Kratom Strains List
As people start taking kratom to self-treat things like pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid addiction, they start looking into kratom strains to find out which kratom strain is best for them. Common questions regarding kratom strains are: What are the effects of different kratom strains? How do kratom strains differ? What's the best type of kratom for pain?
Some people even wonder are kratom strains actually different?
Knowing about kratom strains is useful information, because finding the right type of kratom for you means choosing a kratom strain with an alkaloid profile that best suits your desired benefits.
Some kratom strains contain alkaloids that are more effective in reducing pain, while others have higher percentages of alkaloids that are energizing, or better for lifting your mood.
Let's get into the actual differences between kratom strains, and how they produce different effects.
What Is the Difference Between Kratom Strains?
There is a lot of confusion regarding kratom strains, terminology, and definitions. An ongoing belief amongst some kratom sellers and consumers is that kratom strain names are nothing but marketing terms that serve little use beyond that.
Are kratom strains real? Despite the controversy surrounding the issue, the answer to this question is straightforward—yes, kratom strains are real.
So what are kratom strains, and how do they differ?
Kratom strains are the names that group batches of kratom based on their alkaloid characteristics. Not every strain is the same from vendor to vendor, but generally kratom of a particular strain type will have similarities in alkaloid profiles to other batches of kratom powder in the strain.
High-quality kratom providers use different methods (such as how they dry the kratom leaves) to produce different levels of alkaloids in the strains. Low-quality vendors might not put in the same time or effort to produce different strains with strong alkaloid profiles. If you buy kratom that's low-quality, there might not be much of a difference between strains.
What Exactly Are the Different Kratom Strains?
The main kratom strains are red, green, and white kratom colors. These three types of kratom get their different effects from different methods used in drying the kratom leaves.
Sometimes the color strains are called "color veins," but it's a misnomer because the vein color does not contribute to the color of kratom powder. It's the different processes that produce the color.
The Different Kratom Color Strains and Effects
Strain color is the best overall guide for choosing a type of kratom to align with your needs. These are the broader categories of kratom strain, although their effects can overlap.
Red Kratom Strains
Red kratom strains are typically the most relaxing color strain. Their alkaloid content produces more sedative effects, especially at larger doses. Red kratom is the typically the best kratom for pain. It's also good for sleep and promotes tranquility.
Green Kratom Strains
Green kratom strains typically contain more alkaloids that interact with the nucleus accumbens in the brain to produce dopamine. Green strains are popular for uplifting your mood, making them a common choice for managing depression and anxiety, as well as more minor pain.
White Kratom Strains
White kratom strains produce more energizing effects. They're the best kratom strain to help with focus, energy, and motivation. They're also popular for treating depression and lethargy.
List of Kratom Strains and Effects
The other part of a kratom strain name is the "regional strain name," which is often geographical, such as "Vietnam" or "Borneo." Kratom in the U.S. is usually sourced from Indonesia, and it's a common misconception that the strain names designate the origin of the kratom source.
The reason so many strain names exist is because there are a variety of factors that can influence alkaloid profiles—from growing conditions (temperature, humidity, etc) to drying techniques, to even mixing different color strains in different ratios. Here are the main kratom sub-categorical strains and their effects:
- Bali Kratom: A balance of pain-relief and a gentle energy boost. Red Bali kratom has the most opioid-like effects, making it one of the most popular choices for managing opioid withdrawal.
- Malay Kratom: A combination of mood-lifting and energizing, Green Malay is one of the most popular kreen kratom varieties.
- Maeng Da Kratom: A diverse balance that promotes a sense of well-being. Green Maeng Da and Red Maeng Da are popular for pain relief and mood disorders.
- Thai Kratom: More stimulating and less pain-relieving, White Thai kratom is a popular energizing strain to promote concentration. Green thai is both energizing and mood-boosting, making it a good choice for depression, while Red Thai kratom is a more subtly relaxing strain.
- Some consumers say that the Borneo strain lasts a bit longer than others. White Borneo is popular for long-lasting energy.
- Indo Kratom: Long-lasting mild effects that are mood-uplifting and pain-relieving. Popular for reducing minor aches and pains throughout the day.
- Kali Kratom: Both energizing and pain-relieving, it's one of the strains that contains characteristics from all color varieties.
- Vietnam Kratom: One of the most energizing and least effective at reducing pain, White Vietnam and Green Vietnam are more popular than red. White Vietnam can be more upsetting on the stomach, so smaller amounts should be taken of this strain.
How Much of a Difference Do Kratom Strains Make?
The difference between strains varies quite a bit. For example, a White Thai kratom will be much more stimulating than White Bali kratom, but Red Thai Kratom won't be as notably different from Green Thai kratom. The different concentrations and varieties of alkaloids interact in different ways.
How To Choose a Kratom Strain
When choosing a strain, the best way to start out is to understand if you prefer green, red, or white. Then, start with the more popular varieties within that strain color. Don't start out with Red Vietnam as your choice of red, since its effects aren't as typical for red strains.
Kratom Strains: The Ultimate Takeaway
Kratom strains serve as a general guide to understanding what to expect when choosing a type of kratom. They're not perfect for categorization, but it's easier to learn strain names than to memorize all the different alkaloids and read through an alkaloid screening test.
The most important thing about choosing a strain of kratom is to make sure the product is quality. It should be processed under sanitary conditions, and the provider should know details about the drying processes used (indoors, air-conditioned, lighting, etc).
When trying a new strain, or when consuming kratom for the first time, start with smaller amounts to find out how much to take. Keep in mind that no matter the strain, smaller amounts will generally be more energizing, while larger amounts provide pain-relief. You'll have to slowly find out what amount works for you, since there is no set guideline.
Claudette Zaremba, M.D. is a Board Certified doctor with her focused speciality in Family Medicine and Psychiatry. In 1987, she graduated cum laude with a degree in Biology from the University of Houston, and in 1992, received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch. In 2002, she went on to complete her Family Practice Residency at Dartmouth College and completed her Psychiatry Residency at the University of California San Francisco in 1993. Dr. Zaremba is both members of the American Board of Family Medicine and American Medical Association. Preferring to use a holistic approach ("Whole Body") to her medical practice, Dr. Zaremba believes good health starts with preventative medicine. View the bio in detail.
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