So, you’re new to kratom and you’re trying to figure out whether or not it's going to expire. You’re googling far and wide, but for some reason you keep coming up with different answers. The truth is, just like any other natural product, kratom does expire, but the exact date depends on various different factors. In this article we’ll help you understand the reasons why kratom has a shelf life, the factors that influence it's longevity, and why the word ‘expire’ doesn’t translate to harm when it comes to kratom. We’ll also give you some tips on what you can personally do today to stretch that kratom expiration date out as long as possible.
Kratom Does Have a Shelf Life
Before we get to the science behind why kratom expires, we first need to finally put an end to one of the many myths about kratom. Contrary to the belief that you can buy bulk kratom and keep it for years without worry, it simply isn’t true. Just like other natural products, kratom does have a shelf life. Let's create a scenario, shall we? You decide to purchase kratom in bulk because you see that you can get a much better deal and you want to save some money. After it comes, you realize with the serving size you take, and being that you only use kratom once or twice a week, you most likely won’t reach the bottom of that pouch for at least a year or two. What you’ll notice the following year and as time goes on, is even though your kratom isn’t harming you when you take it, you’re realizing you’re not getting the same effects and benefits from it. You might start to wonder if maybe you’re getting a tolerance, but the truth is, your kratom simply isn’t as potent as it used to be. The easiest way to explain this is to compare kratom to another wonderful and beloved herb, which is tea. Like kratom, as time goes on tea will start to lose some of the qualities that make it great. The taste will become less flavorful, it will lose its aroma, and you’ll notice a weaker cup in terms of caffeine. Just like tea, Kratom will lose its potency. Another thing you’ll start to notice is a slight change in color. What was once a bright green powder, now seems to be a little darker. This becomes especially true if left out in direct sunlight, but, no matter how much time has gone by, if stored properly, kratom will never harm you. That's why when using the word ‘expired’ it's important to keep in mind exactly what that means when it comes to kratom.
Understanding Kratom’s Shelf Life
When discussing kratom’s shelf life, it's important to remember that kratom comes in various forms. Some might prefer powder and capsules, while others prefer extracts. No matter which form it comes in, the primary alkaloids that are responsible for its effects stay the same. These alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and like any other organic material, they are susceptible to degradation over time. When these alkaloids begin to break down, that's when the effects of kratom become noticeably diminished. As stated in the previous section, its important to understand that kratom doesn't ‘expire’ in the same sense, as, say perishable foods. That's why as we continue to discuss kratom’s expiration date, it’s important to remember we’re referring to its quality and effectiveness.
When Does Kratom Start To Expire?
After its first harvest, kratom will be at its peak potency for 1-3 months. After 12 weeks, kratom will start to degrade. This is especially true if exposed to sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity. Because kratom can come in different forms, with those different forms come different expiration timelines. Here’s some of the different forms and how long you can expect them to stay at peak potency:
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Kratom Leaves:
This is the unprocessed form of kratom and will stay fresh for 1-3 months, which is the shortest of all the forms.
This is the most popular form of kratom and usually comes in air-tight stand-up pouches, or vacuum-sealed bags. If kratom powder is kept in its original NuKine Wellness resealable pouch, you can expect it to keep its peak potency for 3-6 months. If kept in a vacuum-sealed bag, kratom powder can keep its peak potency for 12 months or even longer.
Kratom capsules are simply kratom powder that is stored in gelatin or vegan capsules. This is a great long term storage idea and will keep your kratom powder fresh for up to 12 months.
These are liquid forms of kratom extract that is usually sold as kratom shots. This form has the longest shelf life. Because these are bottled and sold in airtight containers, you can expect your kratom tincture to keep its potency for a minimum of 2 years.
It’s important to remember that these timelines are estimates based on maintaining proper storage. Many different factors can affect the longevity of kratom shelf life, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Factors That Effect Kratom’s Shelf Life
A lot of different factors come into play when figuring out kratom’s shelf life. Here’s some of the factors:
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Oxidation:
Exposure to air can lead to oxidation, which causes the active compounds in kratom to break down. When these compounds breakdown, this leads to a reduction in potency. In order to minimize oxidation, it's extremely important to make sure you store your kratom in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.
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Moisture:
This is the most important factor to keep in mind. The reason its the most important is because this is the one factor that, if not taken into account, can actually cause you harm. No matter what, you always want to make sure that your kratom is dry. Never freeze or refrigerate your kratom, and if you ever notice any of it got wet inside your container, be safe and throw it away. Kratom powder is susceptible to moisture, which can promote the growth of mold, making your kratom unsafe for consumption. This is why proper storage in a dry environment is essential to prevent moisture-related issues.
