There are many Kratom brands out there vying for your attention. Bright, bold labeling, clever names, and snazzy advertising reminiscent of snake oil chants. It’s important in the world of Kratom to refrain from sampling products that aren’t made with your best experience in mind. Take pure leaf Kratom (raw, loose leaf) for example. It may come in bulk with unlabeled packaging, and you have no idea what kind of lab testing has been done to ensure its safety.
Who’s to say what’s in it? Or where does it even come from? In an unregulated industry, people can sell you just about anything.
Today, Kats Botanicals is taking a look at loose, pure leaf Kratom in its raw form. While this may seem a more natural way to consume Kratom, there are issues with raw Kratom leaf. We’ll cover some safer, more convenient alternatives that pass the vibe check.
What Is Pure Leaf Kratom?
Pure leaf Kratom or raw Kratom leaves are the dried leaves of Kratom trees. Kratom trees grow in Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, and other places throughout Southeast Asia. Called Mitragyna speciosa, Kratom, Thom, Ketum, and Biak, and by other names such as Maeng Da, Kratom is becoming more prevalent in the West. Many Kratom users try Kratom for the first time as a way to relieve stress or pain, then discover other uses for the versatile herb.
Traditionally, a Kratom leaf or two would be plucked straight from the tree, then chewed to release the alkaloids. Once chewed, the plant matter was then spit out. Workers tending the groves found it gave them more energy and a pleasant spin on an otherwise grueling workday. Sometimes, they’d tuck a few leaves in their pockets to take home for brewing into a pungent, bitter tea, to help them unwind after a hard day’s work.
Today, loose-leaf or whole-leaf raw Kratom is harder to find here in the West than other forms of Kratom. Through modern technology, powdered Kratom has revolutionized Kratom use.
What Are the Benefits of Raw Kratom Leaf?
Raw Kratom leaf may provide a more authentic, traditional way to take Kratom. Steep the leaf matter in a tea, then carefully strain it. Buying pure, lab-tested leaves would be essential for the most consistent and safe experience.
When Pure Leaf Kratom Isn’t the Best Choice
Sure, raw, pure Kratom leaf is beautiful! If we lived in Indonesia, we’d see rows of screen-drying racks, the sun setting over the trees, the gentle circulation of Mother Nature’s breath whispering through the leaves as they dry. Those pretty reddish veins along the backside of each leaf. We’d have that kick of nostalgia, or even normality, with this type of Kratom use. It would be part of our culture and lifestyle.
But here in the US, Kratom is advertised with neon lights in smoke shop windows, sold in gas stations, and passed around at the gym. Here, we have to stay diligent to buy the best Kratom. We are cognizant of avoiding the possibility of consuming tainted or poorly labeled Kratom.
Pure, Raw Leaf Kratom Requires Diligent Care
The drying process is performed in various ways. One strain may be fermented as part of the processing, while another may require indoor, temperature- and light-controlled drying. This produces a variety of Kratom strains. Each strain can be sold as whole leaf, coarse leaves like tea leaves, ground, or even micronized powders.
These farming practices change the development and “locking-in” of the alkaloid profiles, and create a more even distribution of the alkaloids if the Kratom leaves are finely ground.
While some people in the US enjoy growing their own Kratom trees, it can be a lot of work, Further, US soils aren’t ideal. Kratom trees thrive in soils enriched by jungle ecosystems and the decay of past volcanic activity. It’s not easy to recreate the growing environments here in the US.
Raw, unground Kratom leaves are vulnerable to humidity, contaminants like salmonella, molds, mildews, and bacteria. We solve worldwide shipping and protection issues for Kratom crops by drying, processing, and powdering them soon after harvesting. This means a potentially safer Kratom experience for you with a product that lasts longer if you store it properly.
Raw Kratom Shelf Life
The shelf life of raw, unprocessed Kratom leaves is much shorter than that of Kratom powders or capsules. We’re talking a few months compared to a couple of years.
