How Much Kratom To Take for Pain, Anxiety, & Focus

You’ve heard the buzz surrounding kratom. It’s a herbal supplement that’s only increasing in popularity. Users are reaching for it as a natural way to relieve pain and boost energy, and you’ve decided to hop on the trend. Maybe you’ve even already purchased your first container of kratom powder.

But, how do you know how much to take? 

Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer to kratom dosage. The proper dosage depends on many factors, including:

• The effects you want to experience
• What strain you’re using
• What consumption method you’re using (powders, capsules, etc.)
• Your body chemistry
• Your level of tolerance

You’ll have to experiment to find the proper dosage, but our guide will give you a good starting point. This information will also be useful if you are a kratom veteran. Long-time users might need to adjust their dose for many reasons. Maybe your tolerance has increased, you’re looking to heighten different effects, etc.

No matter your level of experience with kratom, this guide is for you. Read on to learn how to find your perfect dose.

Kratom Dosage by Effects

Kratom is known to cause a wide range of effects. People use it to relieve pain, manage opiate withdrawal symptoms, and more.

However, realize that you will have to do some experimentation to achieve the desired effects.

First, ask yourself what effects you want to feel:

• Do you want to treat muscle aches or other pains?
• Do you want to manage your anxiety?
• Do you want to boost your energy and sharpen your focus? 

Once you know what effects you want to feel, you can experiment accordingly. Here’s some info on the recommended doses for common kratom effects:

Pain

Kratom is well-known for its pain-relieving effects — people like that it doesn’t cause some of the side effects that other analgesics do.

The supplement contains an array of alkaloids, two of the most prevalent being mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle-relaxing properties.

As a result, many people use kratom to treat everyday ailments, such as:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Back pain

Others depend on it for more serious conditions like multiple sclerosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, and chest pain. Some even use it to manage pain from degenerative nerve disorders.

So, how much kratom should you take for pain relief? 

We recommended using a red veined strain since these are the most effective for treating pain. Start with 4-8 grams and observe your response, but always start on the low end.

You may not feel the effects immediately. They may take longer to kick in (up to 5-6 hours) due to certain factors (if there’s food in your stomach, the consumption method you’re using, etc.).

If you don’t feel the effects after some time, gradually increase your dose. We recommend increasing your dose by no more than 0.5 grams at a time.

You may also use green veined strains for pain relief. However, because green veined strains are less effective, you will have to take a higher dose. Start with 5-6 grams and adjust accordingly.

Opiate Withdrawal

Addictions to narcotics like heroin and opium can be tough to beat. Traditional treatment methods (therapy, detox, medications, etc.) may not work for everyone.

As a result, many victims turn to kratom. Kratom can help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and wean off narcotics. This is because kratom contains mitragynine, an alkaloid that binds to the opioid receptors in our bodies. Unlike narcotics, mitragynine binds to the delta receptors instead of mu receptors. This reduces your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Of course, you should talk to your doctor before using kratom to treat your addiction. But, once you get the OK, follow these steps:

1. First, you’ll want to pick the right strain. Many users report success with Bali, Borneo, Bali, Maeng Da, and Indo. You should pick the strain that best manages your most prominent symptoms. For instance, if withdrawal leaves you anxious, choose a strain that soothes you. If withdrawal results in muscle aches, choose a strain that offers pain relief.
2. As for kratom dosage, start with 2-4 grams. Observe your response and gradually increase your dose as needed.
3. Once you find the optimal range, take the dose every 5-6 hours. This should help you manage your addiction.

Energy & Focus

While kratom can treat something as serious as addiction, it can also treat everyday fatigue.

Many people turn to kratom to boost their energy. It acts similar to caffeine as it clears our minds, heightens our alertness, and sharpens our focus. Users seek out these effects before big tests, meetings, social events, etc.

If you are seeking a boost in energy and focus, use white veined strains. Start with a dose of around 4-6 grams. Most users feel an increase in energy in as little as one hour.

If you don’t feel the effects, gradually adjust your dose one gram at a time. Be careful not to go overboard, as too much can have the opposite effect. A high dose will cause you to feel sleepy.

Anxiety

Those who suffer from anxiety may benefit from the energy-boosting effects of kratom. As we mentioned above, white veined strains are energizing. They can help you feel more sociable and eager to interact with those around you.

So, if you are anxious before a presentation or date, consume 4-6 grams of a white veined strain. Many users find that this gives them much-needed courage.

On the flip side, some find that an energy boost only exacerbates their anxiety. If you want something more calming, go with a red-veined strain. Start with a moderate dose of around 2-4 grams.

However, note that if you take too much of a red strain, you’ll start to feel sedating effects. If you start to experience nausea or vomiting, you may have taken too much. Avoid this next time by lowering your dose.

Read more: Kratom for Anxiety & Depression

Kratom Dosage by Forms

Another factor to consider when finding your dose? The consumption method you’re using.

Kratom comes in many forms. Our bodies process them in different ways, meaning each method has a different recommended dosage.

