Viable Alternatives FAQs
Kratom is not a drug. Kratom is not an opiate. Kratom is not a synthetic substance. Naturally occurring Kratom is a safe herbal supplement that behaves as a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist. Kratom contains no opiates, but it does bind to the same receptor sites in the brain. Chocolate, coffee, exercise and even human breast milk hit these receptor sites in a similar fashion.
According to a comprehensive analysis by Dr. Jack Henningfield, Ph.D, kratom’s potential for abuse and dependence is no greater than such widely used and unscheduled substances as “nutmeg, hops, St. John’s Wort, chamomile, guarana, and kola nut”.
Kratom has been traditionally used for pain management, energy, even depression and anxiety that are common among Americans. Please keep in mind that while these are some of the many uses for kratom as reported historically by users, kratom is not FDA approved. We are not making these claims ourselves and cannot give medical advice regarding kratom products.
Kratom typically comes in 3 forms. The first is powder, just the leaf with the veins removed ground up into powder or Kratom Extract in powder form. The second is the powder put inside of a capsule. The third is in liquid, whether that be a tea made from the powder or a tincture using kratom extract.
Capsules tend to be the most convenient as there is little to no taste involved. For those that do not mind the taste, making a tea from the powder or mixing it with juice is a convenient and cost-effective method. Some brave souls even swallow just the powder by swishing it around in their mouth with water, also known as Toss N Wash. Tinctures or flavored shots are also convenient, as well as very effective, but tend to cost more due to the cost and technology required to extract the alkaloids from the kratom leaf.
Kratom Extracts are products produced by pulling the alkaloids (the alkaloids within the kratom leaf provide the effects of kratom) from the kratom leaf using a variety of scientific methods, resulting in a much stronger product by weight. Some people prefer extracts because they require much smaller doses for a more profound effect. Also, strong kratom extracts can be infused with flavored liquid making it much easier to take.
The term “strain” is a misnomer when it comes to kratom. The truth is, red, green, white…..all 3 vein colors can be found on the same tree. The color of a leaf’s vein does not influence the color of the powder. What influences the color of the powder is how the leaf is dried. That is why you’ll see variations in color in plain leaf kratom powder. It has been suggested that how the powder is dried, such as drying it in direct sunlight, can influence the alkaloid profile of the powder, but this has yet to be scientifically proven.
Traditionally speaking, in general terms, there have been claims made such as Reds is better for pain, White is better for energy, and Green is more of an overall product, but again this is not scientifically proven and we are not making any such claims. We suggest trying a variety with an open mind and seeing what suits you the best.
We recommend getting smaller sizes of a variety of products. Don’t get stuck on brands or colors. See what suits you best.
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, plain leaf kratom powder is the way to go.
Next, would be capsules. They are also much more convenient than kratom powder, especially if you dislike the taste.
Extract Enhanced powders and capsules are a great option for people who have higher tolerances, or simply want to take a fraction of the amount required for plain leaf to get the desired effects.
Kratom shots, tinctures, and extracts are extremely effective. They are typically also much more consistent and closer to standardized than plain leaf. The amount required to take is far less than most any other kratom products, but the cost per serving is also much higher.
