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Kratom, native to the tropical climates of Southeast Asia, is a tree species renowned for its plentiful therapeutic benefits. According to many sources, kratom can help relieve pain, lessen anxiety, improve depression, and more.
Its leaves, once dried and finely ground, yield a powder that carries its potent therapeutic properties and allows it to be swallowed whole, encapsulated, or otherwise consumed.
While taking kratom is simple, choosing the best kratom strain can be a bit more tricky. But, it's an important step in the kratom dosing process–each unique strain carries its benefits, drawbacks, duration, and intensity.
Want to know where to start with kratom varieties? We'll highlight everything you need to know about kratom strains, plus give you some beginner's guidance.
Over 50 different strains of kratom have emerged in today's market, and their unique therapeutic properties are based on growth conditions and leaf harvest times.
Each strain is typically named after its place of origin and color. Each Kratom strain color carries distinct physical and physiological effects.
More specifically, the leaves of every Kratom strain have a unique chemical composition. This means they carry a different balance of active components, including mitragynine, paynanthine, speciociliatine, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG), and over a dozen other active alkaloids (more on these below). The unique combination of alkaloids affects how each strain feels.
Discovering the most suitable kratom strain entails understanding these distinctions. However, personal experimentation is the best way to determine the ideal strain for your individual needs, a key part of the kratom experience.
Still, you need a basis to determine where to start. Here are the basics:
There are three key kratom strains primarily characterized by color: white, green, and red. While other named strains exist, they typically denote the source of the leaves rather than substantial differences in inherent properties and preparation methods.
The colors refer to the color of the veins in the Kratom leaf. Every variety of kratom goes through all three stages. An immature Kratom plant has white veins. As the plant matures, the veins appear more green. A fully mature plant has red veins.
Thus, the type of kratom product made depends on the point at which the Kratom leaves are harvested and dried. Because the Kratom plant is constantly growing and changing, so are its therapeutic compounds, which is why different Kratom stages possess different therapeutic benefits.
Simply put, the three color varieties have very distinct differences, and choosing between white, green, and red kratom is the most important distinction to make when choosing a kratom strain.
Let's discuss:
Let's provide a brief overview of each major kratom strain and their effects to aid in understanding the variances and assist in choosing the most appropriate strain:
Positioned between white and red strains, green kratom provides a subtle stimulant effect. Harvested during the mid-phase of the tree's life, it offers a mild energy boost and enhanced mental clarity. The effects of green Kratom can last up to 8 hours.
Within these primary strain colors, there are variations such as Maeng Da kratom and Bentuangie kratom, each possessing unique characteristics and effects.
These variants are typically named after the area in which they are grown and are each cultivated for specific purposes. Each variant is usually available in white, green, and red, depicting the stage of growth at which it was harvested. Each variety has a unique chemical structure, and understanding the different active compounds can help you greatly in choosing a strain.
However, keep in mind that everyone’s body responds differently to kratom, and you may need to try a few strains to find the best kratom strain for you.
Before we cover the different strains, take a quick look at the different active compounds found in kratom and what they do:
So, now that you understand a bit more about how kratom’s active compounds impact the therapeutic potential of every strain, you can take this one step forward and look for strains that feature the benefits you need most.
This particular variant boasts a rich blend of diverse alkaloids, with mitragynine being a prominent constituent. The distinctive attribute of this strain lies in its capacity to sharpen focus on a specific task for extended periods without succumbing to fatigue. It's a potent energizer and a favored choice for tackling exhaustion, explaining its popularity among manual laborers in Thailand.
Thai Kratom is highly regarded for its mood-enhancing and depression-alleviating properties. The white and green veins, in particular, exhibit formidable potency in this regard, while the red vein variety stands out as an effective pain alleviator.
Undoubtedly one of the most potent Kratom strains available in today's market, Maeng Da Kratom is believed to have originated from the deliberate pollination of select Kratom plants. Farmers engaged in this selective pollination to develop a novel strain that surpassed existing ones in strength and effectiveness.
Maeng Da Kratom finds favor, especially among individuals engaged in rigorous manual or mental tasks, as it significantly heightens mental focus and provides a substantial energy boost. It renders arduous tasks more manageable and leaves users in an improved mood. Moreover, this strain effectively relieves moderate chronic pain. However, a potential drawback is its propensity to lead to tolerance buildup with prolonged usage, necessitating higher doses over time for desired effects, which is not ideal for the body.
