Kratom
For someone new to discovering the benefits and varieties of kratom, the
purchasing choices can be almost overwhelming... and the information is
often confusing & conflicting.
Are 15X kratom extracts really 15 times more potent than "traditional" kratom powders & leaves?
Is one seller's kratom stronger/better/safer then another sellers?
How can I tell if I'm buying real kratom leaves?
It's my hope to offer some aid in helping you making good decisions (or
at least help you to avoid the really bad decisions), when it comes to
purchasing kratom "Incense".
Please understand the limitations of this article, which should be
considered editorial, because a lot of the conclusions made herein are a
result of my own search for "the truth", when it comes to buying this
amazing leaf. The claims contained herein are sensible choices, but are
more importantly my own personal choices, based on my wants, concerns
and tastes - which may not necessarily correspond to yours. I encourage
you, the reader, to continue your own research, and decide on what is
right for you, based on your wants, concerns and choices. OK -Let's
begin!
KRATOM EXTRACTS: Upon first blush, it seems to make sense (and save
dollars) to purchase 28 grams (that's one ounce) of "15X Full Spectrum
Kratom" for $80*, Then an ounce of "Commercial Kratom" leaf or powder
for $10*... after all, it's 15X stronger, and only 10X the cost - right?
Well, most likely, not. I've done quite a lot of first-hand and internet
research on this, and in my opinion, along with the general consensus
from many other users in piles of forums, is that a "good starter dose"
of 15X extracts are usually around 2 or 3 grams. As it turns out, a
"good starter dose" of a quality standard commercial leaf or leaf powder
is around 7-10 grams, or 3 to 5 times the amount of 15X Kratom. Well,
15X kratom is usually priced upwards of 10-to-15 times more expensive by
weight (8 times the amount in my example*), so you'll likely pay more
per dose for the 15X extract then for the equivalent dose of plain leaf
or powder. Yes, you need to use more product, which may be unpleasant to
you, but there are options that may fit your lifestyle, such as
capsules.
Something else to think about... by definition, an extract must be
removing (extracting) something, in order to "concentrate something
else", and be an extract, right? Now, I really love fresh-squeezed
orange juice for breakfast, it's really delicious, in taste and texture
and aftertastes. "Frozen from concentrate" orange juice, is an orange
juice extract... are they the same? I'm not saying that fresh-squeezed
OJ is better or worse than "Concentrate", but it IS different, & I
personally hate that tin-can taste you get from concentrate - but you
need to choose what "flavor" is right for you - the same holds true when
choosing your "flavor" of kratom.
CRAZY EXTRACT CLAIMS: If you've been researching, you've probably seen
35X, 50X... 120X... even 250X Kratom extracts. WOW, this must be some
potent stuff! Truth be told, the "X" in that number is arbitrary, but,
since the typical Mitragyna speciosa (kratom leaf) alkaloid content is
right-around 5%, we'll use that number as the value of "1X Kratom". OK,
this means that anyone claiming more than a 20X extract has performed a
miracle - they've extracted more than 100% (5% times 20 = 100%) of the
alkaloids in those leaves!! Do you really want to "dose-up" on something
sold as what must be a lie (or at least a careful deception)?
Personally, I'm also dubious of anything labeled & branded as
"Super" or "Ultra" or "ultimate"... you get the idea.
PLEASE, STAY AWAY FROM KRYPTON! This product has sometimes been marketed
as a 50X kratom, or Krypton Kratom, but it's a product that has been
adulterated with another, very strong synthetic opioid - this stuff can
be lethal! I personally feel it's best to stay-clear of anything that is
being branded as "fortified"... stick with Mother Nature... Mother
Nature is wise, Mother Nature knows best!
CONCLUSION: As you likely can tell, I'm personally not really a great
fan of kratom extracts, it's my belief that kratom should be used
responsibly in its natural, unadulterated form.