If you’re thinking about experimenting with kratom, you’re not alone. According to the American Kratom Association, there are over 15 million kratom users in the United States. That number continues to grow as more people learn about the herb.
To safely enjoy this popular supplement, it’s important to understand the proper kratom dosage for beginners and the different ways you can take it.
One common question beginners ask is: what’s the difference between kratom capsules vs powder? Is one better than the other? Stick with us as we explore the pros and cons of each option, so you can decide for yourself which is best for your needs.
Kratom Powder: The Basics
Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tropical tree, called Mitragyna speciosa, which is also a part of the coffee family. The tree is native to southeast Asia, and when the native people use it, they often chew the raw leaves. However, this isn’t the most practical way to use Kratom.
It is possible to chew the dried leaves, but they’re tough and provide a fairly unpleasant experience. Instead, the leaves are typically ground up, resulting in kratom powder.
When kratom use first became popular, this powder was the go-to method. After some time, vendors found that some people wanted more convenient options.
This led to the creation of kratom capsules. However, many users still prefer the straight powder.
Advantages of Kratom Powder
Kratom powder is still very popular among both new users and avid enthusiasts and is the base for all other kratom products. It’s more popular than the leaves themselves, thanks to having a longer shelf life.
Some people enjoy the ritual of making kratom tea from powder and many feel that this is the best way to take powdered kratom. Taking kratom powder directly also shortens the amount of time you’ll have to wait before you start feeling the effects. If you’re taking it for anxiety or other medicinal effects, this extra time can make a big difference.
Potential Drawbacks
There are a couple of drawbacks that come with taking kratom powder. First, you’ll need to learn how to properly prepare it. This requires a little bit more time and effort than popping a kratom capsule.
To make sure you get the dosage right, you’ll also need to use a digital scale. Simply taking a spoonful of powder or trying to figure out the dosage by sight can lead to taking too much, which could result in undesired side effects like dizziness and nausea. Some users find that having to weigh out the powder is difficult, messy, and time-consuming.
Kratom also has an acrid taste that many people find difficult to choke down. While some appreciate it as part of the overall experience, others would rather skip this part.
It should be noted that there are many different ways to take kratom powder, so experimenting with your options might be a solution to this complaint. While many people simply mix it with water, you can also mix it with fruit juice, kefir, or milk. One preferred method is to use chocolate milk to make a kratom shake.
Kratom Capsules: The Basics
As happens with most things, as more people started using kratom, they wanted more convenient ways to consume it. This is what led to the introduction of kratom in capsules, which also led to a huge boost in the herb’s popularity.
Advantages of Kratom Capsules
This form is an excellent choice for new users because it’s pre-weighed, making it easier to manage your dosage. It’s also easy to store and transport and has a longer shelf life.
Most kratom capsules contain 0.5 grams of kratom powder and are sealed in vegetarian capsule shells. Make sure you check the packaging label to confirm the strength of each capsule before you take them.
Possible Drawbacks
One of the primary complaints about taking kratom capsules versus powder is that the gelatin in the capsules needs to disintegrate before the contents can start to work. You might find that it takes 20 to 30 minutes before you start to feel the effects.
Advanced users who want to experiment with different dosage options might prefer powder, but most appreciate the simplicity that capsules bring.
Kratom Capsule vs Powder: Which is Right for You?
Now that you’re clear on the pros and cons of each option, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. The truth is, that both are equally effective. It comes down to how much time and effort you’re willing to put in and how fast you need to feel the effects.
Truth be told, the decision is really just a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is to make sure that you’re purchasing your powder or capsules from a reputable vendor. This way, you can make sure that you’re receiving a high-quality product that you can trust.
Shop for All Your Kratom Needs
Now that you have the information you need to make the kratom capsules vs powder decision, you’re ready to start your shopping for the best products. At Cali Botanicals, we have everything you need to get started on your kratom journey!
Browse our inventory today to get a look at all of your options. We carry the finest powders and capsules, so you can experiment and decide for yourself which option is best for you.