Kratom is continuing to gain traction in the world of herbal supplements and natural remedies. Originating from Southeast Asia, locals would chew on raw kratom leaves as traditional herbal medicine.Â
Centuries later, this wonder herb is now available in different products for kratom users to easily enjoy. The most popular forms are powdered beverages, tea drinks, pills, and capsules, among others.
That said, if you’re interested in trying kratom but don’t know what product is best for you, we’re here to help you.Â
In this article, we compare two popular forms – kratom tea vs. pills. Both digestible and easy to consume, they serve as convenient ways to experience the potential benefits of kratom. But kratom users may often wonder if one is better than the other. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Kratom Tea?
Apart from chewable kratom leaves, the herb was also traditionally consumed as tea. It was made by brewing crushed kratom leaves from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia.
These days, herbal kratom tea is a lot easier to prepare at home. It can be made using kratom powder, one of the most popular kratom-based products in the market.Â
Like typical tea, you add the powder from kratom leaves into a pot of boiling water. Given the strong herbal taste of kratom, some people also mix in lemon or orange juice or sweeteners (like sugar, honey, or maple syrup) to enhance the flavor of their kratom tea.
What Are Kratom Pills?
Kratom pills are capsules filled with fine kratom powder. They are preferred by many kratom enthusiasts due to their easy and convenient consumption. Just pop a pill into your mouth and consume it with water.
Depending on the supplier or brand, kratom pills come in pack sizes of 100 to 500 capsules per bottle. Each pill contains a standard dose of 500mg of kratom powder. You can consume your own kratom capsules based on your tolerance level and desired strength of effects.
Comparing Kratom Tea Vs. Kratom Pills
Kratom tea and kratom pills are some of the most popular forms of kratom, but is one better than the other?
The table below shows an overview of their difference, which may help guide you in choosing whether you should take kratom tea vs. pill. Your decision will entirely depend on your lifestyle, budget, and desired results.Â
| Kratom PowderÂ
(to make Kratom Tea) |
Kratom Pills | |
| Potency | More potent; Fast-acting effects in just one serving | Less potent; May require multiple pills for stronger effects |
| Preparation | Requires prep time and other ingredients | No prep time |
| Taste | Strong herbal taste, which some may not enjoy | No flavor or unwanted aftertaste |
| Pack Sizes & Price | Comes in packs of 250g to 1000g of kratom | Comes in bottles of 250 to 2,000 capsules (each with 500mg of kratom) |
| Price | More affordable
(on average, $0.32 per gram of kratom) |
More expensive
(on average, $0.96 per gram of kratom) |
| More portable | ✔ | |
| More value for money | ✔ |
Potency & Dosage
Kratom powder serves as a more potent form of kratom. When users consume kratom as tea or other kratom-based beverages, the liquid is directly absorbed by the body, thus giving way to the fast-acting effects of the kratom alkaloids. According to experts, the recommended serving size of at least 2 grams of kratom powder is enough to feel the benefits.Â
Kratom pills, on the other hand, go through normal digestion before the effects kick in. Moreover, each pill contains 500mg of kratom, which is equivalent to more mellow results per serving. As such, users may need to take multiple pills to experience their desired strength of effects.
- Beginners dose: 4 capsules (for 2 to 3 grams of kratom)
- Mild dose: 10 capsules (for 4 to 5 grams of kratom)
- Strong dose: 14 capsules (for 6 to 7 grams of kratom)
Benefits
With the right dosage, both kratom powder and kratom pills deliver the same potential benefits for users. Kratom alkaloids bring about effects, such as the following:
- Increased energy and endurance
- Increased focus and concentration
- Mood enhancement
- Physical relaxation
- A calm state of being from sedative effects
Preparation and Taste
Kratom tea requires preparation, which, at the very least, includes mixing kratom powder into hot water. For a tastier and more enjoyable experience, some users add more ingredients like lemon juice, milk, honey, syrup, and other sweeteners. This helps mask the strong taste of kratom.
