Kratom: An In-Depth Exploration of Its Consumption Methods, History, and Misconceptions

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, has long been used in Southeast Asia for its medicinal properties, offering a unique blend of stimulant and sedative effects. In recent years, its use has extended beyond its native region, gaining popularity in the West. But with its rise in use has come a rise in misconceptions. Interestingly, kratom belongs to the same botanical family as coffee, the Rubiaceae family, though the two plants serve very different purposes. While coffee is known primarily for its stimulating effects, kratom’s versatility allows it to act as both a stimulant and a sedative depending on dosage. As kratom becomes more widely used, understanding its different methods of consumption—and the potential risks associated with each—is key to forming an informed opinion about this controversial plant.

A Brief History of Kratom

Traditionally, kratom leaves were chewed fresh or brewed into tea by indigenous people of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Malaysia. The leaves were used to combat fatigue, alleviate pain, and as a treatment for diarrhea. Some cultures also used kratom in rituals and as a substitute for opium. In these traditional settings, kratom was not seen as a substance of abuse but as a functional herb for enhancing daily life and managing pain. However, as kratom has gained popularity in the West, its use has shifted, and different consumption methods have emerged—some of which have contributed to the plant’s increasingly negative reputation.

The Three Methods of Kratom Consumption

Kratom can be consumed in a variety of ways, but the effects and side effects can vary significantly depending on the method of ingestion. The three primary methods of consumption are:

1. Toss-and-Wash (Raw Powder)
2. Brewing Tea
3. Kratom Extracts

Let’s explore each of these methods in detail, starting with the most problematic.

Toss-and-Wash: The Notorious Method Behind Kratom's Bad Reputation

One of the most widely known—and criticized—ways to consume kratom is the toss-and-wash method, where the raw powdered leaf is simply swallowed with a liquid, usually water or juice. While this method is effective in terms of delivering the full spectrum of alkaloids found in kratom, it is also largely responsible for kratom’s negative reputation.

• High Concentration of Alkaloids: When consumed in raw powder form, the alkaloids, including 7-hydroxymitragynine, are rapidly absorbed, leading to intense effects.
• Side Effects: Users often experience nausea, digestive issues, and a harsh “come down” with feelings of brain fog.
• Addictive Potential: The rapid absorption and high concentration of alkaloids contribute to tolerance and dependency, especially when consumed regularly.
• Digestive Discomfort: The fibrous plant material in the powder can cause constipation, cramping, and general gastrointestinal discomfort.

Kratom Tea: The Clean and Preferred Method

For those who seek a cleaner, milder experience, brewing kratom tea is far more appealing than the toss-and-wash method. Kratom tea, typically made by steeping the leaves rather than the powder in hot water, offers a more traditional way to consume kratom.

• Lower Alkaloid Extraction: Fewer alkaloids, particularly 7-hydroxymitragynine, are extracted during the brewing process, leading to a significantly milder experience.
• Smooth Absorption: The alkaloids are absorbed more gradually, resulting in a gentler onset of effects that are longer-lasting and more balanced.
• Reduced Side Effects: By avoiding raw powder, users are less likely to experience brain fog, sedation, and dependency issues.
• Cultural Significance: Brewing kratom tea has deep roots in Southeast Asian culture and remains a respected method of consumption.

Kratom Extracts: Potency and Convenience

For individuals who need a more concentrated form of kratom, or for those who find themselves traveling or without access to a quality kratom supplier, kratom extracts provide a convenient solution.

• Forms: Extracts come in various forms, including liquid shots, gummies, and seltzers.
• Best Use Cases: Extracts are ideal for specific situations—such as traveling to places without high-quality kratom or spending the day outdoors.
• Caution with Quality: It's important to choose your extracts wisely. Avoid gas station kratom, which often contains fillers and proprietary blends that obscure the actual ingredients.
• Reputable Brands: Sourcing from reputable brands ensures transparency and quality, reducing the risk of negative side effects.

Kratom Use: A Matter of Responsibility

As with any substance that offers psychoactive effects, it’s important to use kratom responsibly. Kratom Use: A Matter of Responsibility potential for addiction often stems not from the plant itself but from reckless or excessive use, particularly with raw powder or poor-quality extracts. When consumed thoughtfully—especially in the form of tea—kratom offers a wealth of benefits without the negative side effects that have fueled much of the misinformation surrounding the plant.