Regardless of the Kratom form you choose, storing it properly is key:
- Prevent exposure to moisture, sunlight, and contaminants such as mold, mildew, or bacteria.
- Store in a well-sealed container in a cool, dark, dry cabinet.
- Only use clean hands and measuring implements when working with your Kratom product.
Learn more about Kratom shelf life.
Testing Raw, Pure Kratom Leaves
It’s hard to get good test readings for a leaf, even if those leaves are coarsely chopped into “tea” leaves. What if the alkaloids aren’t dispersed evenly through the lamina of the leaf? How many samples would be necessary to get a clear understanding of the alkaloid profile of the leaf? What if the distribution of alkaloids isn’t consistent from leaf to leaf?
The answer is to powder the leaves as part of the post-harvest processing. This ensures even distribution of alkaloids and consistent, accurate lab testing results. These powdered Kratom leaves can then be packaged to sell in various forms:
- Kratom leaf powders
- Kratom capsules (encapsulated, pre-measured doses)
- Or, extracts of the alkaloids can be taken and used to produce a wide variety of Kratom liquid shots or even Kratom gummies.
Comparing Raw, Pure Leaf Kratom to Other Kratom Options
The nostalgia of raw leaf Kratom would be great on a trip to Bali. Explore the jungles, enjoy Kratom the way the locals do, and immerse yourself in the full sensory experience. But here at home, we want safe, fast, and convenient.
Here at Kats Botanicals, we are proud to be a top seller and a trusted voice in the Kratom Industry. Our missions align with the American Kratom Association: pure, clean Kratom selections, ethical industry practices, and a well-educated user. Take a look at a few points of comparison between pure, raw leaf Kratom and how that measures up to our revolutionary lineup of premium Kratom products:
| RAW KRATOM LEAF | KATS BOTANICALS PREMIUM KRATOM | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Hard to find fresh, raw Kratom leaves in the US. | Easy online shopping. Find dozens of strengths, forms, and types of Kratom. |
| Measuring | How, exactly, do you measure leaves for potency? Unless you have a laboratory in your home – not very easily! | Dosing is super easy. There are tons of helpful resources to guide you in the proper dosing of a variety of Kratom options. |
| Mixing | Break out the witchery – there’s a little toil and trouble when working with raw plant leaves and raw Kratom leaf tea-making. Fun, but you might not want to do this every day! | Pick your level of mixery! Our powders are easy to stir into water or juice, or you can just “toss and wash” them. Or try capsules…super easy and fast. |
| Preparation | Get the cauldron ready. Mood music optional. | Most of our products hardly need any prep! Even for the fancy Kratom recipes you can try. |
| Storage | Hang whole leaves or jar them and monitor their exposure to light and humidity? No thanks. | Resealable packaging and a cool, dark cabinet to store. Easy. |
| Durability | Your raw Kratom leaves are beautiful, but they aren’t very durable. As they dry, they are crackly, and some alkaloid materials may be lost by wear. | Post-harvest processing captures the alkaloids. Lasts longer, feels stronger. |
| Lab-testing | Ever tried to equally lab-test a Kratom leaf? It’s not that easy to get clear, equal readings for the entire plant matter. | When powdered or extracted, Kratom matter is much more easily lab-tested for contaminants and heavy metals. |
Top 5 Reasons to Use Kratom Powders or Capsules
We choose not to offer Kratom in whole leaf form for a variety of reasons, but your safety is at the top of that list. We find powdered Kratom to be more versatile and consistent, and easier to lab test, package, and ship fresh to your door. To learn a little more about Kratom, check out this easy Kratom dosing guide and a comparison of the different Kratom strains.
Why switch from raw, leaf-form Kratom? Here’s our top 5 reasons to join the modernization of Kratom use:
- Convenience. Buy Kratom online in its powdered or encapsulated forms and enjoy a variety of Kratom products. Ordering from the same vendor each time may also provide perks like free shipping or other savings deals.
- Control of strength. With so many Kratom powder and Kratom capsule options, you can buy them at different strengths. With raw Kratom leaf, the strength is pure guesswork.
