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Does Kratom Expire? How Long It Lasts & Kratom Shelf Life

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To enjoy dried kratom powder to the fullest and retain its maximum health benefits, you should ensure that your kratom is fresh and in the best condition possible. This begs the question: does kratom expire? And how long does kratom last? Here, the experts at Kratora will answer all your questions about kratom degradation, kratom shelf life, and kratom expiration. Learning as much as you can about the herb is the best way to ensure you have the best experience possible!

Does Kratom Expire?

In short, yes, kratom does expire. Kratom is a plant, and like all living matter, it will naturally decay over time. When kratom is properly dried and preserved, however, it can last for an impressive amount of time.

Think of kitchen herbs. Many people are unaware that their store-bought spices expire, but over time, even well-dried and preserved herbs can lose their flavor and any potential benefits. Have you ever tried to use a ten-year-old jar of oregano only to find that not only did it fail to enhance your meal, but it also had a stale, unpleasant flavor? Likewise, have you ever brewed a cup of tea with an old teabag you found in the back of the pantry, only to find the taste was less than satisfactory, and the caffeine wasn’t hitting your system at all?

The same can happen with kratom expiration. Expired kratom is not likely to hurt you, but it’s not going to have the same taste or desired effects.

Additionally, certain chemical effects can cause kratom to expire. Prolonged exposure to oxygen can cause the alkaloid mitragynine, found in kratom, to degrade into a less effective substance. We’ll go through how to store your kratom properly below.

 

 

Understanding Kratom and Its Composition

Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, contains several active compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids interact with receptors in the brain to produce effects ranging from pain relief to stimulation, depending on the dosage. The stability of these compounds over time is influenced by various factors, such as exposure to air, light, and moisture. Understanding kratom’s composition is crucial for maintaining its efficacy, as improper storage can lead to degradation and a reduction in potency.

How Long Does Kratom Last?

The duration for which kratom remains effective depends largely on its form and storage conditions. Properly stored kratom powder can maintain its potency for up to one year, though its effectiveness may start to decline after six months. Kratom capsules may last slightly longer due to the protective nature of the capsules but still require appropriate storage. Liquid kratom extracts generally have a shorter shelf life and should be used within a few months to ensure maximum effectiveness. Storing kratom in a cool, dry, and dark environment is crucial for preserving its quality.

There are a variety of different factors that can impact how long kratom lasts such as:

  • The strain of kratom
  • How the kratom is preserved (e.g. dried powder, liquid, or capsules)
  • In what temperature, light, and humidity you store the kratom
  • In what container you store the kratom
  • Where you purchased the kratom from

Generally, kratom powder can last several months if kept in optimal conditions. The more recently your kratom was growing fresh in the ground, the better, so try to buy only as much kratom as you think you’ll need in the next few months. If you have multiple people in your household using kratom on a regular basis, you shouldn’t have to worry about kratom expiration if you follow the right storage advice and purchase your kratom regularly.

For kratom capsules and liquid kratom, the manufacturing process can vary. There is no universal instruction we can recommend for these products because of how widely they vary, so find this information on your individual product. No matter the type of kratom you purchase, always refer to the kratom shelf life details on your individual package!

Is It Harmful To Use Expired Kratom?

There’s a difference between the questions “does kratom expire” and “can kratom go bad?” “Expired” just means that kratom is past its sell-by date. But that doesn’t mean it’s actually harmful.

Expired kratom won’t hurt you, but it won’t have the same potency, either. If you use kratom after the recommended shelf life is over, you’re unlikely to experience the maximum benefits that make kratom use so popular, such as:

Mold, however, can make you very sick. Throw away moldy kratom. Do not use kratom exposed to moisture and fallen victim to any kind of mold. It’s not enough to pull off the mold and use the kratom beneath: any amount of kratom that has been partially exposed to mold can contain microscopic, invisible spores that can be just as harmful. Don’t risk it!

How Can I Best Preserve and Store My Kratom So It Doesn’t Expire?

For dried kratom, store it much in the way you would store fine herbs or tea leaves. So your kratom doesn’t expire prematurely, follow these instructions:

  • Keep kratom in a cool, dry place.
  • Do not freeze or refrigerate your kratom, as that can introduce moisture and promote mold.
  • Keep it away from direct UV light.
  • Store kratom in an airtight container to minimize oxygen exposure.
  • Purchase your kratom from a trusted, high-quality supplier.
  • When storing a new package of kratom, don’t mix it with the old kratom — use a separate container, or empty the old one first.

This is just a brief overview of correct kratom storage. To best avoid kratom expiration, read our extensive guide on how to store your kratom properly.

Factors That Influence How Long Kratom Lasts

There are a variety of factors that will influence how long kratom lasts in its freshest state. Below are a few different elements that will impact how long it takes for your kratom products to expire:

Exposure to Air

Air exposure can cause the alkaloids in kratom to oxidize, leading to a decrease in potency. To minimize this, store kratom in airtight containers. This reduces oxygen contact, preserving the strength and effectiveness of the kratom over time.