This is where kratom pills have an advantage. It offers a more convenient way of consuming kratom. It does not require any prep time and ingredients, other than some water to chug it down.
Pack Sizes and Price
Depending on the brand or supplier, you can buy kratom pills in bottles of 250 to 2,000 capsules. On average, a bottle of 250 capsules costs around $60. In effect, you spend around $0.96 for two grams of kratom. This is more expensive than consuming kratom powder.
Kratom powders come in packs of 250g, 500g, and 1,000g. On average, the smallest pack size of 250g costs around $40. Assuming this standard, two grams of kratom powder is equivalent to $0.32, around three times cheaper than what you would get from kratom pills.Â
Value for Money
Considering the average prices, choosing kratom powders will offer you more value for money versus consuming kratom capsules. This feature makes kratom powder a good choice for bulk buying.
A cup of kratom tea typically requires only 1 to 2 grams of kratom. This allows users to benefit more from a single pack size.
Portability
However, if portability and convenience is your priority, kratom pills may be better suited to you. Users can easily pack their bottles, carrying them around during the day or when traveling. This portability enables them to consume kratom anytime and anywhere.
Kratom Tea Vs. Kratom Pills: Which Is Better?
Needless to say, when considering kratom tea vs. pill, you’ll find that both tea and pills are good options for experiencing the potential benefits of kratom. Each has its fair share of pros and cons, with neither of them being the better choice overall.Â
As such, choosing one over the other is simply a matter of preference. Here’s what we recommend based on all the research we’ve gathered and shared.
- For convenience: Kratom pills
Kratom pills require no time to prepare and consume. Moreover, they come in small, portable bottles that are easy to carry around or travel with.
- For faster-acting effects: Kratom tea
Kratom tea is directly absorbed by the body, thus giving way to more immediate benefits. Kratom pills, on the other hand, may require a higher dosage and a longer time to take effect.
- For taste: Kratom pills
Kratom pills are generally flavorless and more tolerable in terms of taste.
- For affordability: Kratom tea
Kratom powder offers more value for money, allowing you to enjoy multiple servings of kratom tea per bag.Â
Is Kratom Legal?
Before purchasing kratom – whether kratom tea or kratom pills – keep in mind that its legal status varies per country. Despite many advocating for its positive results and potential benefits, the fact remains: There is limited research on its effects and safety. Moreover, its presents safety concerns due to its potential for abuse and addiction.
As such, it continues to be regulated by most jurisdictions.
For example, the sale and use of kratom are generally legal in countries like Ireland, Italy, and the United Kingdom. However, laws may differ per city.Â
Similarly, it is legal on a federal level in the United States, but some states categorize it as not allowed for minors and among the identified controlled substances. For others like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, it is completely banned. The same goes for specific cities in some states.Â
For the following countries, kratom is illegal.
| For the following countries, kratom is illegal. | |
| Australia | New Zealand (unless prescribed by a doctor) |
| Denmark | Poland |
| Finland | Romania |
| Israel | Russia |
| Japan | Singapore |
| Latvia | South Korea |
| Lithuania | Sweden |
| Myanmar | Thailand |
| Malaysia | Vietnam |
Other than those mentioned above, the legal status of kratom remains unclear.Â
Whatever the case may be, it is best to check kratom laws in your country before purchasing it.Â
ConclusionÂ
Choosing between kratom tea and kratom pills is not a question of which is better. Rather, it is a question of what your priority is – quick preparation, affordability, more potent effects, and so on.Â
Either way, both kratom products are widely available in the market, making them easy to shop and explore more.Â
Whatever it is you decide on, make sure to buy from only top-quality, safe brands.Â
DISCLAIMER: This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. The content on this page is for entertainment purposes only. The FDA has stated warnings about kratom. Please visit the fda.gov site for more information.