- Explore the strains. Not only can you explore many Kratom strain options when you purchase ground Kratom, but you can also mix and measure them for complete control of your experience.
- No leaf-chewing or brewing. Not everyone wants to mess with leaves. And that’s ok!
- Portable & easy to store. Kratom powders and capsules are available in resealable containers for optimal freshness, easy storage, and convenient portability.
Our Top 5 Raw Leaf Kratom Alternatives
There is no clinical reason that raw leaf Kratom provides more botanical care. The powdered or encapsulated versions of Kratom are simply ground-up Kratom leaves! The alkaloid profiles are consistent throughout the powder, making a strength and purity reading easy to test and report to the consumer.
It’s easy to get the right Kratom dosage, too. Start with lower doses, gauge how you feel, and adjust in small increments to find your sweet spot for that Kratom product. You may strain the powdered material out of your Kratom tea, if you like, but our Kratom powders are finely ground, producing a smoother blend. Add a little juice or sweetener to flavor your Kratom drink to your liking.
Here are our top five alternatives to raw, pure leaf Kratom:
- Best Kratom for Beginners: If you are new to Kratom, try a single-strain Red Vein for your first Kratom experience. Red Bentuangie is an aromatic, fermented Red Vein that offers a good first-time experience. Or, try our classic Red Bali for a smooth and calming Kratom experience.
- Best Kratom for Price: Hands down, Kats Botanicals carries one of the most affordable lineups of pure Kratom you can get. Our Value Plus Kratom comes in all three veins, and you get over a hundred grams of Kratom powder for just 14.99.
- Best Kratom for Strength: If you’re a pro, then you need something stronger, with enhanced MIT levels and long-lasting effects. Select our Rogue Kratom and Super Maeng Da Kratom for the unforgettable, powerful experience you seek.
- Best Kratom for Balanced Effects: Kratom powders do more than offer natural energy and relief. They can also make us feel balanced, optimistic, and full of mental vigor. Our favorite Kratom for balanced effects is a Green-Vein-dominant blend called Spacebird, which can help you find your zen and claim it. This blend contains all three veins! Another well-balanced option is Kratavfusion shots, which combine the calming, freeing spirit of Kava and Kratom together.
- Best Kratom for Energy: Some Kratom strains offer more energizing effects like the coffee beans that Kratom is related to. Select a White Vein Kratom to tap into this higher vibration. Or, choose an enhanced White Vein to get even more Mitragynine support. For the best jitter-free pickup and go, choose Super Maeng Da White, with an impressive 3%+ MIT level.
The Top 5 Reasons to Select Kats Botanicals
Kats Botanicals embodies safe and effective botanical care. We guarantee:
- Purity: All Kats Botanicals products are lab-tested in unbiased, US-based, third-party labs to ensure your products are free of potentially harmful pathogens or heavy metals. Your safety is our number one priority!
- Value: We aim to provide high-value Kratom (and other botanicals like Kava or CBD) at a price point you can afford.
- Potency: Unlike the uncertainty of pure Kratom leaf, our cGMP practices produce consistent, predictable, guaranteed potency levels. We can even tell you what alkaloids are in the Kratom products you buy from us.
- AKA Curated: It’s challenging to earn the stamp of approval from the AKA, but we’ve achieved it and continue to maintain this level of excellence.
- Customer-Centric: Your experience matters to us, and it always will. From ethical harvesting to reliable customer service, we put you first.
Enjoy the Benefits Kratom Offers
Our biggest concerns with raw, pure leaf Kratom are safety, consistency, and convenience. But, we’re not snobs about what method you choose to take Kratom products. We all have our favorite ways to experience the benefits of Kratom – relaxation, calmness, positivity, and more! – and enjoy the potential of this wonderful, versatile plant.
When you shop with us, know that you’re getting high-quality Kratom for your wellness routine. Visit our website to see just how many ways we commit to your plant-based wellness and vitality.
