We're back, and we're ready to share our new experiences. Over the last couple of weeks, we here at HH have made some new friends and have come to the point of reviewing the products provided. One of the awesome things we've been witnessing is the increase of availability regarding options for kratom and other ethno-products, vapes and more... So our goal is to try to and keep up, so to provide current and new customers with good information and quality reviews.
First up is a product from BonaFide Kratom.
The year they established is unknown to HH, but they are new to our circles of retailers. That being said, we're happy to say that the company has a rather engaged social media team, providing content and responses in a timely manner, and not balking at inquisitions.
It should be noted that while the company reports to import the product throughout their website, they do not specify the region of origin any closer than "Southeast Asia." As many of us know, kratom originated in this part of the world, but is both imported and locally grown. For the kratom aficionado, it may be frustrating to have this lack of specificity. Personally, we don't find this an automatic reason to avoid products, so much as a reason to either inquire about the region of origin (meaning even moreso than simply "Thailand"... What part of Thailand?) or to anticipate possible variation until experience says otherwise.
When looking through the website, comparing the pricing to other retailers and distributors currently on the market, BonaFide Kratom carries comparable-sized products at about the standard market price, if not under. They are a smidge cheaper for some strains, but not enough to indicate that they are lower quality... Our guess is that they operate with lower overhead, or are still working on their customer base. If these prices stay, and all strains hold up, they just might win us over!
Another big plus in our book is that you checkout through Amazon Payments, rather than a 3rd party unknown credit card company or PayPal. We like working with Amazon Payments for a variety of reasons, and seeing companies utilizing the pay services offered by Amazon as opposed to other options is great. BFK also appears to support payment via BitCoin for those individuals that have taken the time to go that route.
One of the downsides with BFK is that they do not clearly offer capsule options, and do not have capsule machines available for purchase. This means that if you want to try their kratom, you have to be prepared for powder. If you like making teas and smoothies with kratom, this is no issue, but for those of us that prefer to just eat the kratom, it can be very hard to eat a full and accurate dose of kratom when getting powder. Granted, buying capsule form is typically a little more expensive *but* the convenience is nice. It should be noted that we did receive a packet that had capsules, so the company may actually have this option, but it is not clearly designated for order on the site and may not be a regular offering.
We originally contacted them to ask which of their strain offerings they would consider the "flagship" of their company (that is, the strain or product that they felt sets them above the other options currently on the market). They suggested Red Vein Thai, so we thought, what better way to start things?
Along with our delivery of Red Vein Thai, we got a powder sampler pack. This sampler pack provides an ample sample of each strain they offer so that new customers can try before they buy a large order. This sample pack is an exceptional value price-wise, and provides a generous amount of kratom on the whole, particularly in comparison to other companies providing samplers.
Inspection of the product before use was encouraging. The caps appear to be manufactured with care and using quality components. There is very little dust, and they were safely packed and shipped in a cushioned envelop as well. This level of care does come with a vote of confidence for the pride the company takes in providing quality options.
Even though the dosing with these caps was lower than the typical Master Flash dosage, she went on to toss the caps back and wait.
After about fifteen minutes, it became apparent that the caps had started to break down. A slight belch brought the unmistakable sense of kratom, and almost caused the product to kick up. Despite the suggestion to take on an empty stomach, the Flash opted to have a small snack and a lot of water to help move the kratom down into the belly.
In about 30-40 minutes, a certain sense of relaxation started to creep in. Not a significant, sedated relaxation, but more of a soothed muscle type of relaxation. There was a flowing sensation of mild pain relief and tranquility, and honestly, with the dosing, we thought that's where it would stay. We were wrong.
It took a little while longer than expected, but with patience, a more profound sense of pain relief and calm began to permeate the body. Back pain eased, and a sense of energy was to be had despite the chill out factor. Opting to engage in mild physical activity, it was noted that there was a distinct lack of muscle ache and fatigue, supporting the idea that this strain could provide reasonable relief of nerve pain issues that would otherwise discourage an individual from being active. A big bonus. ***Please note that kratom requires an increase of hydration, and adding physical activity may not be recommended for individuals prone to dehydration. Always drink ample water while partaking of kratom therapy***
After approximately 3 hours since the onset of effect, the benefits were still active and engaged in the system. Body pain and tension was significantly reduced, and a general improved sense of well-being successfully and significantly present. The sensation of warmth was not profound, but was present, as is common with many stronger strains, thus increasing the desire for water. No body temperature was taken however, as the increase seemed rather minimal.
When Master Flash eventually made it to bed, relaxation into the bed was quick, and sleep was easy.
When the effects had worn off approximately 6-7 hours after onset, a fairly noticeable headache settled in. This is not uncommon for kratom use, especially higher/complex alkaloid combinations, so it was not alarming or disappointing per se. We suspect that this strain may induce more dehydration than others we have tried, as water seemed to alleviate at least some of this headache. Even after acute effects dissipated, a lingering headache persisted, but so did a dulling of body pain and nerve damage discomfort, which is a rather pleasant surprise.
Overall, we conclude that this was a relative success regarding potency, experience and quality. A huge plus when starting off with a new company, for sure! We can absolutely understand why this kratom is a top seller for the peeps at BonaFide Kratom. Due to the potency of the 3.5g dose, we recommend that this strain be taken by individuals who are already familiar with kratom and how it may affect them in general, and who have taken some of the milder strains. We will be reviewing some of BFK's milder options in later postings.
Pros:
Potent at standard dose
Clean, neat packaging
Effective pain relief and nerve calming
May be effective to treat anxiety/induce relaxation
Did not cause drowsiness, but seems to improve sleep
Cons:
Region of origin relatively unclear
Dehydration seems more significant
Rebound headache
We're going to give this strain a rather solid 8 out of 10 nods. At this time, we would encourage readers to check out the availability from BonaFide Kratom to see if the options are right for you, as well as check them out on Twitter @bonafidekratom
You can follow Herbal Headventures on Facebook or on Twitter @QuasitaLynn
Have a product you'd like us to review before you buy? Let us know in the comments, or by sending us a message, and we'll do our best to make it happen!
