Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, local populations have used kratom for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. The plant has a wide range of effects, including pain relief, relaxation and energy promotion. Many people consume kratom as a tea by brewing the beverage from dried leaves and serving it either hot or cold.
Kratom has a long history and origin in Southeast Asia with archaeological evidence tracing it as far back as the 18th century. Local populations have traditionally used the leaves as an herbal remedy to treat ailments such as indigestion, somatic pain and stress. Kratom has been a staple of local folk medicine for centuries and is now gaining popularity in the West for its many beneficial properties.
How to Brew Kratom Tea
The standard method is a heated brew using kratom powder, hot water and sweeteners such as honey, agave or sugar. However, cold brew kratom tea is an increasingly popular alternative with a wide range of benefits, including a greatly reduced tannin content.
The cold-brew method uses cold water and a longer extraction time to produce a smooth, sweet and mellow flavor. Cold brew kratom tea has the same benefits as hot-brew tea but with a milder taste. Both hot and cold-brew versions have the potential to relieve stress, anxiety and mild pain while providing a boost of energy and focus.
The Benefits of Cold Brew Kratom Tea
Cold-brewing kratom produces a tea that’s smooth and flavorful with fewer tannins than other methods. This makes it easier to enjoy without the bitterness that comes with some other teas. The cold-brew method also makes kratom easier to digest and helps retain more of its natural nutrients and antioxidants. The cold-brew method also helps reduce the risk of oxidation, which can occur with a hot brew.
In general, kratom tea may be a combination of kratom extract or powder or with hot or cold water. Kratom growers create extracts by heating and grinding the leaves into a fine powder, then extracting the alkaloids in hot or cold water. For a more traditional flavor and experience, users typically steep ordinary kratom powder in hot or cold water. To make a high-quality powder, growers will carefully select the best leaves, then let them dry before grinding them with special equipment.
The difference between using extracts and powder to make tea is that the extracts are more potent and can produce the desired effects with less plant matter. Also, it takes less time to prepare beverages from extracts, making them ideal for the cold-brew method. Cold brew kratom tea is a delicious and versatile way to enjoy the benefits of kratom and experience its unique energizing and relaxing effects.
The Best Strains for Making Cold Brew Kratom Tea
Maeng Da is one of the most popular strains for the cold-brew method. This strain is known for its high alkaloid content, giving it an intense, long-lasting effect. Maeng Da is a great choice for those looking for a strong, stimulating energy boost. It’s also a great option for those who wish to increase their focus and concentration. Maeng Da kratom may help reduce stress and relieve pain.
Bali is another popular strain due to its potency and affordability. It produces a wide range of effects, including relaxation, improved mood and increased focus. This strain is also ideal for making cold-brew tea as the cold water helps preserve the alkaloids and terpenes that give kratom its unique effects. Bali is the perfect choice for those looking for a smooth, yet powerful, kratom experience.
Thai kratom has a strong, balanced aroma that’s both stimulating and relaxing. It’s famous for its long-lasting effects, providing both an energy boost and an overall sense of wellbeing. This strain is popular for its ease of preparation, making it an ideal choice for cold-brew tea.
The Malay kratom strain provides a potent, long-lasting and smooth energy boost, making it ideal for daytime activities. It also has a mild stimulating effect, which can help focus the mind and increase productivity. Its alkaloid content is quite high, making it a good choice for those looking for a more intense kratom experience.
Deliciously Chilled Kratom Tea Recipes
Cold-brewing kratom tea is a simple process that doesn’t require any special equipment or skills. First, measure out the desired amount of kratom powder or extract, then place it in a glass or ceramic container, such as a French press. Next, fill the container with cold, filtered water and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and discard the solids. If using a French press, simply push down the plunger and transfer the tea to another container.
Cold-brewing kratom produces a unique flavor that’s smooth, earthy and slightly acidic. It’s a great way to enjoy kratom’s benefits without the harsh taste of heat-extracted tea. Plus, with fewer tannins, it’s easier on the digestive system. When serving cold brew kratom tea, you can simply heat it on the stove or in the microwave for a hot beverage or drink it over ice for a cold version.
Tasty Potentiators to Add to Your Kratom Tea
Citrus juice is one of the tastiest and most effective potentiators for kratom. Acidic ingredients such as lemon or orange juice can help enhance and extend the effects of kratom as the citric acid helps break down the active alkaloids in the kratom, making them more bioavailable.
Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your tea can increase the kratom’s effects while making the tea more enjoyable. Apple cider vinegar also helps bring out the tea’s natural alkaloids, making it more potent.
Cayenne pepper contains an alkaloid called capsaicin, which provides a boost to the effects of kratom tea. In addition, it helps increase the absorption rate of kratom’s active compounds. A pinch of cayenne pepper can make your kratom more potent and flavorful while adding a bit of a kick.
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and contains curcumin, which can boost kratom’s potency. Adding turmeric to your kratom can help reduce the bitterness of the tannins and make the experience of drinking it more enjoyable.
Cat’s claw, a thorny vine with its own medicinal properties, can enhance kratom’s potency and reduce the time it takes for the effects to kick in. It may also provide greater pain relief and can even increase the duration of kratom’s effects.
When it comes to enjoying the benefits of kratom, the cold-brew method is the simplest and most reliable way to go. Not only does it produce a better-tasting beverage than other kratom tea recipes, but it may also extend the effects of kratom’s alkaloids and make the drink easier to digest!