How to Make Kratom Extract: A Comprehensive Guide | Kratom Monkey

I am Andrew Summer, a kratom enthusiast who enjoys experimenting and getting creative with the herb we all know and love. In this article, I will provide a step-by-step breakdown of making kratom extract, covering the things you must consider and the process itself.

Let's begin with an introduction to kratom extract and how it differs from pre-made kratom products.

Kratom extract is a concentrated form of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), a herb native to Southeast Asia. Rich in mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG), and other indole alkaloids, kratom extract is much more potent than kratom leaves and finely-ground powder.

When purchasing kratom extract from a store, the product should come with a label, such as 5x or 10x. This states how much more concentrated the extract is relative to a regular kratom product. That is essential information since you can overdose on kratom.

There are multiple methods of making kratom extract, including solvent extraction, water extraction, and steam distillation. Solvent extraction is the easiest to do at home and is the focus of this guide. But I will touch upon the other techniques, too.

Since you are going to the effort of making kratom extract, I suggest taking the time to select the perfect strain for your needs. You could even create kratom extract with two or more strains - this is great if you want something personalized. You must purchase the strain in loose powder form to make kratom extract.

When choosing a strain, the vein color has more impact on the overall effects than the strain name. Here's a brief overview of the characteristics of different kratom veins:

Red vein kratom: These strains are associated with chilled-out sensations and euphoric effects - perfect for letting your worries wash away after a long, hard day.

White vein kratom: This type of kratom is energizing, cerebral, and perhaps best described as an amplified version of coffee. Some people take it to boost productivity and enhance focus.

Green vein kratom: Strains like Green Malay draw upon the qualities of red and white vein kratom and work like a balanced hybrid. Green kratom is popular for promoting well-being.

Yellow vein kratom: These strains are likely fermented after harvesting, which may increase the alkaloid concentration. I view yellow vein kratom as a cross between green and white strains.

Gold vein kratom: Similarly, fermentation gives gold kratom an extra punch. However, these strains are more a cross between red and green vein kratom, giving it more euphoric traits.

Take this as a general guide rather than an exact blueprint. Each kratom strain has unique characteristics. For instance, Maeng Da kratom is seen as more energizing than Bali kratom.

You will need the following equipment to make kratom extract using the solvent evaporation method:

• Kratom powder
• High-proof alcohol
• Lemon juice
• Measuring cups
• pH strips
• Tinted bottles
• Mason jars
• Cheesecloth (or alternative strainer)
• Scales (preferably digital for maximum accuracy)

Got everything you need? Excellent! Let’s delve into the process of preparation, extraction, and solvent evaporation! 

Begin by measuring out your desired kratom powder dosage. If you plan on making kratom tinctures with your extract, I recommend using 5 ounces of powder.

Fill half a mason jar with kratom powder before adding the high-proof alcohol. Ideally, you want a 4:1 ratio of alcohol to kratom. Stir the mixture.

Add lemon juice (or a citric acid substitute) until the pH level of the mixture reaches 4. Test this using the pH strips. 

Seal the mason jar and find a cool, dark place (e.g., your closet) to store the concoction for a week. The active alkaloids will be extracted from the kratom powder during this period.

After seven days, the mixture should be ready for straining. Use the cheesecloth to remove the kratom powder from your alkaloid-infused liquid.

Now for the solvent evaporation! Return the strained liquid to the mason jar and let it sit until 50% of the liquid has evaporated. The longer you allow the evaporation to occur, the more potent your finished kratom extract will be. But most people aim for a 50% reduction.

Once satisfied, decant the kratom extract into your tinted tincture bottles. The tint will protect the kratom alkaloids from light degradation. And that is it: your kratom extract is ready! 

