One of the main benefits of kratom is that it comes in so many different varieties and types. Kratom users can choose the type of kratom that meets their needs, depending on their experience with the substance, their desired outcomes, and any other preferences like flavor or cost.
Kratom is available in many strains, formulations, and delivery vehicles, so there is something for everyone who uses it. Depending on factors like the strength of the extract, the serving size, and the method of delivery, your choice of how to consume kratom will impact:
- what you experience when you use the kratom
- when you start feeling the effects
- the intensity of those effects
- the duration of the effects
- the cost of your kratom
The choice of delivery method mostly affects the experience of consuming the kratom and when it kicks in.
Let’s cover some of the ways that you can take kratom: beverages, “toss and wash,” capsules and tablets, and gummies.
Note for new users: We hope this article is helpful, but we have a guide that is even more important for your first kratom experience! Kratom should only be taken after careful consideration of your health and well-being. Check out our Kratom Extracts Guide for essential first-time-use information.
Kratom Beverages
Kratom-infused beverages are one of the most popular ways to consume this plant. You can choose from teas, smoothies, or even seltzers, which means there is a lot of room for personal and flavor preferences!
There are two main types of kratom drinks: (1) pre-made options that you purchase ready-to-drink and (2) dry raw kratom leaves that you can brew yourself. You can even make your own kratom tea bags with coffee filters or cheesecloth!
You can add lots of natural flavors to your kratom tea! That includes:
- Honey
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Vanilla
- Mint
- Milk/cream
- Sugar
- Berries
- Citrus slices
Additionally, some people like to drop some liquid kratom into a cup of tea or other drink, but please take careful note of the serving size, as liquid kratom is more concentrated and can have a stronger effect.
When it kicks in & how long it lasts: Whether purchased or made at home, kratom beverages typically take about 20-30 minutes to kick in. Some people can feel the effects of kratom for a few hours using this method.
The “Toss and Wash” Method
Before there were so many liquid shot options available, early adopters of kratom in the US often used the “toss and wash” method. Some people still prefer this strategy, so let’s make sure you know how it works—and what not to do.
This is a simple method of consuming kratom. You pour some liquid (like water) in your mouth, followed by some kratom powder or liquid extract. “Toss and wash” is about tossing some ingredients in your mouth and washing them down.
A user in a kratom Reddit thread posted an upvoted comment about tossing and washing kratom that explains this method best.
- Take a small sip of your beverage, keeping it in your mouth.
- Pour your kratom powder or liquid into your mouth.
- Quickly mix everything in your mouth and swallow.
Important note: Never pour dry powder into your mouth without any liquid. This is a recipe for disaster! Remember the cinnamon challenge, where people tried to hold cinnamon in their mouths without drinking any liquid? Consuming powdered substances without a liquid chaser can be unpleasant, or even dangerous!
Benefits of the Kratom “Toss and Wash” Method
- No special supplies other than water and your kratom powder
- Easy and straightforward
- The extra water helps you stay hydrated
- Less expensive than pre-made kratom shots or teas
Drawbacks of “Toss and Wash”
- Lots of trial and error to see what works for you
- Kratom powder doesn’t taste great (fewer options to disguise the taste with this method)
When it kicks in & how long it lasts: Most people who toss and wash kratom feel its effects within about 30 minutes. The strength depends on how much powder or liquid kratom extract you use.
Tablets & Capsules
Let’s be honest: The taste of kratom isn’t for everyone. Some people may claim to not mind kratom’s earthy taste, while others want no part of it. If you want kratom’s effects without the taste, you can enjoy this plant’s benefits by taking kratom capsules or tablets.
A tablet consists of densely packed kratom. Capsules are dried gelatin or collagen that contain kratom powder. Tablets or capsules are also great when you need to be discreet.
When it kicks in & how long it lasts: Because they must be broken down by your metabolism, tablets typically take a little longer than kratom beverages to take effect. However, this also means that the effects may last longer and/or hit you all at once. Expect to begin feeling the effects of kratom tablets and capsules within 30-90 minutes.
Kratom Gummies & Other Sweets
Another popular way to enjoy kratom without any bitter taste is by trying kratom-based sweets. These products are an effective way to mask the somewhat bitter taste of the plant. Some people feel that kratom gummies are even more effective at blocking kratom’s taste than teas and other beverages.
These are a great way to get your kratom if you don’t like swallowing tablets or capsules. You only need to chew up these gummies and swallow them. They are also travel-friendly (but be sure to check the limitations on kratom where you are traveling, as some states have restrictions on kratom products).
When it kicks in & how long it lasts: Kratom gummies typically take anywhere from 30-90 minutes to take effect. In some rare situations, it may be up to two hours before you feel the effects of kratom gummies.
If you are new to kratom, we do not recommend taking more kratom gummies until you have waited a couple of hours to determine the effects.
Find the Best Way to Take Kratom for Yourself
When learning how to take kratom, you’ll find many popular methods. You may need to try a few different methods before you find the one that works best for you.
Please use kratom responsibly, without taking too much or using it too often. You should also stop taking kratom if you have health conditions that are contraindicated for kratom use.
However you choose to use it, the best way to enjoy kratom is by choosing a dependable vendor that offers high-quality products. Check out MIT45 for a wide range of kratom products.
References
“Natural Herb Kratom May Have Therapeutic Effects And Relatively Low Potential For Abuse Or Harm, According To A User Survey.” Johns Hopkins News Room, HopkinsMedicine.org. February 3, 2020. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2020/02/natural-herb-kratom-may-have-therapeutic-effects-and-relatively-low-potential-for-abuse-or-harm-according-to-a-user-survey
Weeks, Annika. “Kratom Capsules: Uses, Effects, and More.” MIT45, MIT45.com. N.d. https://mit45.com/blog/kratom-capsules-uses-effects-and-more/
Oldroyd, Stuart. “How to Make Kratom Tea: Everything You Need to Know.” MIT45, MIT45.com. N.d. https://mit45.com/blog/how-to-make-kratom-tea/
“Shop Kratom Liquid Extracts.” MIT45, MIT45.com. N.d. https://mit45.com/kratom-liquid-extract/
“Which Kratom Extract Is the Best For You?” MIT45, MIT45.com. N.d. https://mit45.com/blog/best-kratom-extract/
“Shop Kratom Raw Leaf.” MIT45, MIT45.com. N.d. https://mit45.com/kratom-raw-leaf/
“How the hell do you guys toss and wash???” Reddit. 2021. https://www.reddit.com/r/kratom/comments/ol504o/how_the_hell_do_you_guys_toss_and_wash/
Salmassi, Mithra. “What Is the Cinnamon Challenge?” Partnership to End Addiction, DrugFree.org. April 2013.
https://drugfree.org/newsroom/news-item/what-is-the-cinnamon-challenge/
“Shop Kratom Capsules.” MIT45, MIT45.com N.d. https://mit45.com/kratom-capsules/
“MIT45 Boost Bites.” MIT45, MIT45.com. N.d. https://mit45.com/product/boost-bites/
“Kratom Use Statistics & Legality By State.” Bicycle Health, BicycleHealth.com. January 11, 2024. https://www.bicyclehealth.com/blog/kratom-statistics-legality-by-state