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Temperature:
We’ve mentioned that high heat can rapidly degrade kratom’s potency, but fluctuations in temperature can also accelerate the degradation of kratom's alkaloids. To prevent this and preserve your kratom’s potency, always make sure to store your kratom in a cool, dark, temperature-stable environment.
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Quality of the Product:
You may not realize it, but the freshness and quality of your kratom at the time of purchase plays a huge role in determining its overall shelf life. If you start off with a low-quality product, as it begins to degrade, you can expect to feel almost zero effects and receive none of its benefits. Reputable vendors with higher quality product will always yield a longer shelf life. Numerous kratom consumers report purchasing kratom from bulk vendors at attractive prices. However, they quickly realize afterward the low price they paid reflects the quality of the kratom they purchased. That’s why it’s important to always purchase your kratom from a company like NuKine Wellness, who puts quality first and offers fair pricing.
Signs of Expired Kratom
While kratom doesn't necessarily expire the same way as perishable food does, it still degrades over time, which leads to a decrease in potency. Here’s some signs that your Kratom might be past its prime:
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Reduced Potency:
Speaking of a “decrease in potency”, what better way to tell if your kratom is starting to lose its magic than not feeling its effects? If you start to see that you are not receiving the same benefits from your kratom as before, chances are your kratom is past its prime and starting to expire.
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Change in Aroma and Flavor:
If you purchase your kratom from a reputable vendor, one of the first things you’ll notice, is the fresh earthy aroma. This characteristic is a sign that your kratom powder has just recently been harvested and ground. Over time, just like another amazing herb, tea, kratom powder starts to lose its aroma. This change in scent is a sign that the quality of your kratom is no longer what it once was.
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Unpleasant Smell or Appearance:
Another scent to look out for is not only the lose of aroma, but an unpleasant one. If you notice an off-putting smell, this is a sign that your kratom has expired. Also, if your kratom doesn't look quite right and appears to have a strange discoloration, err on the side of caution and discard it.
Extending Kratom’s Shelf Life
Now that we’ve gone over all the expiration signs to look out for, let's go over some of the ways to help make sure you never see those signs at all. To maximize the shelf life of your kratom and stretch out peak potency as much as possible, consider the following tips:
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Proper Storage:
Store your kratom in a cool, dark, and dry place. A kitchen cabinet is a great and convenient storage spot. Also, make sure to keep your kratom in an airtight container. If you were looking to store for an extended period of time, think about using a vacuum-sealed bag. Capsules is another great choice for long-term storage. You can opt to either fill them yourself using a capsule filling machine, or conveniently purchase your capsules pre-filled from NuKine Wellness. For short term storage, glass jars with rubber seals work great and look really cool, but a plastic airtight container is easier to stack and won’t break if you drop it. Whichever you choose, all these options will help make sure you minimize exposure to air and moisture. To learn more about the best types of kratom storage, read our 'Top 10 Best Kratom Accessories' article.
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Do Not Freeze or Refrigerate:
Freezing and refrigerating is beneficial when it comes to a lot of products, but when it comes to kratom, it’s the ultimate no-no. Once thawed, moisture can lead to mold, which can be harmful to your health.
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Purchase in Smaller Quantities:
Another great option that most vendors probably won’t tell you, is consider purchasing in smaller quantities. While most vendors offer better pricing at higher quantities, your kratom could potentially expire before you have a chance to use it, resulting in a waste of money. NuKine Wellness conveniently offers kratom powder in six different sizes: 1oz, 2oz, 4oz, 8oz, 500 grams, and 1kg.
Conclusion:
As you can see, understanding the shelf life of kratom is crucial to ensure you get the most out of your Mitragyna Speciosa. While kratom doesn't exactly ‘expire’ like perishable foods do, it does start to degrade over time and lose its potency. By storing your kratom properly and looking out for the signs of degradation, you can extend the shelf life of your Kratom for a long time. Always make sure to purchase Kratom from reputable sources, and keep in mind that, like any natural substance, kratom’s potency is at its highest when used within a reasonable timeframe.
Remember, the secret to extending the potency of your kratom is choosing the best reputable online vendor. At NuKine Wellness, we take pride in offering the highest quality kratom that retains its potency for longer periods. Our commitment to purity, potency, and responsible sourcing ensures that each batch delivers an extended shelf life. Don't compromise on the safety, potency, and longevity of your Kratom – visit NuKineWellness.com today and experience the difference firsthand.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended to provide general information only. The content of this article does not constitute medical, health, benefit advice, and it does not attempt to provide advice relevant to your specific circumstances. Kratom has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any diseases or health conditions. Any information on this website is presented solely as the opinions of its respective authors, who do not claim to be medical professionals providing medical advice in any way, shape, or form.
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