Toss and Wash Kratom: What You Need to Know Before Trying This Technique
toss and wash kratom
Kratom users have discovered many ways to consume this herbal powder, but one method stands out for its simplicity and speed: toss and wash. If you’re new to kratom or just curious about this technique, this guide will explain what toss and wash is, how to do it, and how it compares to taking kratom in capsules. By the end, you’ll understand why this approach is popular among kratom enthusiasts and how to use it safely and effectively.
What Is Toss and Wash Kratom?
Toss and wash is a straightforward method of ingesting kratom powder. As the name suggests, you “toss” a measured amount of kratom powder directly into your mouth and then “wash” it down by drinking water or another beverage. In other words, you’re not brewing tea or mixing kratom into food – you simply swallow the raw powder with the help of a drink. This no-fuss approach appeals to people who want to avoid extra preparation or equipment, making it one of the quickest and easiest ways to take kratom.
One reason toss and wash became popular is that it minimizes kratom’s notorious bitter taste. Kratom powder can taste very bitter and earthy, which some find hard to tolerate. By washing it down quickly (often with a flavored drink), you reduce how long the taste lingers.
This method also allows for fast effects, since the powder isn’t encapsulated or mixed into food that needs digestion. Experienced users often praise toss and wash as the fastest way to get kratom’s effects because the alkaloids are absorbed quickly without waiting for a capsule to dissolve. However, the trade-off is that you may still taste a bit of the bitterness, and the dry powder can be tricky to swallow for first-timers. Toss and wash is simple in concept, but doing it correctly takes a little practice.
How to Toss and Wash Kratom?
Done properly, the toss and wash technique is quick and effective. Follow these basic steps to toss and wash kratom safely:
| Step | Title | What to do & key tips |
|---|---|---|
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1
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Measure Your Dose
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Use a digital scale (or measuring spoon) to measure the kratom powder accurately; avoid guessing. Many beginners start around 1-2 g and adjust later.
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2
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Prepare Your Beverage
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Pour water or a flavored drink and keep it within arm’s reach. Orange juice or other sweet/acidic drinks help mask bitterness. Avoid carbonated soda (fizz makes swallowing harder).
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3
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Toss the Kratom Powder
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Tilt head slightly back, open mouth, and tip the measured powder onto your tongue (spoon or small cup). Do not inhale while powder is in your mouth: the fine powder can irritate the throat. If a single spoonful feels like too much, split into two smaller tosses to reduce gagging.
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4
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Wash It Down
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Drink immediately, swish to mix, then swallow. Aim to wash everything down in one go. Take a second sip if residue remains; keep sipping until the powder is cleared. Once swallowed, you’ve completed the toss and wash.
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That’s all there is to it. Remember to go slowly the first few times – if you feel any powder catching in your throat or you start to cough, drink more water to rinse it down. With practice, the process becomes quick and routine.
How Much Kratom to Toss and Wash?
| Step | Dosage Level | Guidelines & Safety Information |
|---|---|---|
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1
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Beginner Start
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Start with 0.5-2 grams for first-time users. A level teaspoon equals roughly 2 grams. Starting small helps gauge kratom’s effects and makes swallowing easier.
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2
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Test & Adjust
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After trying 1-2 grams, wait to assess effects. Adjust gradually by 0.5 grams at a time until you reach desired effects. Never rush the process.
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3
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Moderate Range
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For most people, a moderate kratom dose is 3-5 grams. This range typically provides desired effects without excessive intensity for regular users.
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4
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Strong Doses
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Above 5 grams is considered strong. High doses can have sedative, opioid-like effects and greater risk of side effects. Stay on the lower end if inexperienced.
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5
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Daily Limits
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Maximum 2.4 grams per dose (some guidelines). No more than 2 doses per day, roughly 5 grams daily maximum. High daily intake leads to tolerance and other issues.
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6
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Best Practice
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Use minimum effective dose to avoid tolerance. Moderation is key for both safety and effectiveness. Less is often more with kratom.
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For beginners, it’s wise to start very low – around 0.5 to 2 grams of kratom powder. In fact, 1–2 grams is often recommended as a starter dose for someone new to kratom. This might be about a level teaspoon of powder (a level teaspoon of loose kratom is roughly 2 grams, though it can vary). Using a small dose not only helps you gauge kratom’s effects on your body, but it’s also easier to toss and wash without coughing. Less powder = easier swallowing, which means a better experience for first-timers.
