Extracting Alkaloids from Kratom is the new in. But is it even beneficial? If yes, then what is the best way to perform it at home? Let’s take a closer look at the trend.
Kratom is the trending star of the wellness world. It has taken on a massive reputation among herbalists and naturopaths as one of the most potent herbs of the decade.
But isn’t it natural for users to get bored using the same product over and over again? Therefore vendors keep coming up with exciting innovations, twists, and turns to up the game. Out of all the new products, extracting alkaloids have become one of the latest obsessions of the Kratom community. But if you are a beginner, you must be wondering why the heck will anyone do that? What difference do the extracted alkaloids make?
With so much information floating around the web, it is difficult to discern the right from the wrong and the accurate from the exaggeration. Here we have compiled a detailed guide starting from the basics.
What are Alkaloids?
Before we dive into the details, are you feeling clueless about what alkaloids exactly are?
Alkaloids are a large group of naturally occurring organic compounds found in plants, such as caffeine, nicotine, and morphine. They contain nitrogen atom(s) or amino acids in their chemical structure and characterize potent pharmacologic effects. Alkaloids are divided into several classes based on their chemical structure.
Likewise, the Kratom plant is believed to constitute over 40 distinct alkaloids. The two most prominent are the indole alkaloids Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are primarily responsible for their effects.
What are Extracts?
In scientific terminology, an extract is a substance produced by drawing out contents from raw material, often through the help of a solvent like ethanol, oil, water, or tea. The purified extracted version is then sold in the form of tinctures, absolutes, or powder.
What are Kratom Extracts?
Simply put, it is a concentrated form of Kratom distilled directly from powder or whole leaves. It features a high alkaloid content and so tends to be more potent than other forms. As such, you will need a smaller than your regular dose. There exist four primary forms of kratom extracts:
- Water-based liquid extracts
- Alcohol-based tinctures
- Resins
- Enhanced Extracts
Besides the above, you may find extract powder with some vendors. Nonetheless, all extracts usually characterize a bitter or acidic taste which can be masked by adding flavorings, sweeteners, or enhancers of your liking- without altering the alkaloids levels.
How Is Kratom Extraction Performed?
The extraction process aims to pull the desired alkaloids out of the plant material. This is achieved by boiling the powder (i.e., dried leaves processed and crushed into powder form). Straining and then simmering the liquid to evaporate water until the desired consistency and concentration. You may wish to evaporate all the moisture to get a thick dark paste enriched with alkaloids. This can be cooled and processed to make oil, tea, or tincture.
Extracted Kratom Alkaloids vs. Kratom Powder: What Is Best For You?
One of the key differences between powder and extracts lies in their composition. While Kratom powder constitutes a whole leaf crushed into a fine powder, extracts have selected alkaloids isolated and concentrated. Regardless, each has its pros and cons.
Perhaps, a closer look at both will give you an idea of which one to go for.
Pros of Kratom Extracts
More Potent:
When regular Speciosa powder fails to render that spark, extracts will be your saving grace. Thanks to the high alkaloid levels.
Easily Digestible:
Liquid extracts have a high bioavailability and are so easily digested. This, in turn, allows them to enter the bloodstream quickly.
Immediate Effect:
Powders produce a delayed effect, whereas extracts manifest the impact quickly. Hence, if you are looking for instant relief, then go for extracts with your eyes closed.
Small dose required:
Though relatively expensive, even a small dose of extracts will yield quick and effective results, unlike powder, where you need a substantial amount to reach your sweet spot. Hence, despite their cheap pricing, powdered Mitragayna will cost you more in the long term.
Cons of Kratom Powder
Costly:
One thing remains clear. There is quite a lot that goes into the manufacturing of extract. Hence, it is natural for vendors to charge more, unlike powders that are easy to afford.
Laborious and Time-consuming:
The powder can be readily consumed, whereas making extracts at home calls for a great time investment with the elaborate processes involved. In fact, coming up with even a single bottle might take up to one month.
Limited Strains Available:
There is no denying when we say that kratom powders are the most sought-after supplement forms of Kratom. However, extracts are not as high in demand. Given the cost and labor investment that goes into its manufacturing, vendors only offer the most popular strains. For the rare ones, your only option is to make them at home.
| Powder | Extract | |
| More Potent | yes | |
| Ease Of Availability/Accessibility | yes | |
| Variety Of Strains | yes | |
| High Bio-availability | yes | |
| Expensive (If store-bought) | yes | |
| Higher Demand |
How to Extract Alkaloids at Home?
