Kratom is a wellness supplement that more and more individuals use to boost their health and wellness. The anecdotal accounts of users suggest this herb has a tremendous potential to achieve wellness goals without having the side effects of prescription medications.
How much kratom does one need to take to experience the required effects? The answer to these simple questions is not straightforward. Kratom produces beneficial effects in a dose-dependent manner. It means the kratom dose you take will determine the kratom effects you will experience.
What is the kratom dose?
Kratom dose is the amount of kratom powder users require to achieve their wellness goals, such as energy stimulation and relaxation. It can vary from one person to another. In general, the dose of kratom lies between 2 and 12 grams. The kratom dosages are classified into four categories based on how much you take.
A dose lower than 2 grams is considered a microdose.
The quantity between 2 and 6 grams is a low dose.
Anything over 6 is a high dose.
And higher than 8 grams is a heavy dose.
People who are more sensitive or want to enjoy stimulating effects should take a low dose. People looking to get pain relief should go for a higher kratom dose. But avoid taking too much of a kratom dose.
As mentioned earlier, individuals need a different amount of kratom to feel even the same effects. Primarily, three factors determine how much dose is effective for you.
1- Your size and body weight
2- Primary effects you are looking to get from kratom
3- Your kratom tolerance
Mainly, these three factors affect the amount of kratom you need to experience desired effects. But a few other factors, such as your metabolic rate, whether you take the dose on an empty stomach, and what type of kratom strain you choose, determine how much you need to take.
Two main kratom doses
Generally, a kratom dose can be classified into either of two doses.
Stimulating kratom dose: It involves lower kratom doses of around 0.025 grams/ pound of body weight.
Sedative or painkilling dose: It consists of a higher kratom dose of around 0.04 grams of body weight.
First-time users should begin with a lower dose of kratom than they think you need. Increasing your intake after each consecutive dose gradually can prove your best bet to enjoy benefits without undesired side effects.
Kratom dose for pain
Kratom offers pain relief at all dosages, but the most potent effects come at higher doses. The strains with the highest concentrations of alkaloids mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, which tend to bind to opioid receptors that suppress pain sensitivity, offer effective pain relief.
The following dosage guide helps you decide on an adequate dose to get the required pain relief.
Mild pain – 2 to 4 grams are perfect for relief from mild pain.
Moderate pain – taking 3 to 5 grams will help.
Severe pain – 5 grams or more may help relieve pain.
Beginning with a lower dose and then increasing the amount gradually till you get desired relief can prove the best approach. Never exceed the amount you need to experience pain relief. The higher dose increases the chances of side effects.
Related: Which kratom strain boasts opiate-like properties?
Bali Kratom
Bali Kratom is a potent strain that delivers pain relief due to the high concentration of alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine. This alkaloid’s anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and muscle-relaxing properties make Bali kratom a natural painkiller.
Bali comes in white, green, and red strains; each strain possesses distinctive properties.
This strain makes an incredible choice for individuals who need relief from pain related to fibromyalgia, arthritis, rheumatism, burns, cuts, bone fractures, headaches, and muscle strain.
Related: Maeng Da vs. Bali strain: What differences are between them?
Kratom dose for energy and focus
Kratom boasts incredible potential for an energy boost and enhanced focus. The ideal dose required for energy and focus is much lower than the quantity for sleep or pain relief.
For many people, a small dose of 2-4 grams is sufficient to experience the nootropic effects. Some users even prefer a microdose of 1 gram of raw powder for enhancing focus, creativity, and mental endurance.
In fact, you do not need too much kratom to experience the energy boost and mental clarity. If you accidentally take too much dose, you may struggle to remain focused. Begin with a low dose and gradually increase your intake, keeping in view how your body reacts.
White vein strains provide the best effects to get energy and retain focus.
Lower doses of kratom offer socializing effects like alcohol, which prompts the desire to interact with friends. It creates feelings of euphoria, talkativeness, and an overall pleasant mood, without the undesired effects related to alcohol.
Related: What are red vein kratom, its strains, and its beneficial effects?
Kratom dose for opiate withdrawal
Higher doses of kratom help people to deal with opiate withdrawal symptoms. The tendency of herb alkaloids to bind with opiate receptors can help users eliminate the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal.