If you struggle with the burning sensation of alcohol-based kratom extract, you may prefer the water extraction technique. It is relatively easy, and you can do it from home. For this method of making kratom extract, you will require the following:

• Kratom powder
• Distilled water
• Lemon juice or citric acid
• Large saucepan
• Mason jars
• pH testing strips
• Cheesecloth
• Tinted tincture bottles

And now for the process…

1. Add the kratom powder to a large saucepan and cover it with distilled water
2. Add lemon juice or citric acid until the pH level reaches 4
3. Simmer the mixture on low to medium heat for 30 minutes (do not boil, as this will degrade the alkaloids)
4. Stir frequently to stop the kratom from clumping or sticking to the pan
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat source and allow it cool for a few minutes
6. Strain the mixture into the mason jars using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
7. Repeat the process to ensure all the plant material is removed from the kratom extract
8. Transfer the kratom liquid extract to a saucepan and simmer on low heat
9. Let the kratom extract reduce until it reaches your desired concentration
10. Remove the concentrated kratom extract from the heat source and let it cool 
11. Transfer the kratom extract to tinted tincture bottles and store it in a cool, dark place 

Making kratom extract using the steam distillation method is rare, especially if creating extracts for personal use. Steam distillation apparatus is expensive, hence why most people go down the less costly routes of solvent evaporation and water extraction. Want to try the steam distillation method? Here’s what you will need:

• Kratom powder
• Distilled water
• Steam distillation equipment (steam generator, condenser, distillation flask, and collection flask)
• Heat source
• Thermometer
• Tinted glass bottles (i.e., tincture bottles) for storage

And now for the process…

1. Set up the steam distillation apparatus - your equipment should come with instructions
2. Add the kratom powder to the distillation flask
3. Add distilled water to the steam generator. Turn up the heat to generate steam
4. Kratom’s alkaloids may be extracted as the steam passes through the distillation flask
5. The alkaloids may travel in the steam through the condenser, where they are transferred back into liquid form
6. Collect the alkaloid-rich condensate in a collection flask
7. Transfer the kratom liquid extract into tinted tincture bottles for storage

Bear in mind that the steam distillation method is more theoretical than recommended. While a popular approach to extracting active compounds from botanical herbs, there is limited evidence of its effectiveness for kratom extraction.

However, the steam distillation method could give you a cleaner kratom extract, free from the alcohol burn associated with the solvent evaporation method.

High-potency extract is a versatile form of kratom and can deliver various experiences. Let’s explore the sublingual administration and oral ingestion methods and examine what you can expect. 

Sublingual administration is associated with tincture oils and gets kratom alkaloids into your bloodstream on a fast-track route. Carefully apply drops of liquid kratom extract under your tongue and hold for as long as possible, giving the alkaloids time to absorb into your system.

Sublingual use of kratom extract results in a fast-acting and extra-potent experience. However, the effects are short-lived relative to other consumption methods.

You can orally ingest kratom extract in a few ways, from adding it to recipes to mixing it with beverages. Theoretically, you could even swallow the kratom extract as it is. However, this is uncommon.

Be wary of the temperatures used if cooking with kratom. Too hot and you risk destroying the active alkaloids. Add the extract to your recipe as late as possible.

You can mix kratom extract with hot and cold beverages. Add your desired dosage, stir, and enjoy. However, I recommend avoiding caffeinated beverages if consuming white vein kratom extract. The effects could be overly energizing and make you jittery.  

Kratom’s alkaloids remain vulnerable to degradation in extract form, hence why good storage is necessary. Find a cool, dark, and dry place to keep your kratom, away from direct sunlight.

Tinted tincture bottles are an excellent storage option and help prevent light degradation. Ensure the bottle cap is replaced tightly after use. A slightly open bottle will expose the extract to air, causing alkaloid oxidation and a loss of potency.

The high potency of kratom extract makes secure storage even more essential. Keeping it out of reach and sight of children. Consider storing your extract in a locked cabinet. 

That completes this guide to making kratom extract! Ready to experiment? I recommend the solvent evaporation or water extraction method. These are the most cost-effective ways of creating kratom extract and are more likely to bring success than the steam distillation approach.