If you love coffee, then you might want to try Kratom if you haven’t already! Kratom and coffee are both members of the Rubiaceae plant family. But, did you know that you can use White Kratom as a coffee substitute? Create your own Kratom-infused lattes? Boost your Kratom dose with coffee?
Today, we’re discussing these two botanical energy sources, how they compare, and what you need to know when mixing Kratom and your morning cups of coffee. So, brew up a cuppa, grab a comfy seat, and let’s talk about taking Kratom vs coffee!
BOTANICAL FAMILY HISTORY: KRATOM AND COFFEE
To understand how Kratom and caffeine (the active ingredient in coffee beans) compare, look at their botanical makeup. You don’t need a whole botany lesson here, but the connections between these two botanicals are pretty interesting. We like to think of them as plant cousins with similar yet different “personalities.” The two substances serve similar purposes in different regions, but how does this happen across cultures? Largely because both are derived from plants, can impact our energy levels, and can be easily steeped or brewed into a beverage. Add the social impacts of each and you’ve got the cornerstones for two widely-enjoyed cultural beverages.
It’s no surprise that these botanicals are used similarly across cultures because they are related as plants, both evolutionary branches in the Rubiaceae plant family. They really are cousins, botanically speaking. And because of their similarities, they’ve each played important cultural roles that have extended to worldwide use. From the very first coffeehouses in Constantinople, people have been gathering to share coffee-drinking traditions that still resonate today. People gathered to drink coffee beverages, experience a sense of alertness and energy, and connect to share gossip, news, wisdom, or laughs. Today, coffee is enjoyed worldwide; its rich cultural history is widely celebrated in our daily practices.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has a similar history that began in Southeast Asia. Due to the plant’s energizing effects, it was brewed into drinkable form and used as a way to get through the tough work days or as a way to share in social connection or ceremony. People who worked directly with the trees even plucked the leaves right from the trees and stuffed them in their pockets to chew on as the day went by. Some Southeast Asian people have Kratom trees growing right in their backyards and consider the trees a medicinal must-have.
Whether you’re a modern coffee drinker, a Kratom drinker, or both – simply adding in a couple of drops of Kratom extract with your coffee is the chef’s kiss! – The morning kick cannot be denied.
FAMILY RUBIACEAE
These two plants come from the same botanical family called Rubiaceae. Botanically speaking it’s like sharing the same last name and certain family characteristics. This classification of plants consists of flowering, sub-tropical plants. This family has many members; coffee, gardenia, buttonbush, Kratom, quina, and more.
The family tree splits at the genus:
- Coffee: genus Coffea
- Kratom: genus Mitragyna
What makes these two plants in this family tree so special for human use is their bioactive, psychoactive compounds that act as central nervous system stimulants.
- Coffee: Caffeine. Coffee does contain some alkaloids: Trigonelline (largely lost in the roasting process) and Theobromine (which doesn’t pass the blood-brain barrier).
- Kratom: Over 25 active alkaloids, the two main being Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, both powerful alkaloids that influence the central nervous system and pass the blood-brain barrier.
The sourcing from each plant is a bit different. Coffee is derived from what we call “coffee beans,” which are actually the coffee seeds found inside of the coffee plant “cherry.” There are usually two “beans” inside of each coffee cherry. Alternatively, Kratom is derived from the Kratom leaves of the tree. Kratom’s alkaloids require little preparation – they can be chewed raw to get the effects. Most modern sources of Kratom are powdered versions of the leaves, minus the stems and veins. Coffee beans, however, need far more preparation before you can get that caffeine kick into your system.
KRATOM VS COFFEE: SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES
We’ve discussed two big similarities between coffee and Kratom; their botanical relationship and that each contains psychoactive molecules that work on the central nervous system and may be stimulating. But there are other similarities and some key differences. Understanding each of these key areas of comparison is far more useful to your day-to-day life.
COFFEE AND KRATOM DOSE DIFFERENTIATION
Both botanicals contain stimulating molecules, but these operate a bit differently in your system. For one, caffeine becomes more and more stimulating the more of it you consume. Further, the use of caffeine is associated with a “jittery” or uneasy feeling. Some might describe this feeling as anxiety-producing. Caffeine can give you alertness and energy, but the trade-off is this – How much caffeine can you reasonably consume without experiencing those jitters? This threshold differs from person to person.
