Kratom’s popularity has risen tremendously over the years, and understandably so. Native to Southeast Asia, this herb has been used from time immemorial to manage various medical conditions. Recent scientific findings suggest that kratom contains opioid-like properties. The herb may act as a natural alternative to synthetic opioid drugs, notorious for inducing adverse effects.
Kratom is also a powerful sedative. Therefore, extracts from the plant may help to relieve stress, anxiety and even insomnia.
People battling with chronic fatigue might also benefit immensely by incorporating kratom into their lifestyle. Kratom is a powerful stimulant and may boost your energy levels, thereby helping to treat physical and mental fatigue.
Like most medicinal herbs, kratom is also available in various formulations. Examples include powders and capsules. If you’re new to kratom, you could be wondering whether to go for kratom capsules or powder. This post shall unpack the differences between these two kratom formulations, but first things first.
Similarities Between Kratom Powder and Kratom Capsules
Although kratom is still a relatively new herb, it’s easy to shop clinically researched green Thai kratom powder, capsules, or other kratom-based products. That’s due to the ever-increasing number of traders setting up kratom ventures. As a consumer, all you’ll need to do is establish a seller’s reputation before sourcing any kratom products from them.
Among the top considerations when shopping for kratom products is understanding the core differences between the various formulations available. In this case, kratom capsules and kratom powders.
But before we get to the differences, it’s probably best to start by examining the similarities between kratom capsules and kratom powder. The fundamental similarity between these two products is that they all boast the healing properties of kratom. While the concentrations may differ from one product to another, both capsules and powder have kratom as their primary active ingredient.
Another similarity between kratom capsules and powder is that they’re both generally consumed orally. There may be slight variances in how they’re digested. But these products are both administered by ingesting.
Differences Between Kratom Powder and Kratom Capsules
Taste – Natural, unrefined kratom is infamous for its bitter taste. That can be a considerable drawback to the herb, especially about oral administration. Now, kratom powder is mainly made of raw, ground kratom extracts. That explains its bitter taste. However, the opposite is true for kratom capsules. While kratom capsules are simply an enclosed form of kratom powder, the outer capsule shell usually is tasteless. So, if you’re worried about kratom’s unsavory taste, then you’re better off with capsules than powder.
Delivery Methods – Both kratom powder and kratom capsules are generally administered orally. But there’s a slight variance in how these products are consumed. Capsules are mainly ingested and then swallowed. The powder may also be licked directly. However, most people prefer using kratom powder in making kratom teas or adding the powder to readymade drinks like smoothies and fruit juices. Besides, kratom powder may also be used in making smokable products like cigarette rolls. So, in terms of delivery methods, kratom powder offers more diversity.
Onset Time – Since they’re generally consumed orally, kratom capsules and kratom powder should ideally have the same onset time. But that’s not always the case. The effects of encapsulated kratom might take longer to kick in than those of powdered kratom. That’s because the capsule shell may take some time before getting broken down by the stomach juices.
Bioavailability – Bioavailability is a term for the percentage of a therapeutic compound that enters the bloodstream relative to the total amount consumed. It’s simply known as absorption rate. Pound for pound, kratom powder is more bioavailable than kratom capsules. Remember, grinding any herb increases its surface area, thereby enhancing its potency.
Duration of Effects – Generally, the effects of kratom-infused edibles last longer in the body. That’s because not all the kratom in edible products is absorbed at once from the digestive tract. Some of it remains there much longer and enters your bloodstream alongside your subsequent meals. That said, kratom capsules have a slight edge over kratom powder in terms of longevity of effects. This is probably because the kratom extracts in the capsules may release slowly into your digestive system.
Ease of Use – Kratom capsules are easier to consume than kratom powder. That’s because capsules come with predetermined kratom potency. All you need to do is determine your ideal kratom dosage, check the kratom strength in a capsule, and then swallow the capsules as required. When it comes to powdered kratom, you’ll need to measure the doses manually each time you administer the herb. And most of the time, your measurements won’t be so accurate.
Suitability for Stealth Users – While kratom has garnered tremendous recognition worldwide, kratom-based products remain illegal in numerous countries. Due to kratom’s complicated legal status, the herb is still treated with a degree of skepticism. That explains why most users prefer to be discreet. Fortunately, numerous kratom-based products guarantee discretion, such as capsules. Since they’re not visibly labeled, kratom capsules may pass off as any drug. The contrary is true for kratom powders, which are difficult to consume without drawing attention to yourself.
Wrap Up
Both kratom capsules and kratom powder pack the healing benefits of kratom. However, encapsulated kratom has the edge over powdered kratom, especially in terms of ease of use and longevity of effects.