The extracts you generally see in online ads are formulated in high-end manufacturing units and labs with expensive equipment.
What if we tell you that you can make them with simpler DIY processes that will yield optimal results. Check out the following recipes below:
1) Alcohol-based or Water-based Extract
The following will make one tincture bottle of extract. One can use either alcohol or water as per their preference. So, if you can’t consume alcohol for medical or any other reason, water-based extracts are a viable option though these are not as potent as the latter. Besides, it is also worth mentioning that alcohol-based extracts have the advantage of having a prolonged shelf life due to the preservation content than the water-based ones.
Ingredients:
It is always a good idea to gather all the ingredients in one place before starting to ensure that the process doesn’t halt in the middle.
- 4 to 5 ounces or 100 to 150 grams of your favorite Kratom powder strain or leaves.
- Ethanol or ethyl alcohol with 40% concentrated alcohol, such as vodka or rum.
- Citric acid or lemon juice
- Glycerin (optional)
Materials:
- Digital Scales
- Measuring cups
- pH Strips
- Tinted Storage Bottles
- Fine Strainer or cheesecloth
- Mason Jars
Directions:
- Accurately measure your preferred strain of kratom powder or leaves. Remember, the type and color of strain will essentially determine the impact of the final extract.
- Put the kratom dose in a jar while ensuring that more than half of the container remains empty.
- Next, pour in ethanol or water in the ratio 1:4, i.e., every four ounces of Kratom with 1 liter of alcohol. Mix thoroughly.
- It’s time to introduce the store-bought ready-made citric acid or squeeze fresh lemon to increase the extraction process’s stability, efficiency, and speed.
- Keep checking the pH through the strips periodically and stop adding the acid as soon as it hits pH 4. (Note: Adding an excess of citric acid will make it acidic, leading to canker sores in the mouth).
- This is an optional step where you need to add glycerin to the mixture to neutralize the acidity and help break down byproducts of oils and fats. Shake the mixture vigorously until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Keep checking the pH through the strips periodically and stop adding the acid as soon as it hits pH 4. (Note: Adding an excess of citric acid will make it acidic, leading to canker sores in the mouth).
- Next, you can go with any of the following methods:
a) Letting the jar sit in a pot of hot water for an hour. Repeat twice.
b) Cook the jar in a crockpot on low flame for three days.
c) Leave the jar in a cool dark place for a week.
- Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth once it has been set for a week. Discard the leaves or particles.
- Pour the remaining liquid back into the jar and allow it to evaporate to half. Your tincture is ready to use.
2) Kratom Tea
For all those folks who wish to opt for the easy way out, we have something for you as well. The simplest of all extracts; Kratom tea. All you need to do is steep water and add the kratom powder along with fresh lime juice. Let it simmer, and then strain it to pour yourself a freshly brewed kratom tea.
3) Resins
A relatively lesser-known entity in the kratom world, resins are a sticky, dense semi-solid form of Kratom that truly stands out in potency, alkaloid concentration, and bioactive components. Here is how you prepare them:
What To Expect After Having Extracted Alkaloids?
Extracts are the perfect magic potion to have during those dull, gloomy days when anxiety and paranoia hit you the hardest.
It will prove to be more relaxing than submerging in a tub of warm water. Besides, it is raved as important nutritional support that can be enjoyed for its physical and medical benefits.
Whether you are suffering from physical discomfort or dealing with one of those awful mood swings, it will help you plunge into a cheery mood.
Final Remarks
Do you know what a more palatable yet potent version of your favorite Kratom strain powder is?
None other than the exquisite Kratom Extracts. Generally speaking, enhanced extracts are the most potent ones, followed by resins, then alcohol-based tinctures, and finally, the water-based ones are the least potent.
Whether you need the energy to be on your toes all day or your body is dealing with excruciating pain, or you are looking forward to enjoying a lazy afternoon, Kratom extracts are one-of-its-kind mind-calmer, a body-balancer, and an energy booster. Its applications are immensely wide-ranging and versatile.
Not sure which one to go with? If you are indecisive, the best way to go about it is trial and error and safely experiment. We hope the guide above has answered all your burning queries. Still, have any questions or doubts? Leave us a comment below. Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us.
