When choosing which kratom product you’d like to enjoy, you will have options, including tinctures and extracts. But how do you know which form of kratom is best for your needs? Take a closer look at how tinctures and extracts differ so you can decide which is best for you.
TINCTURES ARE A TYPE OF EXTRACT
The first thing to know when comparing kratom tinctures and kratom extracts is that tinctures are a type of extract. So, all tinctures are extracts, but not all extracts are tinctures. To understand why this is the case, let’s closely examine each kratom format.
UNDERSTANDING KRATOM EXTRACTS
Kratom extracts are concentrated forms of kratom. The extraction process can vary but begins with kratom powder or leaves. The process typically involves boiling the kratom, straining it, and boiling it again.
You can let the extract dry from there, creating a paste or resin. Or you can add water to thin it down. Or you can even turn that paste back into a powder.
UNDERSTANDING KRATOM TINCTURES
A kratom tincture is just a specific type of extract. You usually get a tincture from getting kratom alkaloids to seep into water and ethanol, as opposed to an entirely water-based extraction or other non-alcoholic extraction methods.
With tinctures, you simply submerge the kratom in the alcohol. You then store the tincture’s mixture in a cold, dark place so the alcohol absorbs the kratom alkaloids. At the end of the process, you strain out any solid particles.
Kratom tinctures are usually somewhat thick and they retain the taste of the alcohol substrate mixed with kratom’s naturally bitter taste. They most commonly come in bottles featuring a dropper, making it easy to consume just the amount of tincture you want.
COMPARING TINCTURES AND EXTRACTS POINT BY POINT
Now that you know tinctures are just one potential form of kratom extracts, it’s time to ask how the two types of kratom products compare.
COMPARING STRENGTH
While tinctures are a type of extract, they tend to be one of the least concentrated forms of it. This can vary, but you will typically need to choose a different type of kratom extract, such as a liquid shot, capsule, powder, or gummy, if you want a higher concentration.
This makes tinctures a good option for those who want to consume a weaker serving of kratom, though still stronger than raw powder. Put another way, it can be a good starting point on your journey into kratom extracts, though you can always choose to take less than the product’s suggested serving size to dial in your experience. Our BOOST kratom shot is perfect for this type of middle-ground kratom strength.
COMPARING PRESENTATION
Kratom tinctures are always liquids. By contrast, kratom extracts can be liquids, powders, capsules, or other forms. It’s also worth noting that not all liquid extracts are tinctures. Some will be kratom shots, which tend to be more concentrated.
COMPARING CONSISTENCY
The consistency of a given kratom extract doesn’t depend on its form as much as it does on the manufacturer. So, whether you are looking at kratom tinctures or other types of extracts, you need to look for other indications of consistency.
The best brands will have third-party testing for all their product batches. This lets them confirm the concentrations of kratom alkaloids. It also allows them to ensure that there are no contaminants.
No matter the type of extract you choose, including tinctures, there should be some indication of the concentration. It may be expressed as a percentage or as a ratio. Or it may tell you that the container has the alkaloids from a certain number of grams of kratom leaves or kratom powder. This is true whether you get a tincture or not.
Know How to Store Both Types of Extracts
No matter the form of extract that you choose, always be sure to store it properly. Kratom should be stored in cool, dark places. If your extract comes in a resealable container, ensure it is tightly closed. For example, every time you use the dropper cap on your tincture, twist the cap back into place carefully.
You also won’t be able to store any kind of kratom extract forever. It’s best just to buy the quantity that you plan to consume in the near future. That is especially true for anything in a resealable container, like a liquid or powder. There is a bit more leeway with something like capsules.
HOW TO CHOOSE A KRATOM EXTRACT
Consider your preferences to get a kratom tincture or another type of kratom extract. Consider a tincture if you want a liquid kratom extract that is easy to measure, less concentrated than others, and you have no issue with the taste of alcohol. If you prefer higher concentration liquid shots, the convenience of kratom tablets and capsules, or the taste of gummies, then opt for a different type of kratom extract.
Be sure to choose a safe product no matter what you’re interested in. Always buy kratom powders and other products from brands that have lab-tested their powder extracts. Ideally, the testing is done by a third-party lab, and you can see the Certificate of Analysis issued from the lab.
REFERENCES
Staff Writer, Thomas. “Know the Differences Between Kratom Tincture vs Extract.” GreenCamp. Published April 2023.