After you see how 1–2 grams feels, you can adjust your dosage gradually. Many users increase by about 0.5 grams at a time until they reach the desired effect. Always give your body time to respond before taking more. For most people, a moderate kratom dose is in the range of ~3–5 grams, and anything above that is considered strong. In fact, mainstream sources note that high doses (over ~5 grams) can have sedative, opioid-like effects and greater risk of side effects. It’s best to stay on the lower end if you’re not experienced.
Even for seasoned users, moderation is key. A common guideline (advocated by some kratom organizations) is not to exceed 2.4 grams per dose, and no more than two doses in a day. In other words, roughly 5 grams per day total maximum. While many regular users do take more than this, it’s a good safety benchmark for a general audience. High daily intake of kratom can lead to tolerance and other issues, so using the minimum effective dose is always a smart approach.
Best Way to Toss and Wash Kratom (Tips and Tricks)
Although toss and wash is simple, a few best practices can make it even smoother. Here are some tips to improve your toss and wash experience:
- Choose the Right Drink: Pick a beverage that will help mask the taste and texture of kratom. Plain water works, but many users find orange juice or other citrus juices ideal. The sweetness and acidity of orange juice can nearly eliminate the bitter taste and may even boost kratom’s effects (citrus is thought to act as a potentiator). Avoid carbonated drinks like soda – the bubbles make the powder harder to swallow smoothly. Also, use a room-temperature or warm drink rather than ice-cold, since very cold liquids can cause the powder to clump.
- Set Up Before You Toss: Always have everything ready before you put kratom in your mouth. Measure out your dose and pour your beverage in advance. The worst scenario is ending up with a mouthful of dry powder and no drink at hand. By setting up first, you can toss and wash in one seamless motion without panic.
- Use Proper Technique: When dumping the powder in your mouth, try to drop it onto the middle of your tongue (not the back of your throat) to avoid triggering a gag reflex. Keep your mouth closed and do not inhale through your mouth at all during this step – breathe through your nose. If a full spoonful is too intimidating, split the dose into two smaller portions and take them one at a time. It’s better to do two small toss-and-washes than to choke on one big one.
- Consider the “Mix and Wash” Method: If you find the dry powder too unpleasant, you can try a slight variation. Put your measured kratom dose into a small cup or bottle with a little water or juice, then stir or shake to make a suspension. Drink that mixture quickly, then follow with more of your beverage to wash down anything remaining. This “mix and wash” still delivers kratom fast, but can be easier for those who struggle with the dry powder.
- Start Small if New: The toss and wash method can feel strange at first. If you’re new to it, don’t challenge yourself with a huge amount of powder right away. Start with a small kratom serving (even less than a teaspoon) until you get used to the sensation. As you become comfortable, you can work up to a full dose. Always have extra water on hand in case you need to rinse your mouth again. Patience and practice go a long way toward mastering toss and wash.
Kratom Capsules vs. Toss and Wash

You might be wondering how the toss-and-wash method stacks up against using kratom capsules, another popular way to take kratom. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your priorities.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Toss & Wash |
Pros
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Cons
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| Capsules |
Pros
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Cons
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In contrast, toss and wash can start working in as little as 10 minutes for some, since the powder is immediately available to digest. Capsules also tend to be more expensive than buying plain powder. You pay for the convenience of someone encapsulating it for you.
If you take larger doses, you might need to swallow many capsules to equal the same grams of powder, which can be tedious. And while rare, some people have gelatin or plant fiber allergies or sensitivities that make capsules less ideal (most kratom capsules are made of gelatin or vegetable cellulose).
Conclusion
Toss and wash is a tried-and-true method in the kratom community, offering a quick, direct way to consume kratom powder without any fancy preparation. For a general audience, the key takeaways are that this method can deliver kratom’s effects rapidly and efficiently, but you should be prepared for the strong taste and take care to do it correctly.
If you decide to try toss and wash, start with small doses, use a tasty beverage, and be patient with yourself as you get the hang of it. Many people find that with a little practice, toss and wash becomes a simple part of their routine – just scoop, sip, and go.