Loose Leaf Kratom
Also known as crushed leaf kratom, this form of kratom is simply dried leaves that have been broken up into smaller particles. This is different from kratom powder, in which the leaves are dried and completely pulverized into a fine powder.
Loose-leaf kratom is perfect for brewing kratom tea, as it prevents the user from consuming too much plant matter. Using powder to brew kratom tea is fine — it gets the job done. However, drinking the textured powder in tea can result in GI upset.
Using loose leaf kratom to brew tea allows the user to remove virtually all vegetation. Doing so results in a much smoother and more enjoyable experience. It may also prevent you from experiencing stomach cramps or pain after consumption.
Another positive of using loose leaf is that the flavor is enhanced when using this form of kratom. Using powder to brew tea will often coat your mouth and make the tea taste much more harsh and bitter. Removing all of that matter creates a totally different, lighter flavor.
It should also be noted that this is the most traditional way to make kratom tea, as natives would typically boil kratom leaves. It wasn’t very common for the indigenous people in Southeast Asia to ingest any plant matter but would boil the leaves into tea or chew on the leaves and spit them out.
Loose Leaf Kratom Strain Guides
How Do You Use Loose Leaf Kratom?
Loose-leaf kratom truly shines when it’s used to brew tea. Any user that has made tea brewed with powder vs. loose leaf will tell you that the latter is much more palatable.
Some like to use a french press, electric kettle, or teapot when using loose-leaf to brew their tea. Although, kratom tea doesn’t have to be served hot. As a matter of fact, there are some excellent kratom sweet iced tea recipes online.
Others prefer using a sun tea method. Using loose leaf to make sun tea is a great way to prepare larger batches of tea for storing and drinking throughout the week. It’s also a good choice when you plan to serve a large amount at a party or gathering.
Brewing kratom tea via UV light creates a weaker brew than what you could make on the stovetop, but it can still be effective. It just depends on the effects you’re seeking out.
Just keep this in mind before you decide on going the sun tea route, as it may not be worth it for more experienced users that require larger doses to find their sweet spot.
Crushed leaves open tons of doors when it comes to enjoying kratom-based beverages. If kratom tea has never been your favorite because of the powder’s strange texture and overwhelming flavor, now is the time to try loose leaf kratom instead.
Side Effects of Loose Leaf Kratom
The side effects of loose leaf kratom are virtually the same as that of powder and capsules. Individuals who are new to using kratom and those who abuse the plant tend to experience the most side effects.
The side effects of loose leaf kratom include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Excessive Sweating
- Feeling jittery or anxious
- Sedation
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Increased urination
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations
Although these side effects are uncomfortable, they aren’t life-threatening, and medical intervention is usually unnecessary. The best thing to do when you experience the symptoms above is to sit down, relax and sip on cool water. Panicking will only amplify the problem.
Kratom is safe when used responsibly and is the best way to avoid unwanted and uncomfortable side effects. This means taking the recommended dose and not combining kratom with other substances.
Combining kratom with drugs and alcohol can have even worse side effects; even certain prescribed medications can cause potentially dangerous interactions. If you’re unsure if your current medication interacts with kratom, talk to your doctor or a specialist specializing in herbal and botanical medicine.
Final Thoughts: What is Loose Leaf Kratom
While kratom powder is much more versatile than loose-leaf or crushed leaf kratom, loose leaf is an excellent choice if you want to up your tea game. Nobody likes gritty, insanely bitter tea. This is why many individuals prefer using loose-leaf when brewing tea but will still consume powder for their regular dosing.
There may be some side effects associated with using loose leaf kratom, but they won’t be very different from those caused by powder or capsules. Regardless, you can usually avoid them if you are careful with dosage and are careful not to combine kratom with any other drugs or substances.
