If you're new to kratom and considering taking it, it's only natural to wonder, "How much kratom should I take?". There's no single answer to this question since the ideal dosage depends on many factors, such as metabolism rate and tolerance levels. Not all kratom products have the same potency, and everyone's body is different.
The best advice for kratom dosing is to take things slowly, especially if it's your first time. But before we delve deeper into the matter of dosage and kratom's effects, it's essential to get to know the basics of kratom first.
What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree belonging to the coffee family. It is native to Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and other South Asian countries. Kratom leaves or extracts are used popularly for their stimulating and sedating properties.
Long-time kratom users also swear by its ability to relieve chronic pain and digestive ailments. Others attest that kratom can serve as an aid for opiate withdrawal. However, the clinical trials for kratom are still limited, and more is needed to understand the health effects.
After long years of widespread use, kratom consumption was previously banned in South Asia countries. It was only recently that it was approved in some areas for medicinal use only. In the U.S., it's perfectly legal to use kratom, where it's often marketed as alternative medicine.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
When taken in low doses, kratom can serve as a stimulant. Users generally report feeling more energetic, alert, and sociable when taking low doses of kratom. When taken in higher doses, kratom can act as a sedative. It has euphoric effects and dulls sensations and emotions.
Alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the main active ingredients of kratom. These alkaloids are said to have analgesic qualities, making them effective pain relievers. It also has anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant effects. This is why some users often use kratom to ease symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Kratom has dark green leaves, usually dried and then crushed or powdered. This is what they use to make fortified kratom powders, which are usually green or light brown. Other plant extracts are also mixed into kratom. You can also buy kratom in paste, capsule, and tablet form. In the U.S., kratom is usually brewed, taken as a tea, and mainly consumed to manage pain and opioid withdrawal.
Why Is Kratom Use Controversial?
Because there are limited studies available when it comes to kratom use and its effects, it hasn't been officially recommended for medical use. Taking anything that is not recommended for safe medical use is risky. Studies are needed to identify the harmful effects of kratom drug interactions. It also helps identify dosages that are safe for use. And since kratom contains almost as many alkaloids as hallucinogenic mushrooms and opium, it likely has a strong effect on the body. Some of these effects can be positive, but others can be causes for concern. The FDA hasn't regulated the production of kratom yet, which means there are no set standards for safely producing kratom.
How Much Kratom Should I Take the First Time?
Going slow is the most recommended method when taking kratom or any other substance, especially if it's your first time. The effects of kratom exposure can vary from person to person, which makes it a try-it-and-see method. But first, remember one thing: use kratom products from a reputable store or company. This applies to whatever product you plan to buy, whether it's kratom powder, kratom extract, or kratom capsules.
Since the U.S. government does not regulate Kratom, no quality standards are established, making it easy for scrupulous kratom vendors to sell poor quality, even fake, products. You could be taking products with unknown ingredients or products that are contaminated in some way. You can avoid this by buying kratom from trusted companies only. Always look for third-party lab test results, which come from a lab that is not affiliated with the seller. The lab test should show the mitragynine content of the kratom and prove that there are no contaminants in it.
Speaking of high-quality kratom products, you can never go wrong with Apotheca Kratom Capsules, Apotheca Kratom Powder, and Apotheca Kratom Extracts/Concentrates. Don't worry. All these went through third-party lab testing, and you can easily see the results.
Now let's get to the actual amount that is safe for consumption. You can safely start with two to four grams for your first dose and then wait for around 20 to 30 minutes. If you can't feel the effects after that, you can consume an additional gram or two.
This is way safer than taking too much kratom at once. If you start with a high dose right away, you may experience unpleasant side effects, such as nausea and stomach discomfort. You may also experience sweating and elevated body temperature.
Now, what is considered a low dose and a high dose? Generally, the dose of kratom is between 2 and 12 grams. Anything lower than 2 grams is regarded as a microdose, and anything between 2 and 6 is considered a low dose. A high dose is when you consume more than 6 grams. If you consume 8 grams, then that's a heavy dose.
Low doses are for users who are more sensitive or want the energizing benefits of kratom. High doses are for those who seek pain relief. Whatever you do, avoid taking heavy doses. The optimal dose of kratom to take will depend on three key factors. First is your size and weight. Second is the primary effects you want from the kratom - do you want it to be stimulating or relaxing? The third is how often you use it, which also determines your tolerance.
These are the primary factors, but others can affect your reaction to a given dose of kratom. These factors include your metabolic rate, whether you've eaten or not before taking kratom, and the type of strain you're using.
How Much Kratom Should I Take For Pain?
Kratom can serve as a pain reliever when taken at any dosage. But to get the strongest pain relief, you must consume higher doses. It's best to use strains that contain the highest alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine. These will bind to the kappa, delta, and mu-opioid receptors, which will suppress pain sensitivity throughout the body.
