Does Kratom Dissolve in Water?

Whether you’re a veteran Kratom user or new to your Kratom journey, one of the most frequently asked questions is: does Kratom dissolve in water? Taking Kratom with water is one of the most popular consumption methods, but most people end up with a lumpy mess floating on the surface rather than a smooth green solution. This can make Kratom unappealing to many people, with the unsightly appearance and texture preventing them from enjoying the botanical.

Kratom offers incredible wellness benefits, from improved cognition and motivation to managing daily stress. Unfortunately, some people may not learn to enjoy Kratom simply because they can’t find a suitable way to take it. Learn why Kratom doesn’t dissolve in water and several practical techniques for consuming this super-powered plant so you can reap the benefits it offers.

Does Kratom Dissolve in Water

Why Doesn’t Kratom Dissolve?

Kratom is derived from natural plant matter, which is hydrophobic, so it won’t dissolve in water. Therefore, when you add Kratom to water-based liquids, it creates a suspension rather than a solution. This means that after stirring the Kratom vigorously to disperse the particles evenly, you need to drink the suspension as quickly as possible; otherwise, sediment will form at the bottom of the cup.

What Does Hydrophobic Mean?

Hydrophobic comes from the Greek words ύδατος (water) and φόβος (fear), which translates as ‘fear of water.’ When a hydrophobic substance comes into contact with water molecules, the substance is repelled.

Water is a polar molecule, which means that it carries a partial charge. The oxygen atom has a slight negative charge, while the two hydrogen atoms have a positive charge. So, any substance with a positive or negative charge can bond with either end of the water molecule and dissolve.

Kratom is a nonpolar substance, so it doesn’t have a charge and cannot bond with the water molecules. Instead, it has a high quantity of wax and oil that naturally occurs in the Kratom plant and dried Kratom powder. Fatty substances like wax or oil are water repellents, so the water will surround each Kratom particle but never form a chemical bond.

Does Kratom Dissolve in Water

How Do You Consume Kratom if it Doesn’t Dissolve?

While Kratom particles won’t dissolve, many of the active phytochemicals that the plant contains dissolve in water. Alkaloids are the active chemicals found in Kratom. Mitragynine accounts for up to 70% of Kratom’s alkaloid content, depending on the strain, while 7-hydroxymitragynine makes up around 2% of the alkaloid profile but is one of the main chemicals that produce Kratom’s characteristic effects.

Alkaloids are both polar and nonpolar substances. This means that the alkaloid molecules contain polar and nonpolar chemical groups, so they will dissolve in water. However, they need time and technique to draw the alkaloids out of the Kratom powder. Here are several methods for consuming Kratom, despite its non-dissolvable properties.

1. Toss and Wash

The most common technique used by veteran Kratom users is the toss-and-wash. Carefully weigh out your recommended dosage, and place the powder on the back of the tongue. Quickly gulp down a glass of water or juice to wash the powder down your throat.

A variation on the toss-and-wash involves stirring the Kratom powder in juice or water to create a suspension. Drink the entire glass immediately and in one go. Refill the glass with water, swirling it around to catch the Kratom caught on the sides of the glass, then drink.

The toss-and-wash is the fastest way to consume Kratom powder and more convenient than brewing tea or mixing it with food. The method allows your body to absorb the Kratom fast and feel the effects quickly. However, you need to take precautions not to breathe in while the raw Kratom powder is balanced on your tongue. Inhaling Kratom powder could irritate your lungs and cause severe coughing. The toss-and-wash also does little to disguise the bitter flavor of the Kratom, which many users find off-putting.

2. Kratom Tea

Brewing Kratom tea is a traditional technique dating back centuries, usually performed with dried Kratom leaves rather than powder (though you can use Kratom powder). It provides several benefits over other methods of consumption. The warmth of the water helps to dissolve the alkaloids and other phytochemicals and more evenly disperse the Kratom powder. It is also kinder to your digestive tract than the toss-and-wash method, which can cause abdominal discomfort in new users.

Kratom tea also offers you the opportunity to add flavors and sweeteners to the brew, masking Kratom’s aftertaste. You can consume it hot or cold and take it with you in a travel cup, allowing you to enjoy Kratom throughout your day.

To make Kratom tea, add your Kratom powder dosage to a cup of hot (but not boiling) water, and allow it to steep for five minutes. The longer you leave it, the more bitter the tea becomes.

Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the mixture; citric acid potentiates the alkaloids, enhancing their beneficial effects. Citrus also slows down the degeneration of the nitrogen compounds in the alkaloids, preserving the potency of your dose.

Kratom tea tastes similar to strong green tea, which some users can find overwhelming. You can add honey, agave syrup, Stevia, or sugar to taste. If you cannot eat conventional sweeteners, try adding a cinnamon stick, vanilla pod, or star anise to the steeping tea.

Does Kratom Dissolve in Water

3. Smoothies

Smoothies are another effective way to disguise the flavor of Kratom. Blending Kratom powder at high speed along with water-based liquids helps distribute the Kratom powder, while the additional ingredients can help augment the effects.

Smoothies with dairy ingredients, such as cow’s milk or yogurt, can help protect your stomach mucosal lining, mitigating some of the nausea and stomach irritation that occurs in a small number of users.

Adding ingredients like pineapple, grapefruit juice, orange, or kiwi makes the smoothie sweeter and provides similar benefits as adding lemon juice to tea. These fruits have a high citric acid content to amplify the effects of your dose.

4. Capsules

Capsules are the ideal way to get your daily dose of Kratom on the go. This discrete option has a slower onset but a more sustained release so that you can enjoy the benefits of Kratom for longer.

Capsules also eliminate the need for weighing your dosage. Kratom capsules come premeasured, so you can reliably take the same dosage and expect the same effects each time. This is ideal for more potent Kratom strains like Red Vein Maeng Da powder.

Enjoy Your Daily Kratom Dose

Despite the bitter aftertaste, Kratom offers numerous benefits for your wellbeing. Although it won’t completely dissolve in water, by making tea or a smoothie, you can create a well-blended suspension that tastes delicious and provides you with the effects you want, without the powdery residue.

Karan Singh

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *