Related to the coffee plant, kratom is a naturally derived substance that’s been used as a traditional medicine for centuries.
Relatively new to Western markets, kratom is legally available for both recreational and therapeutic use in the US. But what exactly is kratom?
Grown in different geographic regions, there’s many kratom strains that have been produced. Depending on what you’re using kratom for, knowing the different kratom strains and effects may allow you to make the best possible logical choice when it comes to choosing a particular kratom type.
If you’re new to kratom, thinking about trying kratom for the first time, keep reading to find out more about what it is and how the different strains may affect you. I promise, you won’t regret it. Your safety and well being is our top priority, we just want to make sure you’re safe as possible starting out.
WHAT IS KRATOM?
Kratom grows naturally in parts of Southeast Asia and Africa. It’s also known as Mitragyna Speciosa. First documented in 19th century Thailand by a botanist, kratom has long been used for its powerful medicinal properties.
Kratom is known for a variety of therapeutic and recreational benefits. These may include nootropic effects, relief of distress symptoms, mood stabilization and enhancement, energy boosts, as well as immune system stimulation. As a bonus, kratom may also be high in antioxidants and vitamins.
The degree of the above effects is dependent on the kratom strain. It can also be affected by quality, the users’ lifestyle, and the tolerance of the user.
Before you choose to buy kratom, we strongly recommend watching the video above and learning about what you can expect taking certain types of kratom. We also have resources throughout the website to answer questions that you may have.
KRATOM VEINS
A kratom leaf contains both a stem and a vein. Kratom veins are divided into 3 colors according to the color of the stem and vein: red, white, and green. The color of your kratom vein determines how it may affect your mind and body. There’s a clear difference between kratom strains you take, specifically focusing on the “effects” a strain may give you.
This is why we recommend learning about red kratom strains, white strains, and green strains as each may affect you differently. As you’ll learn below, the kratom vein color may cause many effects depending on which vein you’re using.
(1) RED VEIN KRATOM
Red kratom is the best selling and most widely available kratom on the market. This is because it grows in abundance and it might be a great strain for beginners. Out of all the different types of kratom, red vein is the most commonly found.
Red vein kratom may produce a calming, tranquil effect. It may be able to relax the body as well as the muscles, relieve distress, and provide a general feeling of well-being. The most popular scientific benefit from red kratom is distress relief as kratom interacts with your distress receptors. This is why it may be able to give you distress relief.
Red kratom may also assist with sleep. It’s been used by people suffering from insomnia to increase their ability to sleep.
(2) WHITE VEIN KRATOM
Strains that contain this color vein are better known as mood enhancers and stimulants. In fact, these strains may provide a more euphoric feeling than any of the others.
White vein kratom may provide a more alert feeling than coffee. It may also increase concentration and motivation.
Because of these stimulating effects, white vein kratom may be a good treatment for people experiencing mild downheartedness or periods of tiredness. For the same reason, taking a white vein strain before bed may cause an inability to sleep.
(3) GREEN VEIN KRATOM
Green vein kratom strains are the most subtle types of kratom you can buy. The effects fall somewhere between the effects produced by red and green veins.
This variation is known as a mild energy booster. It may also make you feel more cheerful and optimistic. Some people may experience alertness and focus as well.
Because green vein kratom doesn’t cause drowsiness, it may be useful for treating mild distress during daytime hours or period when one has to remain alert. It may also has very subtle nootropic effects in comparison to other veins. It may be used in social settings and when engaging in recreational activities.
MIXING KRATOM STRAINS: SHOULD I MIX KRATOM?
There’s a lot of on-going debate about mixing kratom strains. Some kratom experts highly recommend it, some don’t.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of mixing kratom.
Pros: may enhance the effects, may provide different effects.
Cons: Different effects can leave you feeling bad versus good, some claims it can throw your balance off, referring to your body’s chemistry.
While I mix strains of kratom myself, that doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
As I always say, it’s a choice of personal preference. It mixing may help you better, go for it! If you’re happy with the strain you’re taking and it gives you the effects you’ve been looking for, why change it?
KRATOM STRAINS EXPLAINED: STIMULATING, SEDATING, AND MODERATE
There are many different kratom strains to choose from. To keep things easy, we’ve separated these strains into the effect they may have on your mind and body.
(1) STIMULATING STRAINS
If you suffer from mild downheartedness or exhaustion, a stimulating strain may produce uplifting effects. They may also have positive effects on individuals who experience a lack of energy and focus.
- Thai Kratom. This strain is powerful in its energizing properties. Red Thai may be the most effective analgesia. The green and white vein strains of Thai may be best for treating downheartedness and providing stimulation.
- Maeng Da Kratom. One of the most potent strains of kratom, it might be best for treating distress during the day or when alertness is required. It may also be a great mood stabilizer and booster.
(2) SEDATING STRAINS
The strains that may produce a sedative effect don’t contain the alkaloids required for stimulation. Instead, these strains may be great for relieving distress thanks to the high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine.
- Borneo Kratom. This strain may have a powerful sedative effect. It may relieve distress, as well as relax muscles. It may also help with sleep and may have very little side effects.
- Bali Kratom. The Bali strain is one of the least expensive kratom strains. It may grow quickly and has large leaves, so it’s easier to harvest and process. The downside to Bali kratom is that they can cause the feeling of wobbliness. However, this can be balanced by mixing it with another strain.
- Indo Kratom. With fewer side-effects the Bali Kratom, this strain might be effectively used to combat distress. When using this strain, be aware that it may have a delayed effect on your mind and body. Don’t take more than your regular dose and just wait it out.
(3) MODERATE STRAINS
Moderate strains have smoother effects than the aforementioned. They’re easier to use during day hours or when the focus is needed.
- Green Malaysian Kratom. This strain lasts longer than any other. It’s known for its nootropic effect. It may increase focus and mental endurance.
DOSAGE BY KRATOM STRAINS
Taking the right dosage of kratom is not an exact science. The effects produced will depend on the quality of the kratom as well as the individual users’ tolerance.
Taking to little kratom won’t give you any positive benefits. But taking too much kratom may cause undesirable side-effects such as nausea.
Depending on the effect you’re looking for, below are general dosing guidelines.
A mild effect requires 1-2 grams of kratom. Moderate effects will require a 2-4.5 gram dosage. Finally, for a high, you’ll need between 4.5 and 8 grams.
*If you’re brand new and taking kratom for the first time, we recommend taking it slow. There’s no need to rush and take a large dose, try a small 1-2 gram dose. Afterward, you want to wait 30-45 minutes and test how you feel. Test what type of benefits you’re beginning to feel. If you don’t feel anything in the first hour, take another 1-2 grams and wait for the effects to kick in. By this time, you should be feeling the effects.
MORE ABOUT KRATOM
Although it’s been used for 100’s of years, kratom is a powerful medicinal plant that’s relatively new to Western markets.
There’s not a lot of research out there, not a lot of studies. While you have the FDA and DEA trying to ban it, talking about it in a public forum negatively, you have kratom advocates that are fighting to get the scientific proof to the public. I’m an advocate because kratom has changed my life, I want you to know that. While I’m only one voice, this miracle plant has touched many lives and we’re all united in the effort of speaking up.
Because of breeding and transplantation to new geographic locations, there are a lot of kratom strains available. The strain that’s right for you is dependent on what effects you’re looking for, the time you’re taking it, and how many side effects you’re willing to risk.
For more information on all things about kratom, check out our blog.
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