Kratom is a popular herbal remedy offering users much-needed relief for various issues and ailments. It delivers diverse effects, from pain relief to euphoria. However, picking the right kratom strain can be challenging as the market features many strains with varying effects, alkaloid concentrations, and potency.
Since kratom can only work if you choose a strain that produces your desired result, understanding different kratom strains is crucial. Don’t know where to start? No need to worry. Here is a comprehensive list of popular kratom strains and the effects to anticipate from using them.
Kratom Strain Classification
Plant strains refer to plant offspring from a species with modified characteristics due to genetic mutation or adaptation. The plant group features a distinct phenotype (external characteristics) and chemotype or chemically distinct secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites refer to organic molecules that a plant produces, yet they have no role in its growth and development; kratom alkaloids, for instance.
Kratom is a unique herb because its leaves feature three distinct phenotypes and chemotypes throughout their lifecycle. The herb’s leaves change color from white to green and red, indicating different growth stages, featuring changes in alkaloid profiles.
Farmers may harvest kratom leaves at any of the three stages to harness the unique alkaloid profiles; hence you can classify kratom strains by color and maturity level as follows.
Kratom Strain Types By Color
1. White Kratom Strains
White kratom strains such as bulk white maeng da kratom feature white venation and lend their color to derived kratom products. Kratom leaves have white veins at their earliest stage, and their alkaloid profile features a high concentration of the alkaloid speciociliatine, low mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine concentrations. Speciociliatine facilitates energy production in the body while mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine induce relaxation.
Therefore, white kratom strains are typically energy-boosting stimulants. They tend to improve physical performance, stamina, and mental focus and induce euphoria and confidence. White kratom generally is potent, and users should take low doses, especially newbies.
2. Green Kratom Strains
In their mid-life stage, kratom leaf veins turn green and feature an equal ratio of the stimulant and relaxation alkaloids in their alkaloid profile. Consequently, green kratom strains deliver the best of both worlds and are ideal for serenity, relieving social anxiety, and promoting feelings of wellbeing. They are the most suitable strains for tackling anxiety and depression.
3. Red Kratom Strains
Red venation occurs in kratom leaves right before maturity, and such leaves have high mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine concentrations against a low speciociliatine concentration. Such kratom strains are potent analgesics and feature antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and sedative properties to promote healing. They are best for pain relief and inducing good sleep.
Kratom Strains By Geographical Location
Different plant strains may also develop due to adaptations to the environment. Topographical and climatic differences in various Southeast Asian areas mean kratom strains with varying alkaloid profiles. Below are popular kratom strains by their native origin and what they offer.
1. Maeng Da Kratom
Maeng Da kratom is a product of grafting different strains to generate a potent kratom strain that is also economical to cultivate. As such, it is arguably the most potent kratom strain as it takes fast, yet its effects last for hours, even at low doses.
The kratom strain is synonymous with providing wild bouts of energy and offering mental and physical stimulation. It is also a fantastic mood booster, allowing users to find usually physically and mentally tasking jobs a joy to do.
However, Maeng Da kratom strains deliver modest results on the relaxation and sedation front. Green Maeng Da is the exception as it is a potent analgesic.
2. Bali Kratom
Bali kratom scores highly on the stimulant and euphoric side of the kratom spectrum, but it isn’t the ideal strain for inducing deep relaxation and sedation. It features profound pain-relieving properties and is also a fan-favorite for its long-lasting effect.
Besides typical kratom benefits, Bali kratom also promotes satiety and may be helpful in individuals seeking to regulate their calorie intake. While it is not the most potent strain, it is affordable and ideal for users with low kratom tolerance.
3. Borneo Kratom
While Borneo Kratom strains have great stimulant and sedation properties, the scale tips towards the strain’s sedation effect. The strain features a high 7-hydroxy mitragynine concentration, helping relax the muscles and the mind.
One notable fact about Borneo Kratom is that while it is a potent relaxing agent, it features modest sedation properties. Red Borneo kratom is also a potent analgesic.
4. Thai Kratom
Thai Kratom scores highly in stimulant, mood elevation, energy-boosting properties. Moreover, its effects last hours, and it can help counter the loss of concentration and fatigue. Although it is a potent analgesic featuring off-the-charts relaxation properties, red Thai Kratom is the exception to the effects above.
5. Malay Kratom
Malay kratom works dose-dependently, working as a stimulant and mood booster at high doses and a sedative at low doses. Consequently, Green Malay kratom delivers a superbly balanced effect.
6. Indo Kratom
Indo kratom showcases expected white, green, and red kratom strain characteristics but is less potent than strains like Maeng Da and provides a moderate alternative for those who need one.
Conclusion
Kratom is a complex herb with various strains exhibiting overlapping effects and varying potencies. This guide should act as a roadmap, leading you to your desirable kratom strains.
