Kratom, the tree that has been used in herbal medicines for centuries in Southeast Asia (primarily Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand), is now available as recreational and wellness products in the form of gummies, capsules, tinctures, and extracts.
Kratom strains are of four types, determined by their leaf vein colors: red, yellow, white, and green, with each having unique effects depending on the alkaloid content. However, the differences are not limited to the leaf veins.
Different strains induce different effects depending on their cultivation location and processing methods, which means two strains of the same vein group may have different effects on the user.
To help you bypass the complexities and understand what you exactly need to know, we have created this guide on kratom strains.
What Are Kratom Strains?
Kratom strains are classified by the colors of their leaf veins (red vein, yellow vein, white vein, and green vein). Each color indicates a different chemical composition. Even though the grinding process may remove the vein and stem from the leaves, the strains contain various alkaloids.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy-mitragynine are the two most abundant alkaloids in kratom, but there are over 30. The alkaloid combinations are behind the different effects you may experience from each strain.
Kratom Strains by Vein Color
You can identify kratom strains by their vein color. Red veins are the most common and potent among the four colors, while white veins are less common but highly effective.
Yellow veins are rich in alkaloids and contain a combination of properties generally attributed to red veins. Red veins are considered sedative strains, whereas green and white strains are said to produce energizing effects.
Green veins are the most uncommon among the four, and their effects fall between red and white strains.
Red vein kratom is abundant in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia and Thailand being prime sources. It is heavily exposed to sunlight to dry, with various producers often using UV lamps to accelerate the process.
Users choose red strains for discomfort relief and restful nights. While red vein kratom is known for its sedative effects, its strength may vary by the strain.
-
Yellow Vein Kratom
According to studies, yellow vein kratom contains about 20% more alkaloids than other strains, making it particularly suitable for those seeking mood elevation and discomfort relief.
Its high alkaloid content combination makes the yellow strain more suitable for experienced users. However, it does not exclude beginners, as it has a balanced variation that allows it to offer a wide range of benefits.
This variant serves as a powerful energizer, and for many, it works as an alternative to caffeine. While different white vein strains produce different effects, the vitality boost will depend on the dose.
Apart from imitating caffeine’s kick, white vein strains also provide mood enhancement. Users generally combine white and red vein strains for balanced effects. Cambodia and Vietnam are the main places of origin of white vein kratom.
Strains of green vein kratom are not as powerful as red or white, but does that make it ineffective? Certainly not. Its low potency makes it perfect for those who don’t want to build a high tolerance to kratom usage or are wary of dosage.
Green vein kratom originates from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand and has a pleasant aroma.
Common Kratom Strains by Origin and Types
Borneo Kratom: A well-known strain revered for its high potency. It originates from Borneo island and is typically red or green.
- Red Vein: Very potent and produces euphoric effects
- Yellow Vein: Very potent with balanced relaxing and stimulating effects
- White Vein: Very potent with mildly stimulating effects
- Green Vein: Very potent with mildly euphoric effects
Maeng Da Kratom: Another highly popular strain coming straight from Thailand. Maeng Da translates to pimp grade. It is also known for its high potency.
- Red Vein: Very potent with mildly stimulating effects
- Yellow Vein: Very potent with stimulating effects
- White Vein: Very potent with highly stimulating effects
- Green Vein: Very potent with stimulating effects
Bali Kratom: Whether you find any other strain or not, you will find Bali kratom in most kratom stores. Its effectiveness is highly reliable.
- Red Vein: Very potent with relaxing effects
- Yellow Vein: Very potent with balanced mood-enhancing effects
- White Vein: Very potent with balanced stimulating effects
- Green Vein: Very potent with balanced stimulating and relaxing effects
Thai Kratom: Thai kratom has shown remarkable quality when it comes to effects. It is usually red or green.
- Red Vein: Medium potency with mildly stimulating effects
- Yellow Vein: Medium potency with stimulating effects
- White Vein: Very potent with stimulating effects
- Green Vein: Medium potent with stimulating effects
Conclusion: How to Choose a Kratom Strain?
What you want is what you should consider when choosing a kratom strain. Next is the potency — how potent do you want the effects to be? Every strain varies in alkaloid content and potency. Then there is your experience in and exposure to kratom usage. For stimulating effects without the jitters of coffee, go with green vein strains. For sedative effects, nothing beats red vein kratom. Apart from choosing the right strain, it is also important to purchase kratom from a reputable store.
