What is the Correct Kratom Dosage?
Calculating the ideal kratom dosage for your condition can be difficult, but it is important to carefully consider. Dosage guides vary based on tolerance, strain type and concentration of kratom alkaloids in the leaf.
The information below assumes you are buying good quality kratom from a reputable source and that you are taking the kratom on an empty stomach. Only ever buy kratom from trusted vendors.
How Many Grams or Teaspoons of Kratom to Take? Kratom Dosage Chart
To calculate your dosage, compare the strain you are using (or average, if not listed) with the effects you desire to get a base dose.
| Strain | Kratom dose for energy (per day) | Kratom dose for relaxation (per day) | Kratom dose for pain relief (per day) | Kratom dose for opiate withdrawal (per day) | Grams in a teaspoon (tsp) of kratom | Grams in a tablespoon (tbsp) of kratom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Powdered Leaf | 2 grams | 3.5 grams | 7 grams | 8 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Bali (red vein) | 1.5 grams | 3 grams | 6 grams | 7 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Maeng Da (mixed vein) | 2 grams | 3 grams | 6 grams | 6 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Vietnam (red vein) | 1.5 grams | 3 grams | 6 grams | 7 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Green Malay (green vein) | 2 grams | 4 grams | 8 grams | 8.5 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Cambodian (green vein) | 2 grams | 4 grams | 8 grams | 9 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| White Sunda (white vein) | 2 grams | 4.5 grams | 8.5 grams | 8.5 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Indo Maeng Da (white vein) | 2 grams | 5 grams | 8 grams | 9 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Thai (red vein) | 1.5 grams | 3 grams | 6 grams | 7 grams | 2.5 grams | 7.5 grams |
Take your calculated dosage once per day or on an as-needed basis. For opiate withdrawal, take your calculated kratom dosage whenever withdrawal symptoms flare up. Bear in mind that bodyweight will affect your tolerance to kratom. The information above assumes an average bodyweight of 70kg (154lbs).
How Many Grams in a Capsule of Kratom?
In general, one ’00’ capsule equals 0.5 grams of kratom. Therefore to calculate your kratom dosage in capsules, simply double the above values. E.g. 1.5g of Bali = 3 capsules.
Bear in mind that some vendors will sell larger capsules, in which case the weight will be shown in the product description.
How Long Does Kratom Take to Kick In?
How long it takes kratom to take effect depends on when you last ate. On an empty stomach, it will take about 30 to 45 minutes for kratom to take effect.
If you’ve just eaten, it could take between 60 and 90 minutes for kratom to take full effect. Taking capsules can also increase the delay before effects are felt, as the capsules must dissolve in the stomach first.
How Long do the Effects of Kratom Last?
In general, the effects of kratom last 5-6 hours.
Should I Take a High or Low Kratom Dosage?
Whether you take an energizing, relaxing or pain relieving dose will depend on the nature of your condition. Kratom at any dosage will provide a level of pain relief, so focus on the secondary symptoms of your condition.
An energizing dose is perfect for daytime productivity, for conditions that make it difficult to be energetic and active, like chronic fatigue, degenerative disease or depression.
A relaxing dose works better in the evenings to aid sleep and relaxation, for conditions like insomnia, stress or severe pain. Some conditions will require a measured medium dose, like anxiety for example.
Anxiety sufferers often find an energizing dose over-stimulating and a relaxing dose disruptive to focus. The solution is a dosage between the two. Carefully plan your kratom dosage regimen and then make adjustments as you find the dosages that work well for you.
Should I Take Kratom on an Empty Stomach?
The kratom dosage information on this page assumes that you are taking kratom on an empty stomach, since this is the best way to maximize efficacy.
However, many people have trouble with nausea when taking kratom on an empty stomach.
If taking kratom on an empty stomach causes problems for you, try eating a light meal just after taking a kratom dose on an empty stomach.
This shouldn’t disrupt the action of the kratom too much and will reduce nausea and unpleasant sensations.
How to Take Kratom?
Kratom capsules can simply be taken with water as normal, but the raw powder form has an unpleasant taste that isn’t well masked with water.
