How Often to Take Kratom Safely: Dosage & Tolerance Break Tips
People have been benefitting from adding kratom to their routine for many years. But how much is too much? How often should you take kratom without it becoming an issue?
There has been a lot of news about kratom causing addiction and this may scare some from using the product. It is true that too much kratom is harmful for both mental and physical well-being if overused or not used correctly. Kratom is also not approved by the FDA. While it is true that it can be habit-forming for some, kratom can be used safely and with caution.
In this article, we will discuss safe kratom dosage and other facts about kratom. Please note that everyone’s body is different so the effects of kratom can vary from little to greatly depending upon the individual. Some may have built up a higher tolerance while others have low to no tolerance from kratom products. Read on to find out how often you should take kratom.
What is Kratom Anyway?
By now, you have probably seen kratom for sale online or locally. You may have heard someone mention it in conversation. Or you may know someone who uses kratom on a regular basis. But what exactly is kratom and why is there such a fuss about this product?
Kratom is a natural herb that is harvested from Southeast Asia. It is sourced by kratom farmers from the Mitragyna Speciosa tree. This majestic tree can grow as high as 100 feet tall. It is believed that in ancient times, the leaves of this tree held sacred medicinal powers. The leaves were used to brew homemade teas and remedies said to cure many ailments. While this cannot be proven, kratom is still used regularly worldwide and has many positive benefits.
Once the farmers pick the ripened leaves from the trees, they then dry them using either natural sunlight or special ultraviolet lighting techniques. Often, the leaves are also fermented. This is to help nurture the compounds within the leaves called alkaloids. Kratom leaves contain upwards of forty distinct and mighty organic compounds that make kratom the powerful herb so many have come to cherish. The two predominant alkaloids in kratom are 7-Hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine. Depending on the type of strain you use, the amount of alkaloids might vary. For example, green vein kratom is sourced from younger kratom leaves and is more mild. Whereas red vein kratom is harvested once it has reached its full potential and therefore is extremely potent. Many prefer white vein kratom which is more middle-ground as it is picked at the “mid-life” stage of growth.
Kratom strains are mostly named after the vein color and the region from which it was sourced. For example Indo Kratom is from Indonesia and Malay Kratom is sourced from Malaysia. However, others have unique names. Horn Kratom is so named due to the shape of its leaves while Maeng Da Kratom is referred to as the “king” of kratom as it is said to be the strongest type of kratom.
Kratom is sold in many forms. This includes tea leaves, whole leaf, kratom powders, tinctures, extracts, capsules, shots and edibles (such as chocolates or gummies). Kratom can be found locally, though it is always best to obtain kratom from a reputable source that is backed by the American Kratom Association.
What Is The American Kratom Association?
The AKA, or American Kratom Association, was formed in 2014. It serves to oversee reputable kratom vendors online as well as to educate the general public about kratom. They aim to protect the rainforests and tropical islands that produce kratom and other natural resources. Additionally, they are looking to spread global awareness about the many benefits of kratom.
Most importantly, the AKA set forth a strict guideline to which their vendors must adhere to remain their AKA approved status. The GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Guidelines were created to ensure the safety of any kratom products sold by their vendors. Any vendor that is affiliated with the AKA must meet their standards when it comes to quality and purity of any products that they sell. All products must be tested by a neutral third party laboratory with the results visible to the consumer at any time.
General Warnings About Kratom Use
The legality of kratom is an important factor. The AKA is working to get FDA approval for kratom as well as legality throughout the USA. However, there are some states, counties and other areas in which kratom is still illegal. Please check to see if it is legal where you live before purchasing as this may change periodically. Keep in mind that kratom is illegal for those under the age of 21.
Kratom is to be used only as directed. It is not to be snorted, vaped or smoked in any manner. Do not mix with alcohol or illegal substances. Check with your doctor before using kratom to see if it will interfere with any existing health issues or medications.
Do not take kratom if you plan to become pregnant, are pregnant or are nursing. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive while under the influence of kratom. Do not take it if you have had any type of allergic reaction. Seek help if you are becoming overly dependent on kratom.
If you are trying kratom for the first time, take only a small amount. Do not increase this amount until you are comfortable with how your body processes kratom. Never exceed the recommended dosage.
Now that you have some general background on kratom, let's answer some of the burning questions such as how often you should take kratom, what is a safe kratom and more.
Things To Keep In Mind Before You Take Kratom
Your Body Chemistry
Everyone’s body is different. A kratom strain that your friend recommended might not have the same effect on you. Factors such as height, weight, how much you have eaten before ingesting kratom, your metabolism, your chemical make-up and more affect how kratom will work for you.
Empty vs Full Stomach
Kratom tends to work faster on an empty stomach. While this quickens the absorption rate, it might also cause a bit of nausea so keep this in mind. Typically, if you take kratom 1 to 3 hours after a meal, it will enter your bloodstream faster than if consumed on a full stomach.
If you wish to speed up the absorption process, citrus juice is a great way to do so on an empty stomach. And of course, there’s always the tried and true “toss and wash” method. This is when you place some kratom powder on your tongue and chase it down immediately with water.
