Vitamins, minerals, and botanicals all present natural goodness for our bodies and possible benefits for our holistic health. Nevertheless, even gifts of nature’s goodness may expire and lose their positive impact. For instance, it’s probably not wise to take substance from a bottle of ZInc purchased in 2005.
When it comes to kratom, it’s tough to instinctively know whether the same rule of thumb applies. Is there an expiration date on kratom? What happens if you take kratom products years after you’ve purchased them? Is there a way to spot and prevent kratom expiration?
Let’s dive in and find out.
How can vitamins and botanicals expire?
Vitamins and botanicals, such as St. John’s Wort and ginkgo, don’t grow mold or spoil in the way that food does, and have a relatively long shelf life. However, their ingredients and strength can begin to break down over time, rendering them weak or ineffective.
The shelf life of these natural ingredients varies based on the ingredients and storage space factors such as temperature and exposure to sunlight. For example, a bottle of Vitamin C capsules on a dark cupboard shelf will most likely last longer than a bottle shoved in your car’s console.
A basic guide to kratom
Worldwide, proponents of kratom incorporate kratom products into their daily lives. According to a 2022 study from the FDA, U.S. kratom enthusiasts numbered around 1.7 million people in 2021, and the number continues to grow.
Whether you’ve been on the kratom journey for years, or are considering taking the first step, here are some basic facts about kratom that may help.
What kratom is and where it comes from
Kratom is a tropical tree found in Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. Local cultures have long used the leaves of the kratom tree for spiritual and religious ceremonies and for daily use as well.
Kratom products are also made from the tree’s leaves and are available in forms like capsules, gels. gummies, liquid extracts, and powder. You can find reputable kratom vendors, such as MIT45, via the American Kratom Association (AKA) website, under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Qualified Vendors.
The potential benefits of kratom
Although scientific research continues to explore the definitive benefits of taking kratom, enthusiasts everywhere report the positive results they’ve experienced by incorporating kratom into their routines.
Some of the potential benefits of kratom use include:
- Calming effects
- Energy-boosting experiences
- Maintaining focus
- Relaxation
- Soothing
- Uplifting feelings
Kratom products are made from different strains representing three stages of the tree’s growth cycle and can produce different outcomes. Those strains include:
- White Vein Kratom:
White Vein Kratom, harvested from young kratom trees, isn’t as strong as the other strains, but may still provide a mild energizing boost.
- Green Vein Kratom:
Green Vein Kratom is a fantastic option for a middle-ground kratom experience. This strain is thought to provide balanced, long-lasting results. Kratom trees in the middle of their growth cycle provide the leaves to create Green Vein Kratom.
- Red Vein Kratom:
Red Vein Kratom is produced by mature kratom trees and may provide an energizing experience similar to caffeine, but without the resulting crash.
Possible effects of kratom
If people take more than the suggested serving size or take kratom too often, there’s a possibility of unwanted effects. Similarly, products sold by disreputable vendors that include additives mixed with kratom may increase the chance of negative results.
Groups like the AKA are working to place federal regulations on the kratom products sold in stores or online to ensure safety standards are met and the purity and quality of available products.
However, some of the possible effects you may experience after taking kratom include:
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Popular kratom products
Kratom products sold by quality vendors may be available in select convenience stores, specialty shops, and kava bars. However, the most wide and popular section of certified products are often purchased online, directly from a brand’s website.
The most popular and widely available kratom products include:
Does kratom stay fresh?
Much like vitamins and minerals, kratom doesn’t necessarily “go stale” or spoil. However, it does have a shelf life — it’s important to take kratom before it’s no longer fresh.
After three months, kratom products may lose their strength and begin to break down. This can be true for all product varieties. Once kratom is harvested, it retains its peak strength for a one-to-three month window. However, once that time has expired, the degradation process can begin.
Taking expired kratom isn’t dangerous per se, but it does mean the best results may no longer occur. Past its expiration date, the potential benefits of kratom may decrease.
3 Ways to spot expired kratom
Kratom products from reputable vendors contain no additives and will retain strength for the first three months after purchase. However, it’s tough to know exactly when kratom degrades beyond the point of usefulness. Here are three signs of kratom expiration:
- Change in color:
Kratom powders that are beyond expiration may begin to lose or change color.
- Reduced strength:
If a kratom product no longer produces the same experience, this may be a sign that it’s past expiration. Again, taking expired kratom may not be dangerous, but the product’s strength may decrease and no longer seem effective.
- Change in texture:
If kratom liquid extracts or kratom powder products have expired, they may become clumpy or gritty.
Preventative steps to avoid expired kratom
The great news is that there are preventative steps to take that can extend kratom’s shelf life. The actions enthusiasts can take to keep kratom fresh and strong include:
- Protective storage:
Kratom can degrade in light and moisture. Thus, storing the botanical in a dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, and keeping it in an airtight container can keep kratom strong for an extended period of time.
- Mark the date of purchase:
After purchasing kratom, mark its packaging with the date of purchase. This can help prevent taking expired kratom and allow continued enjoyment of the product’s potential benefits.
- Invest in packaging:
Worldwide, kratom enthusiasts understand the importance of home packaging. Once kratom products have been opened, it’s a good idea to transfer them to containers like lidded Tupperware and freezer bags to keep out humidity and moist air.
- Avoid products without labels:
Reputable kratom vendors will often include transparent labeling on each product. However, there are bad actors in the kratom industry — unknown brands that include additives in their products.
Not only can mystery ingredients prove risky and decrease the strength of kratom, but they may have dangerous characteristics after a product has expired.
Shop MIT45
For the best pure kratom products with the longest shelf life, visit the MIT45 online shop. Be sure to check out our blog for the latest insights and tips to help your kratom journey.
For Further Reading
If you’d like to learn more about kratom, here are some excellent resources for further information:
- American Kratom Association. Policy Brief: “Is Kratom Safe?” Americankratom.org. January 2021
- MIT45. “Kratom is Its Own Thing: Know the Facts for This One-Of-A Kind Botanical.” mit45.com. n.d.
- MIT45. “What is Kratom? A Beginner’s Guide on Uses, Strains & Product Types.” mit45.com. n.d.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “FDA and Kratom.” fda.gov. 2 February 2024.
- Weber, Audrey. “Does Kratom Expire?”. Kratom.org. Updated in 2022.
