Kratom is one of the newest alternative and plant-based supplements that have become popular in the country overnight. It is made from kratom tree leaves that grow in the forests of Southeast Asia and are directly imported from countries wherein the tree is found. It is usually sold in powder form and is taken either as tea on its own, mixed with coffee or other juices, or placed in capsules like herbal food supplements. It is said to have mood alleviating effects and it can also give you an energy boost and helps relieve pain.
It has somewhat of notoriety in the sense that the Drug Enforcement Agency at one point banned kratom as it was illegal in the country because of its opioid-like effects. However, the agency has taken it off the list of controlled substances making it legal to purchase but one has to make sure that your state allows kratom as there are a handful of states that have banned it. You might wonder what is so special about kratom when it is just a plant-based compound and it is just like any other herbal product out there. The closest beverage similar to kratom is coffee, as it provides the same effects energy-boosting, increases focus and attention, and keeps you wide awake. So if coffee and kratom are similar, is it safe to say to ask, “is there caffeine in kratom?”
Kratom contains several alkaloids but the most abundant are Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine which are said to cause the effects that you experience when you ingest kratom but none of the caffeine. Although kratom and coffee come from the same family, there is absolutely no caffeine in kratom and while coffee contains alkaloids, it is not in any significant amount which means that it is almost made of caffeine. Since kratom does not contain caffeine, is it safe to ingest both at the same time or in the same day?
How to use kratom?
Kratom enthusiasts would be the first to tell you that it is best to take kratom at the start of the day on an empty stomach, in this way you can get the most out of its effects. Kratom can interfere with your digestion if you take it after a meal and it can cause vomiting at times especially if you have a full stomach. On the other hand, it can be absorbed faster on an empty stomach and you get the full range of benefits this way. Since kratom is a powerful substance, the recommended dose is only once a day, preferable early in the morning. You can either mix it with hot water to make tea or in brewed coffee so you have a kratom-infused coffee or if you do not care much for the taste or the beverage, then take it in capsule form. When you dissolve it in hot water, it will not completely dissolve as it is made from pounded kratom leaves, so there will always be a little residue left in the water. You can either drink it all or strain the residue to have a clear tea. It can also be mixed in with coffee which is popular among those who cannot tolerate the taste of pure kratom tea. But since there is no caffeine in kratom, this practice is well accepted and will not in any way be harmful. Drinking coffee with kratom is a whole new experience, the earthy taste of kratom complements well the bitterness and aroma of the coffee, thus it makes for a better coffee experience all in all. On the other hand, there are some people who would like to get the benefits of kratom but do not like its taste and smell, in which the capsules come very handy. Since the capsules contain powdered kratom, you take it in directly without having to taste any of it. Whichever way you prefer to consume it, just make sure that you start off with the most minimal dose and work your way to the full dosage.
What are kratom strains?
Kratom comes in several strains which are based on the color of the vein of the leaf from which kratom is made. Different areas grow different strains of kratom, the most common are white, green, and red. It is also said that each strain has its distinct taste and intensity and which one to choose is based on personal preference. Some people who have become accustomed to its taste will likely go for the more exotic strains although it is recommended to start with the mildest strain for those who are just discovering kratom. Aside from the strain, kratom is also named after the place where it is harvested, which is why you have the White Vein Borneo or the White Vein Sumatra among others.
Is caffeine in kratom good?
Kratom does not contain caffeine, despite it coming from the same family as coffee. It instead contains alkaloids that are able to produce similar effects to caffeine such as a boost of energy and mood stimulant and keeps you alert and awake. Aside from this, kratom also is great for pain relief and as a way to uplift one’s moods. Scientifically, combining caffeine and kratom will not enhance its properties, it will just improve the taste and lets you enjoy the benefits of both caffeine and kratom. Besides, there are now added possibilities in how to prepare kratom such as in cookies, brownies, and even smoothies. Subjecting kratom to heat does not appear to lessen its effect or potency so this can be a viable alternative to beverages. Besides, you can mix it with chocolate in cookies, brownies, and cakes, and chocolate also has caffeine in it, so it will also enhance the taste and effect of kratom. Moreover, caffeine in kratom works, it does not supercharge the kratom or vice versa, but it does make it better in taste and even in effect. It makes ingesting kratom a bit more fun and exciting than just putting it in capsules or drinking it which does have an aftertaste and there are some that cannot really tolerate it. If you are looking for ways to get into the kratom movement, then consider caffeine in kratom.
