About

What is Kratom?

Kratom is the common name for Mitragyna Speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Part of the coffee tree family, kratom has been used for centuries for various remedies around the world. Kratom is cultivated primarily in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Although the kratom grown in each country is essentially the same plant, each produces strains unique to the soil and climate where they are grown. For instance, the kratom strains grown in Bali, Borneo, Java, and Sumatra tend to provide more mellow effects and are prized for their reported calming properties. On the other hand, some Thai strains, such as Maeng-Da, are known for helping to boost or maintain energy. The chemical composition of green, red, white, and yellow vein kratom leaf variants determines the effects on a user’s mind and body, and higher or lower concentrations of alkaloids and mitragynine can dramatically affect the potency of the kratom.

Kratom Strains

When starting out with Kratom, it is best to learn a bit about what makes each strain unique. Depending on what your reason or purpose for using kratom is, you will need to know about the effects of each variant to maximize the benefits of your usage. The veins of kratom leaves help us understand their properties by color. Red and yellow tend to create a more mellow atmosphere, whereas white and green veins tell us they may be more euphoric.

Red Maeng Da: high pain-relieving, heavier body feel, relaxation, euphoric

Red Vein Borneo: strong strain, pain killing, euphoric, mood lift, relaxing

Green Thai: mentally stimulating, focused, relaxing, dreamy

Superior Green Maeng Da: pain-killing, relaxing body/stimulated mind, anti-anxiety

Green Jong Kong: good pain relief, potent, dreamy/relaxed, social, euphoric

Superior Green Malaysian: relaxing, mentally lucid, high in pain-killing properties

White Elephant: energizing, euphoric, clear mind, focused, daytime pain

White Vein Bali: very stimulating, clear-minded, focused

White Vein Thai: very stimulating, floaty, mood lift, energizing

White Hulu: calm mind, smooth energy, social, euphoric, more on the mellow side.

Vein Types

Red Vein

The most commonly used variety of kratom is a red vein type, which contains the highest concentration of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OHM). A naturally occurring alkaloid compound comprised primarily of nitrogen, along with oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, 7-OHM affects the body’s opioid receptors. Red vein kratom has been reported to be used for helping to regulate mood, which may aid in relaxation or help to reduce tension in the body.

Green Vein

Green vein strains of kratom tend to fall somewhere between the red and white vein strains, blending the distinctive effects of both. Depending on the dosage and where it was grown, green vein kratom may provide pain relief, mood regulation, and may help to maintain energy. Green Vein has been popularly reported as an ‘everyday use’ kratom.

White Vein

White vein kratom is by far the most reported kratom for energy maintenance, whether it comes from Thailand, Malaysia, or Borneo. White vein strains of kratom may provide a boost of “clean” energy and mental clarity, similar to coffee and energy drinks but without the caffeine, sugar, or carbohydrates that can lead to a crash.

Kratom FAQs

What is Kratom?

Kratom tree leaves are used for medicinal and sacred rituals, most widely known for their healing properties. Part of the coffee tree family, kratom (also known as Mitragyna Speciosa) has been used for centuries for various remedies around the world to alleviate pain, treat opiate addiction, lift mood, and boost the immune system.

Where is Kratom grown?

Kratom is grown in Southeast Asia, principally in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

What are the benefits of Kratom?

Some of the benefitial effects of kratom include, but are not limited to:

Assisting in drug withdrawal
Relieving pain
Boosting energy
Mood enhancing
Anti-depressant
Immune boosting
Blood sugar stabilization
Anti-inflammatory

What specifically is Kratom used for?

Headaches
Migraines
Back aches and pains
Multiple Sclerosis
Arthritis
Strained Muscles
Scoliosis
Chest Pain
Opioid addiction withdrawal

What strains are best for pain relief?

Strains that have been reported to relieve minor aches or soreness associated with conditions such as muscle fatigue are:

Red Dragon
White Vein Borneo
Superior Maeng-Da

What strains are best for drug withdrawl relief?

Strains that have reportedly helped to reduce occasional urges for addiction pursuits are:

Bali Kratom
White Vein Borneo
Superior Maeng-Da

How do I take Kratom?