Kratom dosage chart for varying levels of pain:
- 2–4 grams - for mild pain
- 3–5 grams - for moderate pain
- 5 grams or more - for severe pain
Always start with a lower dose first and then increase gradually until you reach the point of relief you're looking for. Avoid taking more than you need because the higher dose you take, the more chances of experiencing side effects. Look for a potent kratom strain that is wonderful for chronic pain relief. This strain will have a high molecular content of alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine. This will give you the most potent pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-relaxing effects. This is ideal for those seeking relief from headaches, stomach aches, muscle strain, burns, cuts, fibromyalgia, arthritis, rheumatism, and bone fractures.
How Much Kratom Should I Take For Energy and Focus?
Kratom is an effective energy booster, as well as for sharpening focus. If you want the focus-enhancing benefits, you only need to take doses lower than those taken for sleep and pain. Taking 2–4 gram doses of kratom is usually more than enough to provide nootropic benefits. Some can even get what they need from just microdoses, which consist of just 1 gram of raw powder. This is already enough for better focus, creativity, mental endurance, and acuity. Taking more kratom doses than you can handle will have the opposite effects. You can end up making it even harder to remain focused. Start with a low dose first and then increase slowly once you get an idea of how your body reacts.
Another benefit of consuming kratom in lower doses is that it makes one feel more sociable with other people, similar to the effects of alcohol but without the harmful ones. You get euphoric and become more talkative. Your mood becomes pleasant overall.
How Much Kratom Should I Take For Opiate Withdrawal?
You may have to take stronger doses of kratom if you want to wean off opiate drugs. A lot of the plant's alkaloids bind to the same opiate receptors, making it possible to help eliminate the uncomfortable opioid withdrawal symptoms.
The right dose for this purpose is highly dependent on the individual. Usually, higher doses of 5 grams are more to achieve the intended effect. Starting with a lower dose first applies here too. Start with 2 grams and then wait it out for around 45 minutes. If you can still feel the symptoms, take another 2 grams. Add more until you feel better, but don't take more than 8 grams overall.
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FAQ
How much kratom to take for focus?
Kratom is effective in providing relief for everyday fatigue. This means using kratom for an energy boost. The effect is similar to caffeine - it clears the mind, heightens alertness, and sharpens focus. This is why a lot of people use kratom before big tests, meetings, social events, etc.
Start with a dose of around 4-6 grams and then wait for an hour for the effects to kick in. If you don't feel the effects, take another gram and then wait again. Be careful not to take too much if you don't want to feel adverse effects. You may end up feeling sleepy instead of energized.
How often can you take kratom as a beginner?
Beginners should consume kratom with a 12-hour gap between takes and not more than two doses a day. Kratom has a half-life of 24 hours, which means it takes almost 24 hours for your body to metabolize, absorb, and excrete kratom out of the body. If you're a beginner, do not take kratom more than twice a day, lest you want to experience nasty after-effects.
How often can an experienced user take kratom?
A more experienced kratom user should have a 6-hour gap between takes and not more than three doses a day. For chronic users, this kratom dose is already a sufficient gap for the body to break down the alkaloids and feel the desired effects. However, experienced users should limit their consumption to not more than three doses a day. Be careful with dosages because when you become dependent and try to stop, you may have to deal with nasty kratom withdrawal symptoms.
How much kratom dosage is required for anxiety?
The energy-boosting effects of kratom may benefit those who suffer from anxiety. There are energizing kratom strains that will help make you feel more sociable and eager to interact with other people. Take 4-6 grams of kratom to give you that much-needed courage before a date or presentation.
However, note that the effect can be the opposite for some people - the energy boost makes them even more anxious. If this is the case, go for a more relaxing strain and take a moderate dose of around 2-4 grams. Don't take more than that if you don't want to end up feeling sleepy.
Who should avoid or take less kratom?
Older people, obese individuals, those who don't drink enough water, and those with renal impairment and liver failure are better off avoiding kratom. Age and body fat can affect the body's metabolic processes. Taking kratom can lead to dehydration, so drinking lots of water is necessary. And those with renal and liver problems should be careful with anything they absorb in their body.
Buy Only the Best Kratom Products at Apotheca
If you're in the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia areas, Apotheca can give you the kratom products you need. The store's mission is to provide clean, affordable, and sustainable alternative remedies to modern medicine.
Our team at Apotheca researches, curates, and tests products from partner brands that put people first before profit. No product reaches Apotheca's store shelves without being tested thoroughly for quality and efficacy.
Each of our partner brands provides full test documentation and educational materials to support the customers' purpose of purchasing all-natural products to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Apotheca provides a safe, secure shopping experience in an industry full of uncertainty. Visit the Apotheca Store Locations to see what's in store for you