According to numerous online surveys, kratom delivers effective relief from opioid addiction-related withdrawal symptoms. It can effectively address the cravings to use pain medications, help recover, maintain a high level of productivity, and promote a greater sense of overall wellness.
The dose required to ward off opiate withdrawal varies from individual to individual. Most people need higher kratom doses to deal with opiate withdrawal symptoms. You generally require 5 grams or more to offset the undesired and uncomfortable effects of opiate withdrawal symptoms.
As we always recommend, starting with a lower dose and gradually taking higher doses can prove your best bet to enjoy maximum kratom beneficial effects. Most people begin with 2 grams, and you should wait 45 minutes to see how they feel.
If you still feel withdrawal symptoms, you should take another 2 grams. Repeat it until you find a dose that offers you the required relief. Do not use over 2 grams of kratom unless under medical supervision and guidance.
When your dependence on prescription drugs ends, your goal should be to quit kratom. The users report it is much easier to quit kratom than prescription drugs.
Related: What is a kratom hangover? How to recover quickly from it?
Kratom provides incredible relief from the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety. The effective dose for one person may vary from others. The higher doses of kratom are better for anxiety. And the lower doses are too stimulating and can lead to an increase in anxiety symptoms.
Taking too much kratom can cause side effects like wobbles which may increase anxiety.
Therefore, taking an adequate dose is critical to managing symptoms of anxiety. Usually, 3 to 4 grams of kratom powder is sufficient to get relief from anxiety. If this dose does not work for you, take another 1-gram dose after each hour till you get the desired effects.
Related: Best Kratom strain for anxiety and depression
Kratom Dose for Depression
Kratom produces euphoric effects no matter what dose you take that can improve mood and alleviate depression. The stimulating effects can uplift mood and address depression for some people, and others like sedative and relaxing properties.
The following are the most common doses people take to seek relief from their depressive symptoms.
Mild depression – Taking 1 to 2 grams of kratom powder is sufficient for mild depression.
Moderate depression – 2 to 4 grams of kratom powder is best to alleviate moderate depression symptoms.
Severe depression – You need over 4 grams of dose to relieve severe depression. If symptoms persist, seeking medical advice can prove your best bet.
Borneo and Bali strains can prove the most effective with symptoms of depression. Maeng Da, Thai, and Malay are more popular among users who prefer more energetic and stimulating effects.
Related: Is Maeng Da the best kratom strain? What benefits does it offer?
How to measure your kratom dose?
Using a scale to measure your kratom dose is the best way of calculating how much kratom you will take. Often a kratom dose is discussed in terms of volume, such as teaspoons which is a less accurate way of measuring your kratom dose.
Different kratom powders come with varying levels of grind to them, which affects the volume that fits in a specific space.
For example, a tablespoon of ground kratom powder weighs 2.7 grams, while fine-ground powder is heavier because smaller particles pack more tightly into the same space. A tablespoon of ultrafine kratom powder may weigh up to 3.5 grams.
If you do not have access to a scale, measuring kratom by volume still works for you. But it is not going to give you the most accurate dose. Using level scoops instead of heaped ones and the same measuring spoon can help you get a nearly accurate amount of kratom.
Whenever you use a new bag of kratom, calculate the weight of the first dose to check how close it is to your regular kratom dose. You will find some variations each time you use a new bag.
How long does kratom last?
The effects of kratom can last about 5 – 6 hours. Taking kratom on an empty stomach can cause the effects to appear within 30 – 40 minutes. If you take kratom after having a large or fatty meal, the effects may take longer to hit you. It can take effects as long as 90 minutes to appear when you take it on a full stomach.
Side effects of kratom
Kratom usually does not cause side effects when taken at the correct dose. Side effects appear when people take more kratom than they need. That is why being patient can prove your best strategy when taking kratom first time. Starting with a small dose and gradually increasing until you get a feel for the effects you want, but nothing more.
Taking too much kratom to ensure you get the required effects may result in side effects called kratom wobbles. You may experience three types of effects – dizziness, loss of muscle coordination, and nausea.
Kratom may include the following other side effects.
- Dehydration
- Lack of focus
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Loss of hunger
- Nausea and vomiting
- Runny nose
- Sedation or fatigue
Related: What is kratom nausea? How to get rid of it quickly?
Dehydration is the most underreported side effect of kratom. People do not drink enough water and blame kratom for dehydration.