Kratom powder is an herbal supplement due to its reported energizing and pain-relieving effects. However, if you’re new to kratom, you likely have plenty of questions if you decide to try it. This beginner’s guide covers everything you taking kratom powder for the first time. Kratom leaves have been used locally for centuries as both a stimulant to boost energy and a medicine for various ailments. The active compounds in kratom leaves that produce stimulant or sedative effects are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Today, kratom powder and supplements are growing increasingly popular in Europe and North America for their reported energizing and pain-relieving qualities. Kratom powders are typically green or light brown and have an earthy, bitter taste. Many people mix kratom powder into smoothies or herbal teas to make it easier to consume.
Effects of kratom powder
The effects of red maeng da kratom vary quite a bit depending on the specific strain and dosage taken. Typically low doses produce more stimulating effects, while higher doses tend to be more sedative or pain-relieving. Some of the effects reported from kratom powder include:
- Increased alertness and focus
- Mild euphoria
- Improved mood
- Reduced anxiety
- Decreased fatigue
- Relief of minor aches and pains
- Help to withdraw from opioids
Kratom powder effects typically begin within 5 to 10 minutes after ingestion and can last for up to 5 hours, depending on the dose. It’s also common to experience side effects like nausea, constipation, or dizziness with higher kratom doses, indicating that the dose may be too high.
Appropriate kratom dosage for beginners
It’s always best to start with a very low dose of kratom powder, around 1-2 grams. It allows you to see how your body reacts without taking too much. Kratom powder dosage should then be slowly increased over time to identify the minimum effective level for you. For most people with no existing opioid tolerance, the appropriate kratom dosage typically ranges from 1-5 grams per use. It’s best to take measured doses and wait 45 minutes in between to fully feel the effects before redosing. Consuming too much kratom can lead to dizziness, nausea, and other undesirable side effects.
Here are some basic kratom powder dosage guidelines for beginners:
- 1-3 grams: Mild stimulating or euphoric effects
- 3-5 grams: Stronger stimulating/euphoric effects or mild sedative effects
- 5-8 grams: Sedative, euphoric, or analgesic effects
Always start low with a precisely measured kratom dosage until you know how it affects you, then slowly work your way up to find the ideal dosage for your needs. Taking too much kratom powder can be very unpleasant!
Is kratom powder safe?
When used responsibly at appropriate dosages, kratom powder is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. Side effects are usually mild and typically only occur with very high doses. However, there are also some risks to be aware of before taking kratom powder:
Dependency – Taking kratom powder regularly can lead to developing a dependency, where you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly. This risk is higher with frequent high doses.
Drug interactions – Combining kratom powder with other drugs or medications can cause serious reactions so should be avoided. Speak to your doctor before combining kratom with prescription meds.
Contamination risk – There is a small risk of Salmonella or toxic contamination when buying kratom products online or from disreputable vendors. Only source powder from trusted suppliers that follow good manufacturing processes.
