Kratom powder, derived from the leaves of the *Mitragyna speciosa* tree, can be consumed in various ways. While the “toss and wash” method is popular for its speed, many users prefer brewing Kratom tea. This traditional method can help mask the plant’s naturally bitter taste and may be gentler on the stomach for some individuals.
Making Kratom tea is straightforward, especially once you get the hang of it. This simple guide will walk beginners through the process step-by-step.
Why Choose Kratom Tea?
- Taste Management: Infusing Kratom in hot water allows you to add sweeteners (like honey), citrus (lemon/lime), or other flavorful ingredients (ginger, herbal tea bags) to make the taste much more palatable than raw powder.
- Potentially Easier Digestion: Some users report that drinking Kratom as a strained tea reduces the potential for stomach discomfort or nausea sometimes associated with ingesting the raw plant matter.
- Mindful Ritual: The process of brewing and sipping tea can be a calming ritual in itself, allowing for more mindful consumption.
- Versatility: You can adjust the strength, flavor, and temperature to your liking.
What You’ll Need
Essential Ingredients & Equipment:
- Kratom Powder: Choose your desired vein color (Red, Green, or White). Ensure it’s from a reputable source with lab testing. Find options at Holistic Flower.
- Water: About 8-12 ounces (1 to 1.5 cups) per serving.
- Heat Source: A stovetop with a small saucepan or an electric kettle.
- Mug or Heat-Proof Container: To drink your tea from.
- Measuring Tool: Highly Recommended: A Digital Gram Scale for accurate dosing. Measuring spoons (teaspoons/tablespoons) are inaccurate due to varying powder density and grind size.
- Strainer (Optional but Recommended): A fine mesh kitchen strainer, cheesecloth, coffee filter (paper or reusable), or a reusable tea ball/infuser large enough for the powder.
Optional Flavor Enhancers & Potentiators:
- Lemon or Lime Juice: A squeeze of citrus is thought to help extract alkaloids due to its acidity and improves taste.
- Sweetener: Honey, agave nectar, sugar, or your preferred sweetener to counter bitterness.
- Ginger: Fresh or powdered ginger can help mask the flavor and potentially soothe the stomach.
- Herbal Tea Bags: Non-caffeinated options like chamomile, mint, or fruity teas can be steeped alongside the Kratom for flavor.
Simple Kratom Tea Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Measure Your Dose ACCURATELY: This is the most critical step, especially for beginners. Use your digital gram scale to measure your desired amount of Kratom powder. If you are new to Kratom, start with a very low dose: 1 to 2 grams MAXIMUM. Do not guess.
- Heat Your Water: Bring 8-12 oz of water to a simmer in your saucepan or heat it in a kettle. Aim for hot, steaming water, but avoid a hard, rolling boil for prolonged periods (gentle simmering is fine).
- Combine & Steep/Simmer: Choose one method:
- Method A (Direct Simmer): Add your measured Kratom powder directly to the simmering water in the saucepan. Stir well. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently (not boiling) for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Method B (Steeping): Place your measured Kratom powder into a reusable tea bag/infuser OR directly into your chosen mug. Carefully pour the hot (just off the boil) water over the powder. Stir well if powder is loose in the mug. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- (Optional) Add Citrus: During the simmering or steeping process (last 5 minutes is fine), add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice (e.g., 1/4 to 1/2 lemon’s worth).
- Strain the Tea (Important for Smoothness): If you used Method A (direct simmer) or put loose powder in your mug (Method B), it’s highly recommended to strain the liquid. Carefully pour the tea through your fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter into your drinking mug. Gently press the leftover powder solids with a spoon to release any remaining liquid. If you used a tea bag or infuser in Method B, simply remove it. (Note: Some people consume the powder sediment, but straining provides a smoother tea experience and may reduce potential nausea for sensitive individuals).
- Flavor and Enjoy: Add your preferred sweetener (honey, agave, etc.) and/or ginger now. You can also add an herbal tea bag (like mint or chamomile) to steep for a few extra minutes for added flavor. Let the tea cool to a comfortable drinking temperature and sip slowly.
Tips for Better Kratom Tea
- Always Use a Scale: We can’t stress this enough for safe and consistent dosing.
- Citrus Boost: Lemon or lime juice doesn’t just help with taste; the acidity may aid alkaloid extraction.
- Gentle Heat: Simmer gently; a hard boil isn’t necessary and might degrade compounds over very long periods. 10-15 minutes of simmering/steeping is usually sufficient.
- Strain Thoroughly: For a cleaner taste and potentially easier digestion.
- Experiment with Flavors: Find combos that work for you – honey & lemon, ginger & mint, mixed berry tea, etc.
- Start Low!: Especially if you’re new or trying a new batch. You can always take more next time, but you can’t take less once consumed.
Effects and Onset Time
Drinking Kratom as tea generally leads to an onset of effects within 20-40 minutes, which might be slightly slower than the “toss and wash” method but potentially faster than capsules. The specific effects and duration will depend heavily on the Kratom strain (vein color), your dosage, and your individual body chemistry.
Conclusion
Making Kratom tea is a simple, traditional, and versatile way to consume Kratom powder. It offers better taste control and may be gentler on the stomach for some users compared to ingesting raw powder. By following these steps, using accurate measurements (especially starting with a low dose!), and prioritizing quality powder, you can safely prepare and explore Kratom tea.
Find high-quality, lab-tested Kratom powders suitable for tea at https://holisticflower.com/shop/.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a healthcare professional before using Kratom or any botanical supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications. Kratom affects individuals differently; start with a very small amount (1-2 grams for beginners) using an accurate scale. Be aware of the potential for tolerance and dependence with regular use. Do not mix Kratom with alcohol or other substances. Keep out of reach of children. Must be of legal age (typically 18+ or 21+) to purchase. Know and comply with the laws in your jurisdiction. Consume responsibly.
