What is kratom tea? Where does it come from? How should you use it? Is it safe? As kratom’s popularity has exploded in recent years, so has the flood of products, opinions, and—let’s be honest—misinformation.
When it comes to answering the question, “what is kratom tea?” there is a lot that people don’t know. So here’s a straightforward overview of where kratom originates, what kratom tea actually is, how you can brew it, and how to get the effects you’re looking for.
And if you want to dig deeper into any of the topics below, we’ve linked a few helpful articles along the way.
Side note: Some people use the phrase “kratom tea” to refer to a wide range of kratom types, from powder to tablets to extracts. Below, we’ll be talking about real kratom leaf tea—steeped, filtered, and delectably smooth.
If you want to get the lowdown on why everyone else is using the term “kratom tea” to refer to products that aren’t anything like tea, this article is for you: Why Most Products Called ‘Kratom Tea’ Aren’t Actually Tea
1. Where Does Kratom Come From?
Kratom is a type of tree (Mitragyna speciosa) that grows throughout Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries in Southeast Asia.
The leaves of the tree produce a range of compounds that have mental and physical benefits. The term “kratom” is also used to describe the various product types companies make with the leaves—from powders and extract shots to gummies and seltzers.
2. What Is Kratom Tea?
Kratom tea is, simply, tea made with the leaves of kratom trees. You can brew it using:
Surprisingly, people have been brewing this tea for hundreds of years. Kratom is relatively new in the U.S., but in many parts of Southeast Asia, it’s as popular as coffee is here.
How do you make it?
To make it, you steep kratom leaves in boiling water for 15-25 minutes. Then you take out the tea bags or use a strainer to remove the excess leaf material.
Just as you can adjust the flavor and strength of black tea, matcha, or herbal tea varieties, you can customize the flavor and strength of your kratom tea in countless ways. You can add lemon juice, sweeteners, or other spices like vanilla bean or cinnamon.
Easy Step-By-Step Recipe to Make the Best Kratom Tea
3. What Are Kratom Tea’s Benefits?
Want to know what makes kratom tea special on the long list of kratom product types? Or why you should choose kratom over other plants and supplements with similar effects?
Kratom tea has a range of effects:
- Smaller amounts typically provide energy, focus, support for a positive mood, and moderate physical comfort
- Larger amounts can provide added physical comfort, support for a positive mood, and calm relaxation
On top of the amount you consume, there are a few other things that can impact the effects you feel. The other supplements, medicines, and foods you’ve consumed, your unique physiology, and your mood can all play a role.
How does kratom tea compare to other kratom types?
- Moderate Strength: Kratom tea is more mild than powder, and it isn’t a super-strength product like extract shots usually are. Many people find that it is much easier on the stomach than powder.
- Easy to Travel With: Powder is messy. Extracts are hyper-concentrated and can thus be hard to measure out. It’s much easier (and more fun!) to bring a thermos full of iced or hot tea with you on your way to work, on a hike, to the gym, or to a friend’s place. You can even bring kratom tea on an airplane.
- Stigma-Free: We wish all types of kratom were stigma-free. Nevertheless, we’ll admit that sipping some tea during a meeting likely won’t raise as many eyebrows as whipping out a bottle of capsules will.
- Quick Onset Time: After you drink it, you’ll feel the effects within 15-45 minutes.
How does kratom tea compare to other natural products used for energy, comfort, and relaxation?
Kratom vs. Coffee: If you’re sensitive to caffeine—and coffee makes you feel wired and on edge—kratom tea could be a great alternative for energy.
Kratom vs. Kava: Kava is commonly used for relaxation and easing social anxiety, but it tends to make people feel a bit sedated. On the other hand, kratom gives you more of an alert-yet-relaxed feeling—it can provide calm without the couch lock.
Kratom vs. Cannabis: Cannabis is often used for mood, some types of pain, and stress relief, but it’s not for everyone—especially if you have drug test concerns. Kratom tea can provide similar effects, but it won’t get you stoned. Plus, it’s federally legal.
4. Is Kratom Tea Safe?
Some people say that because kratom is a plant, it’s safe. It’s true that kratom is a natural plant, but that doesn’t automatically make it risk-free.
Just like with coffee, alcohol, cannabis, or other supplements, safety depends on the quality of the products you get and how you use them.
Here are tips for creating a safe and sustainable kratom tea routine:
- Product Quality: Only buy high-quality kratom products—ones that are lab tested for strength and potential contaminants and properly labeled so you know how much to take. Unfortunately, the average kratom company doesn’t set the quality bar very high.
- Serving Size: Start with a small amount. If you’re using Top Tree Herbs’ tea bags, we recommend starting with 1 tea bag—or 3 grams of loose leaf—to begin.
- Frequency of Use: Consider taking breaks, just as you would with coffee or alcohol.
- Medications/Health Conditions: If you’re taking medications or have a health condition, speak with a healthcare professional before you try kratom.
- Age: If you’re under 18 years old, you should not have kratom. In some states, you have to be at least 21 to buy kratom.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not have kratom tea or any other products made with the plant.
- Combinations: Avoid mixing kratom with other substances like alcohol.
- Personal Experience: Pay attention to how your body responds to kratom. Adjust the amount you consume (or stop consuming it) if it isn’t working for you.
Final Thoughts
So, what is kratom tea—really? It’s not kratom powder mixed into hot water or juice. It’s not an extract in a shot bottle. And unlike a lot of other kratom products out there, it’s not something you need to brace yourself to swallow. It’s a tasty, traditional, plant-based drink that’s been brewed for centuries.
Curious to try it yourself? Explore our teas and see for yourself how kratom can improve your wellness routine.