Light Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) light can degrade kratom’s active compounds. Storing kratom in a dark environment or using opaque containers can help protect it from harmful light exposure, ensuring that the alkaloids remain intact and potent.

Moisture Levels

Moisture is a significant threat to kratom’s shelf life, as it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Moldy kratom is unsafe to consume and should be discarded. To prevent moisture buildup, store kratom in a dry place, ideally with a desiccant packet to absorb any excess humidity.

Temperature

High temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of kratom’s alkaloids, reducing its effectiveness. For optimal storage, keep kratom in a cool place. Avoid areas with fluctuating temperatures, as these can contribute to faster degradation.

Form of Kratom

The form in which kratom is stored also affects its longevity:

  • Kratom Powder: When stored properly, kratom powder can remain effective for up to one year, though potency may decrease after six months.
  • Kratom Capsules: Capsules may offer slightly better protection against environmental factors, potentially extending their shelf life beyond that of loose powder.
  • Kratom Extracts: Liquid extracts generally have a shorter shelf life compared to powder and capsules and should be used within a few months to maintain maximum potency.

Proper Storage Techniques

Implementing effective storage techniques is crucial for preserving kratom’s quality:

  • Use Airtight Containers: This minimizes air exposure and helps maintain alkaloid stability.
  • Keep in a Cool, Dark Place: Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures to prevent degradation.
  • Store in a Dry Environment: Utilize desiccant packets and keep kratom away from moisture to prevent mold growth.

By understanding and managing these factors, you can significantly extend the shelf life of your kratom, ensuring that it remains potent and safe for use over time. Proper storage is essential to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of this natural product.

Buy Your Kratom From a Trusted Source

Can kratom go bad? Yes it can. But the best way to ensure your kratom will stay fresher for longer is to purchase it from a trusted source. The higher quality the kratom is from the moment it starts growing in the ground, the longer the kratom shelf life you’ll have.

Kratora is a high-quality kratom retailer that prioritizes safe storage and transportation so your kratom product will arrive at your door in excellent condition. At Kratora, we have sourced our kratom from the same trusted suppliers since 2013, ensuring quality control and purity the entire time. When you buy kratom from Kratora, you can enjoy the maximum natural benefits this incredible plant has to offer without worrying about a quick expiry time.

We hope this guide has given you valuable information beyond just answering the question “can kratom go bad?” For more information on this remarkable natural plant, peruse our extensive kratom blog. The more you know about kratom, the better effect it can have on your overall wellness and happiness!

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Does Kratom Last

How can I tell if my kratom has mold? 

The two best tests for moldy kratom are the sight test and the smell test. Certain types of mold, like powdery mildew, are easy to identify on account of their splotchy white and gray appearance. Other types of mold might look like a thin spider web or subtle discoloration. If your kratom smells musty (like a wet basement), this is another sign that you need to toss the product in the garbage.

How can I know if kratom is fresh when I buy it? 

Some kratom products will have a date of harvest posted on the packaging. If this information isn’t available, check the date on the 3rd party lab report. Kratom is generally lab-tested shortly after harvest, so this should give you some indication of the product’s freshness.

How does a kratom’s strain affect its longevity? 

Different kratom strains have different concentrations of key alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These concentrations may have an effect on how long kratom remains potent (as higher alkaloid concentrations are traceable for longer amounts of time), but this difference is usually minimal. For instance, Maeng Da kratom may retain potency for longer than many other strains, and kratom extracts are likely to maintain measurable potency for longer than standard kratom products.

Want to learn more about kratom quality and value? Start here:
Why Buying Cheap Kratom Can Be Dangerous

Author Bio

Colleen

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Colleen is a part owner of Kratora along with her brother David. Kratora was founded in 2013 by David with Colleen joining the team later in 2017. The siblings were born and raised in the Bay Area and spent most of their professional years working in Silicon Valley. Their interest in botanicals began in the early 2000s as they cared for a sick family member and quickly grew into the passion that formed Kratora.

Colleen and the team at Kratora are dedicated to providing the best quality botanicals on the market along with the best customer service. They believe their loyal customers are what makes Kratora so special! Over their many years in business it has always brought them joy to work with their customers and see how botanicals are changing lives for the better.

Kratora’s vision is to help their customers live a better life by consistently providing the highest quality, safest, and purest botanicals on the market. Colleen and her team specialize in regular kratom, kratom extracts, liquid kratom, even kratom gummies — plus a lot of kratom alternative products. Kratora is always looking to expand their product line while remaining true to their high standards.

Colleen believes in transparency between the Kratora team and the expert farmers in South Asia which is why they follow Fair Trade policies. Without these farmers, Kratora would not have any products to sell. As part of Colleen’s commitment in providing the highest quality botanicals, Kratora invests highly into third-party lab testing for all of the products they sell.

In Business Since

2013

# Of Satisfied Customers

70,000 +

Overall Review Rating

4.9/5

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