Kratom can be consumed in a variety of ways. The harshest, taking it straight up, is not recommended for those just getting started with kratom. It can be mixed with teas, smoothies, shakes, and food. Learn more about preparation below.

How much Kratom should I take?

If you are new to kratom, start by taking 1 – 3 grams (½ – ¾ teaspoon) and work your way up. As you start to use kratom more, you will notice a tolerance being built up, usually to about 3 – 5 (sometimes more) grams. You don’t want this to increase too quickly. If you find that 1 – 3 grams does not have the same effects, you can increase the amount you use by about ¼ – ⅛ of a teaspoon at a time.

Geographic Origin

Thailand

Thai kratom has been reported to be energizing. It contains a high concentration of mitragynine. This makes it ideal for those who claim to feel fatigued. In Thailand, laborers have been reported to consume kratom to ward off exhaustion. White and green veins strains have been reported to be stimulating, while red strains have been reported to provide more mellow effects. For those seeking a non-caffeinated substitute for coffee, Thai kratom may be right for you.

Reported Properties: Invigorating, mood-boosting, mild pain relief

Malaysia

Over the centuries, Malaysian kratom has developed its unique profile. Malaysian kratom has been said to provide maintained energy. The effects of Malaysian kratom are variable, depending on the dosage. Malaysian kratom is known for its nootropic effects. It is also notable for possibly relieving pain and helping to regulate mood and reduce stress.

Reported Properties: Energy (at low doses), relaxing (at high doses), mental focus, long-lasting

Indonesia

Containing higher concentrations of 7-OH and lower amounts of mitragynine than many other strains, Indonesian kratom is reported to support overall well-being. It may provide a relaxing and mood-regulating effect. It also has been reported for aiding in pains and aches. Reportedly helps to reduce occasional urges for addiction pursuits, as well.

Reported Properties: Relaxing, pain relief, anti-anxiety, mood-boosting, sleep aid

Bali

With a high 7-OHM content, Bali kratom is reported for its pain-relieving qualities. The red and green vein varieties can act as mood regulators, which may help to reduce stress and anxiety in the body. It has also been reported to maintain healthy metabolism rates.

Reported Properties: Pain relief, anti-anxiety, relaxation, sedation

Borneo

Thanks to the island’s diverse climates, many strains can be grown on Borneo. In general, Borneo kratom is known for its subtle, mellowing properties, primarily due to a high concentration of 7-OHM. Strains from Borneo have been reported to aid in pains and aches. It reportedly also helps to reduce occasional urges for addiction pursuits.

Reported Properties: Pain relief, anti-anxiety, sleep aid

Kratom Preparation

Kratom powdered leaf can be prepared and consumed in several different ways: swallowed with liquid, mixed into food, or brewed as tea.

Raw Powder

The simplest method is simply to place a spoonful of kratom powder on your tongue and swallow the powder with a drink. In this form, kratom has a very strong flavor and the powder is very dry, sticking to your mouth and throat and causing many to cough or gag. However, this method takes no prep time and has been reported to provide the strongest effects. Alternatively, kratom can be taken as a capsule, making swallowing it significantly easier and delivering it to your system in the most efficient and effective manner.

Mixed with Food

Kratom can also be mixed in with food or used as an ingredient. Simply mixing the powder into apple sauce, yogurt, ice cream, chocolate milk, lemonade or juice are popular options, making the powder more palatable for most people’s taste. The strong flavor of most kratom powders may not mesh with some foods and can overpower other flavors. However, combining small amounts with food doesn’t reduce the effectiveness of the powder.

Tea

Kratom powder can be brewed as a tea or combined with other ingredients to make into a tea. Generally, completely stirring about 1 teaspoon of powder into 2-4 cups of boiling water and letting it steep for 10-20 minutes results in a pleasant-tasting tea. Adding honey, sugar, or artificial sweeteners helps to reduce the bitterness and make the tea more palatable. It can also be brewed in combination with other tea herbs or packets, such as chamomile or spearmint, or even brewed in a French press. And like other teas, kratom can also be placed in the refrigerator overnight and brewed cold. When made into a tea, a layer of plant matter will settle to the bottom; there is no need to consume this unpalatable sludge to enjoy the effects of kratom and it can simply be discarded once separated from the tea.