How to make the ultimate kratom tea

One of the most popular ways to enjoy the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree is by brewing a tea. But just how can you pull it off? Well, wonder no longer! Zamnesia has you covered with two fantastic kratom tea recipes below, as well as some handy hints and tips to really make the most of this tasty beverage!

What is kratom tea good for?

Kratom is an interesting plant species, not least of all because of the various strains available. In general, many users report that the herb can help relieve tension, address low mood, and even offer support when feeling fatigued.

The best strains for making kratom tea

The most important thing to consider when choosing a kratom strain is its potency. Different varieties have different alkaloid concentrations, leading to varying effects.

• Red-veined strains are thought to be the most potent and exhibit the most soothing effects.
• White strains of kratom are known for their stimulating effects.
• Green kratom strains combine effects from both red and white strains, making for a relaxing yet stimulating experience.

So, once you've dialled in what you're looking for from your tea experience, it's time to start making it!

Recipes for making kratom tea at home

There are several different ways of creating tasty kratom tea at home, and they can be effortlessly achieved with the help of just a few ingredients and pieces of common kitchen equipment. However, if you need to pick up a few extra supplies for your recipe, they are inexpensive and easy to source.

Traditional kratom tea

First up is a true classic, the OG traditional kratom tea. As the first foray into the world of kratom for many, this warming tea is effortless to make and can be customised in a wide variety of ways to suit your preference (more on that later!).

Equipment and Ingredients

• Small saucepan with a pouring spout
• Strainer or coffee filter paper
• Water
• Kratom powder
• 1 lemon
• Optional: honey, sugar, cinnamon, or anything else you want to flavour it with

Instructions

1. Pour 1½ cups of water into a saucepan and squeeze in the juice of your lemon.
2. Bring the water to a simmer, then add your chosen amount of kratom powder.
3. Stir it all up and allow the water to continue to simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Take your saucepan off its heat source.
5. Place your strainer over your mug and slowly pour through the kratom tea. This should collect any residual powder to ensure your tea is clear and sediment-free.
6. Pour yourself a cup and enjoy!

Cold brew kratom tea

Cold brew is a great and trendy way to enjoy everything that kratom has to offer, and much like the traditional recipe, it's easy to pull off. A cold brew kratom tea is ideal for those warmer months of the year when the thought of putting a piping hot cup near your face is off-putting; keep things cool with this potent drink.

Equipment and Ingredients

• Water
• Strainer or coffee filter paper
• Mason jar or container with a lid
• Kratom powder
• Optional: honey, sugar, cinnamon, or anything else you want to flavour it with

Instructions

1. Add your chosen amount of kratom powder to your mason jar.
2. Pour water into the jar.
3. Stir the mixture, ensuring the kratom powder is thoroughly incorporated.
4. Put the lid on the jar and place it in the fridge.
5. Allow the mixture to steep for around 12 hours (or up to 24 hours if you want a more potent brew).
6. Once steeped, remove the jar from the fridge and strain the mixture through a strainer or coffee filter paper into a pitcher or bottle.
7. Pour over ice and enjoy!

How to make kratom tea taste better

It's no secret that kratom has an acquired taste. Many find it to have a very bitter flavour, but luckily there are some things you can do to improve it. As you may have seen in our equipment and ingredients lists above, we gave you the option of adding honey, sugar, or cinnamon to your drink. Adding a touch of any of these ingredients will make the experience much kinder to your palate. Of course, these are only our suggestions; you can add anything you want, such as syrups or fruit—the choice is yours.

While adding additional ingredients is one thing, here are some other tips to help you make the most of your kratom tea:

• Don't worry about boiling water ruining your kratom tea. Unlike many other plant-based alkaloids, the alkaloids within kratom—namely, mitragynine—are stable at high temperatures.
• Lemon juice is a fantastic addition that not only enhances the flavour of kratom tea but helps protect the alkaloids within.
• Experiment with both kratom powder and crushed kratom leaves. Both have slightly different tastes and different concentrations of alkaloids.

How to dose and consume kratom tea

So, just how much kratom powder should you use when making tea? There are some different schools of thought when it comes to this topic. However, it primarily boils down to what you're looking to get out of the experience. Kratom can affect everyone differently, so you will have to experiment to work out the best dose for you. As a rule of thumb, here are some guidelines to consider:

• 1–2 grams: Very mild effect
• 2–4 grams: Mild–moderate effect
• 4–6 grams: Moderate effect (normal dose for the average user)
• 6–9 grams: Strong effect
• 9+ grams: Very strong effect

Is kratom tea stronger than kratom powder?

There are many different ways to consume kratom, and tea is just one of them. But does brewing tea make it less potent? Whether consuming it raw, in capsules, or in tea form, these methods are equally effective, though the onset of effects may vary. It all really depends on your preference, the dose, and the type of kratom you're using. As mentioned, when brewing tea, you can customise the flavour to your exact tastes, whereas with raw kratom powder, you have to endure the bitterness.

How to store kratom tea

Once you've made a batch of kratom tea, there's no reason to drink it all in one go. Whether you're saving it for a fresh cup later in the day or week, it’s perfectly fine to store your concoction, provided you follow these simple rules:

• Avoid direct sunlight
• Store in an airtight container
• Keep the tea somewhere with a stable temperature
• Prevent contact with strong-smelling objects

Can you refrigerate kratom tea?

One of the best ways to enjoy kratom tea is cold! Users even report a milder taste when enjoyed cold, so that's a benefit worth considering. If you are chilling your kratom tea, the fridge is ideal. Store kratom tea in an opaque, airtight container to maintain the integrity of the alkaloids.

When does kratom tea expire?

If you follow the tips outlined above, your kratom tea should keep for up to a week in the fridge or indefinitely if you freeze it. Kratom powder and leaves maintain their integrity for several weeks provided you keep them in a cool, dark, and dry cupboard until used.

Kratom tea vs kava

Kratom and kava are frequently confused, so it's worth clarifying their similarities and differences.

Starting with their similarities, both are typically enjoyed as a cold brew or tea and induce similar effects. At low doses, kava and kratom induce uplifting sensations, while more potent concoctions start to soothe the mind and body.

However, take a look at both plants side by side under a microscope, and the differences are clear to see. The plants' chemical structures differ significantly, with the main alkaloids in kratom being mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and the main ones in kava being kavalactones.

The chemical difference causes a very different biological interaction when consumed and also contributes to the legal status of the two plants. Kratom has a slightly nebulous relationship with law enforcement, while there is a general acceptance of kava in most parts of the world.

Embrace the benefits of kratom tea

There you have it; from traditional preparation methods to a trendy cold brew, kratom can be enjoyed in many ways. Making tea is arguably the most accessible, versatile, and effortless way to experience everything it offers. So, if you're brand new to kratom, use our guide here, and you simply can't go wrong. Start slow and with a low dose, and build up to a level of your choice. Just don't forget to add a little sweetness to your brew to make it one tasty drink! If you're after any kratom-related products, be sure to visit the Zamnesia store for everything you need, all in one place.

Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

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