Borneo Island stands as a major global Kratom exporter, and all strains hailing from this region bear the prefix "Borneo." Notably, Borneo strains possess a high concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine, inducing sedative effects.
Historically utilized for treating insomnia, stress, and anxiety, Borneo Kratom strains continue to serve this purpose today. Additionally, they aid in managing opiate cravings, act as stimulants, and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Bali Kratom holds the distinction of being the most budget-friendly strain available in the market, easily accessible to consumers. Its benefits range from pain alleviation to stimulation, along with appetite reduction, making it a potential asset for weight loss goals. However, caution is advised to prevent adverse effects like wobbles, requiring strict adherence to recommended dosages.
True to its name, this Kratom variant thrives in the Indonesian soil. It's sought after for combating opiate withdrawal, mood enhancement, relaxation, and even sedation. Furthermore, it exhibits pain-relieving properties, especially in its red vein strain. The three primary types of Indo Kratom strains encompass the red vein Indo, super Indo, and White vein Indo, each with its unique characteristics.
The Malaysian Kratom strains cater to diverse needs, stimulating users at lower doses and inducing sedation at higher quantities. They're also valued for enhancing cognitive functions and augmenting mental energy.
Originating from Sumatra, this kratom strain boasts a distinctive blend of alkaloids. Mitragynine, a significant constituent, contributes to its mood-enhancing and relaxation properties. This strain is ideal for promoting a sense of calm without sedation, making it a popular choice for those seeking relaxation without compromising focus or alertness.
Sumatra Kratom is revered for its balanced effects, providing a soothing experience that can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
The duration of kratom’s effects depends on the strain and dose but generally lasts between 3 to 8 hours. White strains tend to wear off faster (around 3–5 hours), while red and green strains can provide longer-lasting relief or stimulation, especially when taken in larger doses.
Standard drug tests like the SAMHSA-5 panel don’t screen for kratom or its alkaloids. However, specialized tests can detect kratom, especially those that look for mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, typically used in forensic or extended toxicology screenings.
Armed with this comprehensive knowledge, you can now venture into choosing the best kratom strain to meet your needs. Just like choosing the best cannabis strains, it really boils down understanding the active compounds in each unique kratom strain and how they affect the effects you will reap.
To sum it up:
Always prioritize acquiring high-quality Kratom, acknowledging that the efficacy of strains directly correlates with their quality. Also keep in mind that kratom affects everyone differently, and prolonged use may increase the chance of developing dependency. Talk to your doctor before incorporating kratom into your wellness regimen.
If you’ve decided on a strain, you may also want to learn more about different kratom dosing methods. Read “How to Take Kratom” to explore different dosing styles.
Kratom variants come from leaves harvested in different regions and at various maturity stages. These differences affect the leaf’s color and alkaloid profile, giving each strain unique benefits and effects.
Beginners often start with Bali kratom or Green Malay due to their mild, balanced effects. It’s best to try a few strains to find the one that works best with your body and goals.
Maeng Da is widely favored for pain relief thanks to its high mitragynine content and strong analgesic effects. Red strains like Red Bali are also popular for soothing chronic discomfort.
Maeng Da is considered one of the most potent kratom strains due to its concentrated alkaloid content. However, “strength” depends on individual tolerance and desired effects.
Red Borneo, Red Bali, and Red Sumatra are known for their calming, sedative properties. Green strains like Green Malay may offer mild relaxation with a touch of mental clarity.
Kratom may interact with medications that affect the CYP450 enzyme system, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, opioids, and blood pressure meds. These interactions can increase side effects or reduce medication efficacy—always consult a doctor before combining kratom with prescriptions.
No, kratom and CBD are completely different. Kratom is a psychoactive herbal stimulant/sedative derived from a tree in Southeast Asia, while CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp.
Kratom is not classified as an opioid, but it does interact with opioid receptors. It won’t trigger a positive result for opioids on most drug tests, though advanced screenings can detect kratom-specific alkaloids.
Some research suggests that kratom may influence dopamine release, contributing to mood-lifting and rewarding effects. However, the mechanism is not as well understood as with traditional opioids or stimulants.
Kava is made from the root of the kava plant and is used for relaxation and anxiety relief, while kratom comes from kratom tree leaves and can act as a stimulant or sedative depending on the dose. They serve different purposes and work through different biological pathways.
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