Kratom is a powerful tool for managing pain, mood, and even opioid withdrawal, but just like coffee or other psychoactive substances, it must be approached with respect and care. By choosing the right method of consumption and using it in moderation, kratom can be a safe and beneficial part of your wellness routine.

My Journey with Kratom: An Introspective Exploration

My introduction to kratom was rather serendipitous. It was early 2021, and my sister invited me to a kava bar in South Florida. Little did I know that this seemingly casual invitation would lead to a significant change in my life. Just two weeks after that first visit, I found myself relocating to Florida, where what started as a simple curiosity quickly became a cherished part of my routine. For those unfamiliar, kava bars typically offer both kava and kratom, with the latter almost exclusively prepared in tea form. These establishments are far removed from the stereotypical bar scene; while alcohol bars are often social hubs for groups of friends, kava bars invite a different kind of interaction—one that is just as conducive to solitary reflection as it is to communal gathering.

Imagine, if you will, a space that exudes warmth and camaraderie, a place that feels more akin to a welcoming church than a bustling bar. One such establishment that epitomizes this atmosphere is The Nak, located in Boca Raton, FL. Despite Boca Raton’s reputation for being home to some of Florida’s less-than-approachable residents, The Nak defies expectations with its genuinely welcoming and inclusive environment. Kava bars hold a special place in my heart, not merely as venues to enjoy kratom but as sanctuaries where I’ve forged lasting friendships and cultivated valuable business connections. Whether you frequent these bars to work in a serene environment or to unwind with like-minded individuals, they offer an experience that is both unique and deeply meaningful.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting more than 20 different kava bars, including two in New York City and the rest scattered across South Florida. For me, the appeal of these bars extends beyond the product; it’s the people, the sense of community, that keeps me coming back. That said, I do have a particular fondness for experimenting with various kratom teas. Interestingly, I have never encountered the much-talked-about side effects like withdrawal or brain fog from kratom tea—save for the one occasion when I consumed raw powder. And I’m not alone in this observation; in fact, I’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t noticed a significant difference between the effects of kratom tea and raw powder. However, this isn’t to suggest that everyone who uses powder will inevitably experience negative side effects. I also do believe that the risks associated with powder consumption are often exaggerated, especially when compared to the well-documented downsides of alcohol, which, in my view, are far more severe.

One of the aspects I appreciate most about kava bars is the opportunity they provide to connect with a community of individuals who share a commitment to a sober-minded lifestyle. When people ask me to describe the experience of kratom, I often compare it to “Christian Morphine.” This may sound unconventional, but it’s the most accurate analogy I can offer. Kratom possesses a remarkable ability to alleviate pain—much like morphine—but without the intoxicating high that often accompanies opiates. In many ways, I see kratom as a means of achieving an “Enhanced Sober” state—one where clarity of mind is preserved while still reaping the benefits of this extraordinary plant.

When I consume kratom, my experience tends to manifest in one of three distinct personas:

1. Study Spencer: This version of myself is laser-focused, making kratom an invaluable aid when delving into biohacking data or tackling intellectually demanding tasks.
2. Social Spencer: Also known as “Chatty Cathy,” this is when kratom enhances my sociability, making me eager to engage in lively, meaningful conversations.
3. Softy Spencer: Ideal for deep, introspective discussions with close friends, though I’ve learned the hard way that it’s best to avoid talking to girls in this state—I’m far too prone to spilling all my secrets!

If you’re curious to learn more about the kava bars I frequent, I invite you to explore my Instagram highlights, where I’ve documented my visits. And for those living in states without access to kava bars, I highly recommend Mitra-9, a company based in Fort Myers, FL, that offers both kava and kratom seltzers delivered right to your door.

Here’s the link to their website: Mitra-9

Use the code SPENCER for 20% off your order!

References

• Warner ML, Kaufman NC, Grundmann O. "The pharmacology and toxicology of kratom: from traditional herb to drug of abuse."
• Henningfield JE, Rodricks JV, Magnuson AM, Huestis MA. "Respiratory effects of oral mitragynine and oxycodone in a rodent model."
• Grundmann O, et al. "Correlations of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) tea bag preparations and reported pharmacological effects."