Kratom Extraction: A Detailed Guide to Types and Methods

There are various methods of consuming kratom and using extracts is one of the most potent ones. When extraction is done, the active alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) found in this herb  are isolated, thus creating a concentrate.

Extracting kratom enables the consumer to experience its effects at an even lower dose than the other methods offer. The following part of the article explains the different types and gets more into the methods of preparing this plant.

Types of Kratom Extracts

Kratom extracts can be grouped into two sections: standardized (commercially available extracts) and non-standardized (home-made extracts).

1. Standardized Kratom Extract

Standardized kratom extracts, commonly found in stores, are formulated to contain a specific minimum amount of mitragynine. Because this is a high concentrate, the process is done with utmost precision and in a controlled environment to ensure the alkaloid percentage in every batch is identical and the effects are the same. If you want to have a predictable experience, then the standardized extract is a good choice, because it is made in a lab to have an exact amount of alkaloids.

2. Non-Standardized Kratom Extract

Non-standardized kratom extracts are typically made at home, without the precision of lab-made extracts. This does not require any special equipment. However, since it is not professionally done, there is a small, or even a non-existent, control over the alkaloid content in the extract meaning every batch of kratom extract may have a different potency.

Standardized Extraction of Kratom’s Alkaloids: What it Entails

Standardized extraction gives the producer freedom in choosing a particular amount of active alkaloids to be in it. For example, an extract can have 45% mitragynine, while another, 60%. The producer determines the final product’s strength based on the chosen alkaloid concentration.

This method ensures precise dosing, which is crucial when using kratom for mood enhancement, energy, or tension relief. Overconsumption can lead to undesirable effects, and many extracts are more potent than needed.

Benefits of Standardized Kratom Extracts

The following are some of the benefits of using standardized kratom extracts in the long run:

• Lower Doses: Because standardized extracts have higher potency than homemade, only a small dose is needed to get your desired effects which is the most budget friendly option.
• Consistent Potency: With standardized kratom extracts, the concentration is predictable so it is easy to know what effects to expect, making it reliable as well.
• Easy to Use: They come in pre-packaged and pre-measured forms such as shots, gummies and capsules. However often the “serving size” in these products can offer a very high amount of mitragynine and much more than one could get from traditional powder.
• Bioavailability: The body can process and absorb the alkaloids more efficiently from extracted products.

Common Forms of Standardized Kratom Extracts

Some of the most popular forms of kratom extracts are:

Kratom Extract Powder

The powder extract is made through a boiling and reduction method, making it a more potent variant of the regular powder. Only a small dose is needed for the desired effect.

Liquid Extracts

This extraction method involves dissolving the extract in alcohol or other solvents to provide a convenient, fast-action option. Usually sold in the form of tinctures, this method allows for a faster absorption.

Capsules

If the kratom’s bitter taste presents a concern, the capsule is an excellent option. It conceals the taste, but you will still enjoy its effects once it dissolves in the stomach. Just like the powder, the capsules come in two forms: regular and extract capsules. An added bonus of the capsules is their portability and ease of use.

Kratom Resin

Resin kratom extracts offer powerful effects but in a compact, solid state form. It comes in a tar-like form and is created by boiling down the extract until it solidifies. It’s up to you whether you chew it or dissolve it in hot water.

Tablets

The only difference between tablet extracts and capsules is the compactness. Tablets often come with binders and are more precise dosage-wise.

Making Non-Standardized Kratom Extract: Home-Made Method

As we previously mentioned, kratom extracts can be made at home. One of the easiest and best methods is called the Red Bubble Method.

Below is the recipe and step-by-step method for making Red Bubble kratom at home.

1. Measure out the kratom powder (maybe 100g or any amount you want to use) and mix it with water and lemon juice to form a mud-like mixture. Lime or any other citric juice can be used as a substitution to lemon.
2. Freeze the mixture for 24 hours to facilitate the extraction of the alkaloids.
3. Thaw the frozen mixture for about 30 minutes. You can add more lemon juice (or whichever citric juice you decide to use).
4. Strain out the plant material using a strainer.
5. Simmer the strained liquid until it reaches a thick syrup-like consistency.
6. Dehydrate the syrup at 150-175°F for some hours until it forms a crispy extract.
7. Once hardened, grind the extract into a powder using a coffee grinder or similar tool.

We explained the red bubble method, but there’s another popular home-made option called the “ethanol extraction method”. To do this method, you’ll mix kratom powder with high-percentage alcohol like ethanol. Allow the mixture to sit for about 2-7 days while making sure you shake it daily to get a better result. Once that is done, strain the mixture and evaporate the alcohol with a double boiler which will leave you with a highly concentrated extract.

Conclusion

In conclusion, kratom extracts are significantly more potent than regular kratom. If you’re a beginner, it is best to steer clear of extracts. It is important to read the label and understand the exact amount of kratom alkaloids you are getting in order to calculate your ideal dosage. Also be mindful that extract dosages listed on packaging are often much higher than you will get regular kratom powder and capsules, so it is important to adjust accordingly. Not properly understanding this may cause you to use too much, experience side effects and increase tolerance and habit formation risk.

Standardized  kratom extracts will always be the more reliable option as you will know the amount of mitragynine per serving size. However, if you do opt to make it at home, pay really close attention to the processes and avoid overheating to prevent alkaloid degradation.

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