The HVB Journal
Stories from the leaf.
Sourcing notes, lab-testing explainers, strain guides, and legality updates from a one-person kratom company in the Hudson Valley. Written by the founder, not an agency.
Sourcing transparency
Lab-tested every batch
Updated regularly
Written by the founder
Written in the Hudson Valley
Recent writing
Fresh from the desk, newest first.
Every article from the HVB Journal, in order.
Understanding Kratom: A Plain-Language Guide to the Plant
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree in the coffee family, native to Southeast Asia. For generations, farmers and laborers...
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Kratom Strains Explained: Red, Green, and White Vein Varieties
Walk through any kratom catalog and you meet a wall of names: Red Bali, Green Malay, White Maeng Da, Yellow...
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How to Choose Quality Kratom: A Buyer's Guide to Finding Pure Products
With the growing popularity of kratom, an estimated 10-16 million Americans now use it regularly, the market has become saturated...
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Kratom Preparation Methods: From Traditional Tea to Modern Techniques
One of the beautiful aspects of kratom is the variety of ways it can be enjoyed. From time-honored traditional methods...
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Is Kratom Legal? A Plain State-by-State Framework
Kratom's legal status in the United States is not one rule but a patchwork. It is legal under federal law,...
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Kratom Safety and Best Practices: A Responsible User's Guide
Like any botanical supplement, kratom should be approached with knowledge and respect. This guide covers essential safety information, responsible use...
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Kratom Dosing Guide: Finding Your Perfect Amount for Optimal Results
Finding the right kratom dose is both an art and a science. Unlike standardized pharmaceuticals, kratom is a natural botanical...
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Understanding Lab Testing and COAs: Why Third-Party Testing Matters
The single most useful question you can ask a kratom seller is a boring one: can I see the lab...
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Kratom for Energy and Focus: Best Strains and Usage Tips for Productivity
Certain kratom strains and doses are traditionally used for energizing and focus-enhancing properties. This guide explores how to use kratom...
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What Is 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)? Facts, Science, and What Consumers Should Know
If you follow kratom news, you have likely seen the term 7-hydroxymitragynine—commonly abbreviated as 7-OH—appearing in headlines, regulatory discussions, and...
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Kratom and the FDA: A Timeline of Regulatory Actions from 2014 to 2026
The relationship between kratom and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been one of the most consequential and...
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From Farm to You: How Kratom Is Harvested, Processed, and Shipped
Every bag of kratom powder you purchase has traveled thousands of miles and passed through numerous hands before reaching your...
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The American Kratom Association: GMP Standards and Consumer Advocacy
If you use kratom or are considering trying it, you have likely encountered references to the American Kratom Association (AKA)....
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The History of Kratom: Centuries of Traditional Use in Southeast Asia
Long before kratom became a topic of debate in American legislatures and FDA meeting rooms, it was simply a tree—a...
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Kratom vs. Other Botanical Supplements: What Makes It Unique in the Market
The botanical supplement industry in the United States is massive, generating over $12 billion in annual sales and encompassing thousands...
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Kratom Myths vs. Facts: Separating Science from Misinformation
Few botanical supplements have been the subject of as much misinformation, exaggeration, and conflicting claims as kratom. Depending on where...
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Traveling with Kratom: Know the Laws Before You Pack
If you carry kratom when you travel, the rule is simple to state and easy to forget: kratom's legality is...
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Kratom Storage and Shelf Life: How to Keep It Fresh
Kratom is a dried botanical, and like any dried plant material it keeps best when it is protected from the...
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Every batch third-party lab tested, with COAs published for each lot. Questions? We are here to help.
