benisek, Alexandra. Medically reviewed by Ratini, Melinda. “Health Benefits of Kratom.” WebMD.com. 1 February 2023.
• Croxford, Jason. “Kratom Extract vs. Powder: A Comparison Shopping Guide.” MIT45.com. N.d.
• Croxford, Jason. “How Much Stronger is Kratom Extract? A Guide to Determining Its Strength.” MIT45.com. N.d.
• Singh, Suryat. “Kratom Extract vs. Powder: What’s the Difference?” The Island Now. 3 April 2024.