Similarly (sort of) the alkaloids in Kratom can be energizing, but many people report no jittery feelings like what’s commonly experienced with caffeine. The “awakeness” is often described as feelings of clarity and optimism. These effects can also differ from person to person in how they’re experienced and also in their intensity.
The differences arise with dosing. Unlike Caffeine, when one consumes higher doses of Kratom’s alkaloids, the effects can become more relaxing. Very high doses can even be sedating. At the recommended dosing for Kratom, the effects are usually more mildly uplifting or mildly relaxing, with no huge swings. Overuse of Kratom, however, can provide unpredictable results, exacerbate tolerance, or lead to other complications.
Note: Both caffeine and Kratom’s alkaloids may interact with certain drugs, medications, or supplements. Speak with your medical provider for more information about this.
COFFEE AND KRATOM LEGALITY
Coffee and Kratom differ in terms of legality and regulation. Coffee products, even though they contain psychoactive compounds, are rarely regulated. The Kratom industry, on the other hand, fights an uphill battle to keep Kratom options open and available for adults who want to use them. Read here to learn more about the American Kratom Association‘s efforts to raise industry standards, and keep Kratom safe and legal for you to use.
Learn about Kratom legality.
Both botanicals can have a risk of dependence or even addiction with the right physiology, personality, and habits. Along with the American Kratom Association, we support the mindful use of Kratom as a way to enhance your life, but strongly advise using our products responsibly.
Learn more about using Kratom responsibly.
FLAVOR AND EXPERIENCE
Both coffee and Kratom have a bitter flavor. Kratom’s bitterness is often described as “earthy.”
Both make pungent brews and can be flavored with creamers, sweeteners, or other flavors like mint. Whether you are trying to mask the taste or enhance the earthy notes of either of these substances, it’s a lot of fun making personalized concoctions.
MIXING COFFEE AND KRATOM – OPTIMIZING KRATOM BENEFITS
You can potentiate or enhance the potency of Kratom powder especially if you want quicker effects or stronger sensation. Apple cider vinegar and certain spices like turmeric and cayenne pepper can enhance the taste and effectiveness of Kratom.
The caffeine in coffee also acts as a potentiator for Kratom. Many people enjoy mixing Kratom and coffee for a unique energy boost! (Plus, the caffeine in coffee potentiates, or bolsters, the benefits of Kratom.)
MAKING KRATOM COFFEE
Making Kratom coffee is made by adding Kratom to your favorite hot coffee beverage. When making colder beverages blend in your Kratom dose before adding the ice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half or creamer of choice
- Sweetener of choice
- Your daily dose of Kratom
Directions
- Mix the Kratom into the brewed coffee.
- Add sweeteners or creamers.
- Serve over ice. (optional)
KRATOM AS A COFFEE SUBSTITUTE
Many Kratom users like Kratom as a coffee substitute to get the kick without the jitters. High-quality coffee may be a suitable choice for lots of morning beverage lovers, but many people find Kratom more beneficial than coffee.
When selecting your Kratom, consider these important factors:
- Always opt for lab-tested Kratom to avoid contaminants and fillers. (Also note that these will not contain many of the preservatives and contaminants often found in commercial coffee products.)
- Always buy Kratom from an AKA-accredited vendor like Kats Botanicals.
- Choose the Kratom vein based on your needs.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on dosing amount and frequency.
- Store your Kratom products in a cool, dark area out of sunlight. And, out of the reach of children or pets.
KRATOM STRAINS
The best Kratom strains for a coffee substitute would be the White Vein Kratom Strains. Here are a few options to try in your next cuppa Joe:
Learn more about Kratom strains and Kratom dosing guidelines.
YOUR COFFEE’S BEST FRIEND – KATS BOTANICALS KRATOM!
Kats Botanicals offers a broad variety of Kratom products including powder, capsules, shots, and gummies – including our new Value Plus Kratom powders. All our products are thoroughly screened for potency and purity you can trust.
Contact us or join our Facebook page to learn more or to share your favorite coffee + Kratom ideas!
