Kratom, derived from the Mitragynine speciosa tree, has been used for centuries by indigenous people in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, they chewed on the fresh leaves or brewed a bitter tea. Today, kratom is more commonly consumed as powder or capsules.
However, kratom extracts have recently gained popularity due to their potency and ease of use. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a kratom extract at home in 11 simple steps.
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Table of Contents
What is a Kratom Extract?
A kratom extract is a concentrated form of the herb, achieved by extracting its natural alkaloids from powder or leaves. These extracts are typically more potent than standard powders or capsules, making them a favored option for experienced users. Commercial kratom extracts are often made in laboratory settings, but itโs entirely possible to make your own kratom extract at home using a simple, cost-effective process.
Why Make a Kratom Extract?
The process of commercial kratom extraction is not cheap for a manufacturer. The added cost of formulating the extract is then rolled over into the productโs final cost. In that, many leading vendors do not even offer extracts or tinctures because of the significant price of the process which makes it not an efficient option. In addition, the extracted products have to undergo additional testing to ensure purity and potency which also takes time and money.
Clearly, all of the above impacts the availability of kratom extract.
Yes, youโll find the most popular varieties extracted by vendors but less-known strains might not be as widely available. If your preferred strain is hard to find in extract form, making it yourself ensures you have access to a personalized, potent product.
DIY Kratom Extracts: A Simple and Effective Guide to Making Your Own
Kratom extracts are a potent and cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of kratom. You can choose between water-based or alcohol-based extracts, both of which offer great results. However, alcohol-based extracts tend to preserve the alkaloids longer, giving them a longer shelf life compared to water-based versions.
The process of making kratom extracts is relatively straightforward and can be done at home. To get started, it’s important to have all your ingredients and supplies ready in advance. This ensures that the process is smooth and efficient, without unnecessary interruptions.
Ingredients Needed to Make Kratom Extract
Before starting, gather the following supplies:
- Kratom powder or fresh leaves (fresh leaves are virtually impossible to get in the U.S.)
- Ethanol or ethyl alcohol. One option is to use 40 percent concentrated alcohol such as rum or vodka. Many use rubbing alcohol but it contains dangerous chemicals that create harmful fumes.
- Lemon juice or citric acid (stabilizes and slows down the evaporation rate).
- Digital scale so you can accurately measure the kratom.
- Test strips to check pH balance so you can keep an eye on the acidity level of the extract.
- Mason jars
- Measuring cup.
- Tinted bottle.
- Strainer with fine mesh or cheesecloth.
How to Make Kratom Extract?
Follow these easy steps to make kratom extract.
- Choose the strain of kratom powder that you want to formulate the extraction. Remember, how effective the extract becomes depends largely on the strain that you pick. A potent strain will render more robust results because of the abundant alkaloids.
- Measure the kratom: Use four to five ounces of kratom powder to create 100 to 150 grams of kratom.
- Mix the kratom with ethanol. Remember, extracts formulated from an alcohol base have a longer shelf life than water-based ones. The alcohol provides preservative-like components. However, if you want to abstain from using alcohol then you can opt to use distilled water in place of the ethanol.
- Place the kratom into the container. Check the level to make sure that it does not take up more than half of the container. Add alcohol or water. You will want to create a 1:4 ratio when picking the kratom with the alcohol. Basically, use four ounces of kratom for every one liter of alcohol. Mix well to dissolve the kratom powder in the alcohol.
- Add citric acid to the kratom and alcohol formula. Citric acid assists in the extraction process and preserves the alkaloids. The vitamin C found in citric acid is an organic acid. You can purchase it at most grocery stores, or you can squeeze it fresh from a lemon.
- Check the pH strips to determine the acidity. It should be at pH4. Stop adding citric acid when the test strip reaches pH4. Remember, if you add too much citric acid then it will turn too acidic. Excessive citric acid can lead to canker sores of the mouth.
- Add glycerin to help break down the oils and fats. Use only a tiny amount.
- Seal the mixture in the container and shake vigorously. The liquid should develop a smooth consistency.
- At this point, you can place the container in a cool dark place and wait one week or you can place the container in a pan of hot water for one hour – youโll need to repeat this process at least two more times. Another option is to place the containers in a crockpot and slowly cook them on low for three days.
- Strain the liquid after the allotted time has elapsed for whichever above option you took. Use a cheesecloth or strainer to remove all particles. Throw away the particles.
- Refill the container with the liquid and leave it to slowly evaporate. After one-half of the liquid has evaporated then you can then pour the tincture into its final bottles.
Creating your own kratom tincture is remarkably easy and cost-effective. You can make several different extracts using various strains as needed.
Reasons to Make A Kratom Extract
Here are just a few reasons why you might want to make your own extract:
- Highly Concentrated: Extracts offer potency, meaning you need less for the same effects.
- Quick Absorption: Tinctures are absorbed faster by the body, leading to quicker effects.
- Portable and Convenient: Easy to store and carry with you.
- Long Shelf Life: Alcohol-based extracts last longer than standard kratom powder.
How to Use a Kratom Extract?
Tinctures are a wonderful way to enjoy all of kratomโs alkaloid benefits.
There are several ways to use kratom extracts:
- Sublingually: Place drops under your tongue for rapid absorption.
- As a Food Additive: Add to smoothies, coffee, or any beverage of choice.
- Swallow Directly: Take the extract like any liquid medication.
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