Kratom products undergo several steps before they are available at online vendors. Thus, how are kratom products came to be? Find out here!
Mitragynaspeciosa (kratom) is an evergreen tree belong native to Southeast Asia. It grows in warm and humid climates and in rain forests where there is fertile soil. The tree can grow up to 80 inches tall with large, shiny, dark green leaves. Kratom grows all year round.
The evergreen plant is popular for its analgesic properties. It is used as an alternative remedy year back and even now by old folks in Southeast Asia. It is an effective medication for chronic pain and opium withdrawal.
Over the years, kratom’s popularity reached a global scale. With the uncertainty of the legal status of cannabis, many have turned their hopes on this plant. Today, Kratom products are sold through online vendors. Many came to rely on its pain-relieving properties, as well as its stimulant and sedative effects.
Currently, the legal status of kratom is under debate in many countries. Some are questioning the real impact of the plant, including its possible side effects. Studies are still ongoing regarding its medicinal properties and effect on human health. As of now, kratom products are sold only for medicinal purposes through online vendors.
Kratom Cultivation
There are several ways to consume kratom. The traditional way of taking kratom is by chewing its leaves. Another is to dry the leaves and turn them into powder. The powdered kratom is manufactured into capsules or sold as one.
Before it is sold in the market in any form of product, kratom is cultivated with utmost care to prevent losing its quality and potency. Farmers cultivate the plant once it reaches maturity that is roughly 20 inches in height.
The best time to pick kratom leaves is when they are matured. However, it also depends on the kratom strain involved. Red vein kratom must be harvested when matured. On the other hand, white and green strains came from younger leaves.
How it is Processed
After the kratom leaves are harvested, they undergo a drying process. Traditionally, kratom leaves are dried by leaving them under the sun. But with the growth of technology, many kratom manufacturers use modernized drying methods. They use drying machines and other specialized methods to preserve the quality of specialty variants.
The length of the drying process depends on the strain the manufacturer wants to produce. Typically, kratom begins as a red strain. When it is exposed for long hours, either under the sun or in UV light, the kratom changes its color and variety.
The fermentation process also determines the variant. This phase alters the leaf’s color and alkaloid profile.
The production usually ends in the fermentation stage. However, online suppliers added another step to preserve and protect the plant’s quality and effectiveness. Many manufacturers use pasteurization to reduce microbial loads and make it safe for consumption.
After the pasteurization process, suppliers ask for assistance from a third-party testing facility that will test the safety and effectiveness of the product. These third-party facilities provide certificates of analysis proving the safety and authenticity of the product.
Kratom Products
The most popular kratom products are powdered leaves and capsules. These are easy to consume. But for those who stand the taste of the powdered kratom prefers adding it to beverages to mask its taste. Likewise, powdered kratom can be added to pastries or turn into edibles, as well as protein shakes.
Although there are no reports about serious cases of kratom side-effects, it is essential to be careful when consuming the product. Beginners should consult a doctor before taking any kratom product. Likewise, those with low tolerance are advised to follow micro-dosing to avoid side effects and dependency. You can read this buyer’s guide for more info.