For raw powder, the ‘toss and wash’ method is popular. This involves placing the kratom dose straight onto the tongue and washing it down with juice.
Fruit juices will not only distract from the taste but also potentiate the effects of the kratom.
Although the toss and wash method is the most effective, there are many other techniques for taking kratom, including brewing kratom tea. These are discussed below.
How to “Toss and Wash” Kratom?
Prepare a large glass of either fruit juice or water. Fruit juice is recommended as it is much more effective at clearing powder from the mouth due to higher viscosity, is better at masking the bitter taste and can potentiate the effects of kratom.
Place your measured dosage of kratom onto your tongue. Use caution at this point and don’t place the powder too far back down the throat, or inhale while powder is on your tongue. Inhaling kratom powder is extremely unpleasant and risks damage to the lungs.
Then, with the kratom still on your tongue, fill your mouth with liquid from the glass. Shake your head without swallowing and try to get the liquid to pick up all of the kratom particles. You want to try to swallow everything in one gulp.
Once the powder has detached from your mouth, quickly throw your head backwards and swallow. This should prevent the powder from separating in your mouth and leaving a trail in your throat.
Try to swallow everything at once, but if any powder remains after drinking the liquid, continue to drink until all the powder is gone. If you’re finding your kratom dosage difficult to take all at once, consider taking multiple, smaller doses consecutively.
How to Brew Kratom Tea?
Calculate your dose as normal, but be aware that kratom tea cannot transfer all of the alkaloids like the toss and wash method can, so the effects will be slightly reduced.
Place the kratom powder in a heatproof vessel, like a pot, and add heat and water. Allow the kratom powder to brew for at least 10 minutes. Now filter the slurry through a coffee filter to remove the powder.
At this point the light brown tea left behind can be drunk. However, if you want to increase the potency of the tea, it is recommended you double brew. To do this, simply scrape the remains of the kratom powder from the filter and brew in hot water again. Filter once again after 10 minutes and dispose of any powder remaining.
The result of the second brew will be a tea of much deeper brown. The first brew and the second brew can then be combined into a tea that is not too weak and not too bitter. At this point you can reheat the mixture and add honey or lemon to taste, if you wish. It is also possible to make kratom ice tea via this method, if you prefer cold drinks.
How to Burn Kratom? How to use Kratom Incense?
Many information websites refer to kratom as an “incense” and describe “burning” kratom to receive its effects. Don’t be confused – it is not possible to take kratom by burning it. Although smoking kratom is possible, it isn’t recommended, due to the amount of plant material that would need to burnt and potential damage to lungs.
When the internet kratom community talks about “burning” kratom, they tend to be using a code word for legal reasons. In many countries, kratom can still be purchased, but not for human consumption purposes. Instead, it is often marketed as an incense.
But this “kratom incense” is in fact kratom powder and is taken in the same way. Similarly, when the kratom community talks about the “aroma”, they’re describing the effects brought on by the kratom. “Burning” or even “smoking” kratom often just means taking via the toss and wash method.
For clarity, on this website we avoid using misleading language like this.
Should I Always use the Same Kratom?
Kratom comes in many varieties and the number of choices can be confusing. You might think that you should just stick with one type when you find something that works. But for frequent kratom users, strain rotation is recommended to reduce risk of addiction.
Each strain of kratom comes from a slightly different locale. The differences in the soil and natural balance of nutrients result in a slightly different alkaloid profile in each region. This is ideal, as it means we get a range of effects and we’re also alternating the kratom alkaloids the body is exposed to.
Rapid exposure to the same alkaloids will result in rapid tolerance build up and quickly diminishing effects. But trying new strains slows this process by providing a wider range of alkaloids.
Although it is possible to rely on just one kind of kratom, the recommended procedure is to never use the same kind multiple days in a row. This has the best chance of reducing addiction and tolerance build up.
How to Store Kratom?
Kratom should always be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Place your kratom in a resealable bag or mason jar that is airtight. Avoid exposure to sunlight that can degrade the kratom alkaloids.