Kratom Potentiation: The Complete Guide

If you’re looking to heighten the effects of kratom, potentiation may be the answer. To put it in its simplest terms, a kratom potentiator is any substance—be it a food, herb, or drug—that enhances the kratom experience, either by increasing the potency, increasing the duration of effects, or speeding up the onset of effects. Some of the best kratom potentiators can even do all of the above. 

How Does Kratom Potentiation Work? 

Most kratom potentiators work by inhibiting specific enzymes in the body, thereby allowing the kratom alkaloids to work more effectively. 

Kratom potentiators are used for a variety of reasons: 

• To heighten the benefits of kratom (such as by promoting more energy, more relaxation, greater focus, etc…) 
• To increase the strength of kratom for those who have been using it for a while 
• To combine kratom’s natural effects with additional health effects or benefits 

There are a lot of excellent potentiators available, some of which you may already have in your home. 

The Best Kratom Potentiators 

Here are some of the most common and easily accessible kratom potentiators. You can find most of these at your local supermarket or pharmacy. 

Grapefruit 

Grapefruit is arguably the most popular kratom potentiator. Grapefruit is believed to enhance the effects of kratom by inhibiting the CYP450 enzyme, thereby increasing the bioavailability of important substances in the small intestines and enhancing the effectiveness of kratom alkaloids. 

Grapefruit juice may give you the maximum benefit here, as it’s quickly digested and rich in enzymes that may help to break down kratom. This means that kratom may take effect more quickly. 

CBD 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural, non-psychotropic compound found in the cannabis and hemp plant. It has become popular in recent years for its potential benefits, but you may not know that it’s one of the best kratom potentiators. 

CBD is another CYP450 inhibitor, which makes it uniquely effective at heightening the effects of kratom. In addition, CYP (cytochrome) inhibitors are some of the best potentiators for the purpose of increasing the duration of effects. CBD and kratom go hand in hand. 

Turmeric 

Turmeric, a richly aromatic yellow powder in the ginger family, is another excellent kratom potentiator. Turmeric’s main active compound is curcumin, which serves as a powerful CYP3A4 inhibitor. In addition, turmeric is a mild NMDA antagonist. 

The NMDA receptor regulates a number of neurological functions like learning, memory, and breathing, and NMDA antagonists may slow the progression of kratom tolerance for some. So when turmeric is used as a kratom potentiator, it may help to ensure that the potency doesn’t diminish as quickly over time. 

Black Pepper 

A pinch of black pepper can serve as an instant and powerful source of kratom potentiation. The benefit comes thanks to piperine, a natural alkaloid that gives black pepper its pungent flavor. Piperine is a bioavailability enhancer that allows different types of substances to be absorbed more readily by the body. Best of all, you probably have plenty of black pepper available in your pantry right now. 

Watercress 

Though once regarded as a mere garnish, watercress has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years as a versatile superfood. The potential benefits of watercress include blood pressure regulation, diabetes regulation, and even cancer prevention—as it’s extremely rich in antioxidants. 

In addition, watercress is an inhibitor of the CYP450 enzyme. As a result, it may help the effects of kratom to come on stronger and last longer. 

Black Seed Oil 

Black cumin seed, or black seed, is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. The antioxidant-rich oil from black seeds is also highly effective for kratom potentiation. Black seed oil is an inhibitor of numerous CYP enzymes including CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6. In addition to enhancing the potency of kratom, some users report that black seed oil reduces the negative side effects that can set in when kratom’s effects wear off. 

Cat’s Claw 

Cat’s Claw is a South American plant that’s commonly used as a natural health supplement. Although it doesn’t contain the types of enzyme inhibitors found in many kratom potentiators, it still makes an excellent complement to kratom because it contains several alkaloids that behave similarly to kratom alkaloids. As a result, it may help to boost some of kratom’s most notable effects. 

Freezing 

One of the best kratom potentiators is not a product at all. Simply submerge your kratom in water, shake it up, and put it in the freezer for about two hours. Freezing kratom causes the cell walls to burst, releasing the alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. This type of kratom potentiation results in better bioavailability and heightened effects. 

Other Ways to Take Your Kratom Experience Further 

If you’re looking to get more from your kratom experience and you’re not achieving the desired result from kratom potentiation, there are other ways to boost kratom’s effects. For example, you can try taking a tolerance break. Put the kratom away for at least a couple of weeks (or up to a month), and then come back to it. 

Another simple way to boost the experience is by purchasing more potent products. Kratom extracts are an excellent choice because the alkaloids are concentrated into a richer, more potent product. Kratora carries 25x kratom powder extracts and even 50x kratom powder extracts, as well as enhanced kratom products. 

If the whole concept of kratom potentiation is new to you, the best approach is to try different potentiators and enhancements until you find the one that works best. It costs very little to get more from your kratom, but it just might give you way more bang for your buck. 

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