Kratom belongs to the coffee family and is a tree that grows in various Southeast Asian tropical climate countries. It's also referred to as Mitragyna speciosa and is grown in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. The kratom tree leaves are often sun dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder can be used in capsule form or by itself. Depending on the way in which the kratom tree is grown and when the tree's leaves are harvested, the powder that results will have different physiological and physical characteristics. It's these characteristics that will determine what kratom's "strain" is and this is typically identified by color and region of origin.
The most common uses of kratom are to ease depression, pain and opioid addiction. Its two most active compounds are 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. These act on your opioid receptors, but don't come with as many harsh side effects as opioid pain relievers.
Different Strains of Kratom and their Effects
Here you'll learn about the different colors of kratom and its distinct effects.
White Vein Kratom
The strains of white kratom work like stimulants. They help you stay energized so you can be productive. If you're looking to maintain your energy level for a long workday, you'll want to use the white vein strain. Its effect is similar to caffeine, but with a greater octane level.
Along with being stimulating, this strain can also enhance your concentration and focus. White vein strains are good for when you're looking to stay mentally sharp for an extended period of time.
Benefits of White Vein Kratom
Some benefits of white vein kratom that people often experience are:
- Reduces depression and enhances the mood
- Boosts energy level
- Focus and mental clarity
- Works like a painkiller
- Reduces stress and helps with anxiety
If you're trying white vein kratom for the first time, you'll want to start off with a small dose to see how your body and mind react to it. If you feel you're not experiencing the required results, you can slowly up your dose until you achieve your desired effects, but under your doctor's supervision.
Red Vein Kratom
Red vein kratom is the most popular kratom strain and is often used for its sedative effects. It contains a high 7-hydroxymitragynine content and is harvested from kratom trees that are the most mature. It's the most mellow of all the kratom strains and isn't typically seen as a stimulant.
Red vein kratom provides a mild sedative effect which helps you feel calm. Some individuals claim it's ideal for pain relief, although it hasn't been approved as a substitute for any medicine.
Benefits of Red Vein Kratom
There are many positives to red vein kratom, but some benefits include:
- Elevates mood
- Improves sleep quality
- Promotes overall well-being
- Provides a calming sensation
This kratom helps to promote a pain-free life and overall well-being.
Green Vein Kratom
This type of kratom falls between the middle of red and white. It's said to provide stimulant effects close to that of white kratom. It's harvested in the kratom tree's middle stage life cycle. It provides more subtle effects than white kratom, but it's still considered a stimulant.
Since it acts like a stimulant, it provides a mild boost of energy, like white kratom, but it might also provide you with more mental clarity to help you focus better on tasks.
Benefits of Green Vein Kratom
Green vein kratom provides several benefits as well, including:
- Provides you with a certain level of confidence
- Provides a natural boost of energy
- Offers a better quality of life
- Makes social interactions more comfortable
- Helps enhance your mood
- Helps with pain
Green vein kratom enhances your focus, providing you with more clarity. This results in better performance. It boosts your confidence and helps you relax so you can get through social gatherings and situations easily.
Differences Between White vs. Green vs. Red Kratom Strains
White vein kratom provides an uplifting, focusing and energizing effect. Green vein kratom brings chattiness, positivity and is euphoric. And, red vein kratom is typically pleasant, relaxing and mildly sedating.
Each kratom vein has various different strains available. Some strains include:
Pain Relief
- White Indo: Energizing, long-lasting
- Red Borneo: Long-lasting, strong
- Red Bali: Balanced, strong pain relief, sedating
Depression and Anxiety
- Red Thai: Pain-relieving, good for anxiety, long-lasting
- Green Malay: Euphoric, stimulating
- Green Bali: Long-lasting, balanced
Energy
- White Maeng Da: Balanced, smooth, euphoric
- Green Maeng Da: Balanced, euphoric
Euphoria
- White Borneo: Potent, stimulating
- Red Maeng Da: Euphoric, focus, stimulating
The difference between the different types of kratom relates to where the plant originates. For instance, Malay kratom originates from Malaysia. Thai kratom originates in Thailand. Bali kratom originates in Indonesia.
Potential Side Effects of Kratom
As with anything, there is always the risk of potential side effects. According to the American Kratom Association, it might not be safe for children or pregnant women to take safely.
The effects of kratom are fairly quick. Typically, you can feel the effects within five to 10 minutes of taking it. Luckily these side effects are pretty rare and usually not serious unless you take to large of doses.
Potential side effects you could experience with kratom are:
- Sweating
- Itching
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Constipation
- Increased urination
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Feelings of irritability, agitation or uneasiness
- Insomnia
- Loss of muscle coordination in your legs or arms
- Abnormally fast heartbeat (your heart races or flutters)
- Liver damage
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
It's always a good idea to start slowly with kratom with a low dose and then slowly up your dose until you achieve your desired effects. You should also refrain from taking kratom on a daily basis. Taking too much of kratom could potentially lead to addiction.
Bottom line, if you're looking for a way to deal with things like anxiety, tiredness, body aches, a hectic life schedule or more, you might want to give kratom a try. Whether you chew the leaves, take it in capsule form or drink it as a tea, it could help you balance out your physical and mental health. But, it's important you consult with your doctor before you try kratom. They'll help you weight the benefits and potential side effects to see if it can help you improve your quality of life.
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