How to spot low-quality kratom?

Kratom has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many touted benefits like pain relief, improved mood, increased energy and focus. With rising demand, the kratom market has exploded with countless vendors selling kratom online and in stores.

Check the color

Kratom comes in different vein colors like green, red, and white, which denote the color of the central vein in the leaf. Good quality kratom will have a rich, vibrant color that looks natural. Poor-quality batches appear faded, brownish, or murky. It happens when leaves are not properly dried or stored. The color dims over time. Always inspect the color before buy kratom. High-quality kratom has a smooth, fine powdery texture. It should not feel gritty or stringy between the fingers. A coarse texture indicates improperly dried or crushed leaves. Kratom has a distinctive herbal smell akin to matcha green tea. High-quality kratom emits a pleasant, earthy aroma. Bad odor like mildew, mustiness, or staleness means an old, deteriorating product. A defining feature of kratom is its intense bitter taste when consumed. Potent kratom will produce a very bitter flavor. Weak or watered-down kratom lacks this bitterness. Try a small amount to gauge the bitterness level.

Check for contaminants

One danger of low-grade kratom is contamination with substances like fillers, chemicals, or other herbs. Examine the powder’s uniformity and color. Any clumping, specks, or inconsistent coloring might indicate additives. Only buy pure kratom powder. Kratom needs the right climate to grow successfully. It thrives in the tropical environments of countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Bali, and Borneo. Research where your kratom was sourced. Kratom grown in unsuitable areas or conditions is usually subpar. Do some homework to find trusted kratom vendors known for their high-quality products and transparency. Check third-party lab test results too. Reputable sellers rigorously test kratom for purity and potency.

Compare prices

High-quality kratom will be priced accordingly, especially varieties like Maeng Da. Very cheap kratom is often a red flag for cutting corners and inferior quality. However, expensive doesn’t always mean better either. Find fair market value. Try a low dose at first from a new batch to assess the effects. Potent kratom will have noticeable effects even in low quantities. Weak kratom requires much larger doses to feel anything. Start low to gauge potency.

Consider extracts

Kratom extracts are concentrated forms made by boiling raw leaves to remove moisture. They contain a higher concentration of alkaloids. If using plain powder requires very large amounts, an extract achieves effects with less material. Some products are marketed as “enhanced” kratom. This typically means adulterated with chemicals to increase potency. Steer clear of these products as they are dangerous. It’s better to use pure kratom or extracts. Pay attention to how your body reacts. High-quality kratom will have pleasant effects without uncomfortable side effects. Subpar kratom might cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, or jitteriness. Listen to signals that something is not right. Quality kratom can provide numerous therapeutic benefits, whereas poor-quality kratom offers none and may lead to adverse effects.