Type of Kratom
Obviously, the format of the kratom affects how often you should take kratom. Kratom capsules are a preferred choice for beginners as they are pre-dosed so you don’t have to worry about taking too much your first time. Always start off with a small amount of whatever method you chose and then go from there. Wait it out before taking more to see how it affects you.
Most regular kratom enthusiasts go for kratom powder. Yes, this does involve carefully weighing and measuring the correct dosage. However, once you are familiar with the process, it becomes much easier. Kratom powder is extremely versatile and comes in a wide variety of strains, many which are only sold in powder form.
Tinctures, extracts, shots and gummies may affect everyone differently. Use as directed and always start off with a smaller amount until you are familiar with that form of kratom.
Vein & Strain
No two kratom strains are exactly the same. Each strain contains a different combination of alkaloids which either increases or decreases the potency of that individual strain. As well, the drying and/or oxidation methods alter the alkaloid content.
As mentioned earlier, the vein color impacts the intensity of the kratom. Green vein kratom is generally very mild. Red vein kratom, on the other hand, has more of an impact. So if you are taking a green vein kratom, you might be able to take more than you would of a red vein. Some strains might affect you differently. Red Maeng Da and Dragon kratom are said to be two of the most virile kratom strains and should be used with caution due to their full-bodied effects.
Time of Day
The time of day that you consume kratom plays an important role. If you know that red vein kratom affects you very strongly, you should take it during the evening, when you are able to relax. If you want to take kratom in the morning, you should opt for a small to minimum dose of white or green vein kratom for a more mellow experience.
Your Tolerance Level
The more you use kratom, the higher your tolerance level. You can actually build a tolerance level within just a few days of regular kratom use. If you take the same dose on a consistent basis, your body will adapt to that dose. This then stimulates the need for higher doses. If you find that your body is no longer responding to your usual dosage, it might be time to try a different strain of kratom. Or you could take a short break, a few days to a week, so that you can lower your tolerance. However, if you decide to take a break, let your doctor know, as you may experience some moderate withdrawal symptoms.
How Often Should You Take Kratom?
The answer for this varies, as you can see by the data above. Some people can take kratom once daily, or even once weekly. Others take it several times throughout the day. It is important that you know your tolerance level when asking yourself this question. If kratom use is becoming a problem, please seek help.
General Dosage Information
This is a general kratom dosage guide. Dose varies from one individual to another. Do not take more kratom than your body can handle at any given time
Beginner/Low Dose:
1 to 3 grams with effects generally lasting up to 2 hours and are somewhat mild
Intermediate/Moderate Dose
3 to 5 grams with increasing effects typically wearing off within 3-4 hours
Advanced/Higher Dose
6+ grams, effects can last as long as 7 hours and are extremely intense.
It is important to note that larger doses will remain in your system for a longer period, as long as 48 hours. Therefore, it is important that you take some recovery time between larger doses. To start out, you should only take kratom once or twice a week. On average, you should wait up to six hours or longer between doses. Again, this is just general information and varies significantly from one person to another.
Taking more than one dose of kratom a day can lead to an increased tolerance. This can lead to addictive behavior. It is advised that you only use kratom a few times a week and stick to the recommended dosage on the product packaging.
How To Tell If You Are Taking Too Much Kratom
As with anything, kratom should be taken in moderation. Should you find that you are becoming too dependent on kratom, please see immediate help. OSigns that you are taking too much kratom include:
Physical Issues:
If you notice that you need higher and more frequent doses of kratom, it could indicate that you are becoming addicted. Additionally, if you try to stop using kratom, you will start to feel intense withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, irritability, dizziness, and more. It can also cause severe digestional issues,
Psychological Dependance:
You might feel as though you are unable to function normally without kratom. Additionally, you could experience drastic mood swings, neglect responsibilities, experience relationship problems, increased kratom cravings, cognitive issues and more.
Long term kratom use can lead to serious health concerns such as skin discoloration, liver problems, severe weight loss and major gastrointestinal issues. Please seek immediate help if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms.
In summary, how often you should take kratom depends on your perspective. If you stick to the recommended dosage, alternate kratom strains, carefully monitor your dosage, and take regular medically supervised tolerance breaks, kratom can be used safely on a regular basis.
Please take care to use only as directed. Always purchase kratom from a reliable kratom vendor. Take time to research each vendor and each strain. Always check if the vendor is AKA approved. Additionally, be sure to check for the current lab findings for the batch of kratom you have purchased. Seek professional help if you find that you are forming an addiction to any kratom product.
It is not ideal to buy kratom from someone on the street or a local source. This could be a fake product and could be unsafe for consumption. Lab tested kratom from a trusted vendor follows GMP guidelines by the AKA. It is thoroughly tested for heavy metals and any other impurities or cross-contaminants.
As a general rule, those familiar with kratom should take kratom on average every other day whereas those just trying it should stick to once or twice a week. Microdosing might work for some, but if you chose to do this method, please work closely with a physician. Always take a tolerance break to be mindful of your health.