Here’s some info on dosages when it comes to common consumption methods:

1. Powder

Kratom powder is by far one of the most popular consumption methods. Manufacturers sell powders in just about every strain you can think of.

Users like powders because of their versatility. You can mix them into just about anything, making it easy to get your daily dose.

Related: Best Kratom Powders

Here are some of the most common ways you can use kratom powders:

The “Toss N’ Wash” Method

Many users like this method despite its uncomfortable nature. The powder hits your system much quicker, causing the effects to have a faster onset and higher intensity.

The “toss n’ wash method” is simple:

• Measure out your desired dose and place it in your mouth. Do not swallow or breathe out the powder.
• Take a swig of water or another drink. Swish the liquid around in your mouth to mix it with the kratom.
• Swallow, and take a second drink to rinse out your mouth.

The “toss n’ wash” isn’t for everyone, as the taste is intense. It may cause you to gag or blow the powder out of your mouth. It’s best to use small spoonfuls.

When using this method, be mindful of your dose. Your standard dose might produce more intense effects due to the nature of this method.

Mixing Powder With Foods and Drinks

If the “toss n’ wash” method is too intense for you, never fear. You can always mix powders with foods and drinks.

This method may cause effects to be less severe as there will be food in your stomach. However, this can be beneficial if you want to experience more mild effects. Consuming kratom with food can also help ward off digestive issues.

Technically, you can mix kratom with just about anything. It blends well with yogurts, smoothies, juices, teas, etc. To hide the strong taste, you will have to experiment with ratios.

Mixing Powder With Potentiators

Potentiators are substances that enhance the effects of kratom. Examples of kratom potentiators include:

• Orange juice
• Cayenne pepper
• Chamomile
• Grapefruit juice

If you mix the powder with these potentiators, consider lowering your dose. This will prevent you from experiencing overpowering effects.

2. Capsules

For some, powders are a great consumption method. For others, however, powders have too many drawbacks. They may notice the strong kratom taste despite mixing the powder with foods. They might not also like having to measure out the dose, dealing with the mess, etc.

If you’re not a fan of powders, try capsules. Capsules make it super easy since there’s no mess and no foul taste. And, you always know exactly how much kratom you’re taking.

The downside to capsules? The effects can take longer to set in and might not be as strong. You may need to take a higher dose to experience certain effects.

3. Extracts

At first glance, kratom powders and extracts might seem similar. But, it’s important to know that the two are quite different.

Extracts are a more concentrated form of regular powders. They can originate from powders or whole leaves.

During the extraction process, manufacturers will boil the powders or leaves down to a liquid. They strain the liquid of any particulate matter. Then, they heat the liquid to facilitate the evaporation of water. What’s left behind are the desired alkaloids in the form of a dark paste.

Finally, manufacturers take the paste and dry it out. They grind it up into a fine powder that resembles regular kratom powder. However, kratom extract is much more powerful. A dose of extract will produce more intense effects than the same dose of regular powder.

So, it’s important to read the labels when using an extract. Take note of the potency indicator (x2, x15, x20, etc.) and adjust your dose accordingly.

Kratom extract isn’t as popular. However, it can be an effective consumption method. You can find pure extracts or extracts incorporated into teas, oils, tinctures, etc.

Best Kratom Vendors to Buy From

Finding the perfect kratom dosage is important, but it won’t matter if you’re consuming subpar kratom. Only use kratom that comes from trustworthy vendors. It should be pure, effective, and safe.

Of course, you’ll want to choose a reputable supplier. The supplier should be transparent about their practices, have years of experience in the industry, and have many positive online reviews. They should also source from trustworthy growers and offer good customer service.

Here are three of our top recommendations for kratom vendors:

1. Kona Kratom

Kona Kratom is one of the best vendors out there. Its products are very affordable and span a wide range of strains. You can find everything from the more common Malay and Borneo strains to the rarer horned strains.

You’ll particularly like Kona Kratom if you live in the U.S. This vendor offers free shipping on U.S. orders, no matter where you live.

Your purchase comes with a money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk involved. You can get a full refund if you are dissatisfied for any reason.

2. Star Kratom

Star Kratom is yet another reputable vendor. All of its products are backed by third-party tests, meaning you can expect safety and quality.

What’s unique about this supplier is that it sells liquid kratom. Its products are perfect if you are looking for something other than powders or capsules.

There are eight different flavors to choose from, all of which are 100% organic.

3. VIP Kratom

With VIP Kratom, you know exactly what you’re getting. Its labeling is very straightforward and void of marketing fluff.

All of its products are sourced from high-quality growers and thoroughly tested. Better yet, if you spend over $50, you’ll qualify for free shipping.

Conclusion — What’s the Best Dose of Kratom?

With this guide, you should be well on your way to finding your perfect kratom dosage. Remember that it will take a little experimentation and patience, depending on the intake method you choose.

Keep our recommended dosage amounts in mind as you shop for kratom that will relieve your anxiety, pain, etc. Consider speaking with your doctor before trying kratom, especially for withdrawal symptoms.