Like any botanical, kratom comes in different varieties. These varieties are known as “strains” and offer different effects to suit a wide range of needs. Choosing the right kratom strain is an essential part of any kratom user’s journey. So, how do you pick the best kratom strains for you?

In this article, we’ll provide a helpful overview of different strains of kratom explained in simple terms that anyone can understand. If you’ve never tried kratom before, this guide will help you make the most of your kratom experience. As with any natural supplement or wellness product, education is important to making an informed choice for your needs.

Here’s everything you need to know to understand different kratom strains and their effects:

What Makes Kratom Strains Different?

Let’s begin with some Kratom 101 basics. No matter what strain you choose, all kratom originates from the same place: the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. 

This tree, which is related to the coffee plant, grows in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Malaysia, and more. For centuries, the Indigenous people in these areas used kratom in folk medicine and religious ceremonies. They would brew the leaves in tea, use them to make balms and salves, or simply chew the raw leaves.

Today, kratom is used by millions of people around the globe. It’s commonly available in teas, extracts, tinctures, powders, or capsules. Why do people love it? It’s because kratom leaves are a natural source of bioactive compounds called alkaloids. Kratom contains over 28 different alkaloids, but the two most prominent (and powerful!) are called Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine.

When our bodies metabolize these two alkaloids, they cause our brains to naturally release chemicals that stimulate our pleasure centers and induce other positive effects.

So now that we’ve covered some kratom basics let’s discuss the factors that make each different kratom strain unique.

Region

Similar to wine or other natural products, kratom is affected by the region where it’s grown and harvested. Factors like sun exposure, humidity levels, ambient temperature, and the composition of the local soil can all make a difference in the potency and effects of the plant’s leaves.

Regional differences can be subtle, so not all kratom users can detect their unique qualities. However, it’s important to note that you may encounter special strains that are named after their place of origin. For example, White Bali gets its name because the kratom comes from Bali in Indonesia. 

Age

Age is the next factor that accounts for variations among kratom strains. As the kratom leaves mature, their stems and veins change color. This shifting color indicates changes to the chemical composition of the plant. Kratom made from younger leaves has a different effect than kratom made from older ones.

Alkaloid Content

This brings us back to our good friends, the alkaloids! As you may have already guessed, the kratom aging process means that the alkaloid balance shifts as the leaves age and change color. Younger leaves tend to have a higher concentration of Mitragynine, whereas older leaves have more 7-Hydroxymitragynine. 

Different Strains of Kratom

Ultimately, there’s no “best” strain of kratom. The right choice for you will depend upon your lifestyle and needs. Many people use different strains of kratom at different times of day or switch it up when they’re interested in a specific effect. Some kratom enthusiasts also buy raw powder and make custom blends that combine multiple strains.

So, let’s dive into the different strains and what makes them unique:

White Vein Kratom

White vein kratom (sometimes known simply as white kratom) is cultivated from the very youngest leaves. Similar to white tea, the leaves have less chlorophyll because they haven’t matured enough. 

White vein kratom has the highest concentration of Mitragynine, which hovers around 1-2%. It has a much lower concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine — as little as 0.01%.

Due to this chemical composition, white vein kratom generally produces feelings of heightened awareness and a bright “get up and go” feeling. Most users use white kratom during the daytime. They may take a pinch of white kratom powder instead of coffee or energy drinks and use it to power through a workout or daily tasks. 

This strain of kratom is also known to help boost feelings of contentment and all-around “good vibes.”

Green Vein Kratom

Also known as green kratom, this strain is created when the kratom leaves have just begun to mature, which gives the stems and veins a green or pale greenish-yellow hue. 

Green vein kratom is in the middle of white vein and red vein. It’s still Mitragynine-dominant, with a similar 1-2% concentration, but contains higher levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (usually around 0.05%).

Green vein kratom is a popular choice among users because of its balanced effects. It helps many users feel more present and energized, like white kratom, yet also creates a pleasant grounding feeling similar to red vein kratom.

Red Vein Kratom

Red vein kratom, which is also called red kratom, is made from the most mature kratom leaves. As they near the end of their natural growth cycle, the stems and veins begin to turn reddish or ruddy-brown. 

This strain is the highest in 7-hydroxymitragynine, which typically ranges from a 0.05% to 0.1% concentration. It also contains less mitragynine than younger kratom. Generally, red kratom has 1-1.5% mitragynine or less.

The alkaloid balance of red vein kratom means that it helps users feel more grounded and release the tension of the day. Kratom enthusiasts often love this strain for evening use or any time they wish to feel more chill.

Yellow Vein Kratom

Finally, there’s yellow vein kratom. Also called yellow kratom, this strain is a little different from the other varieties because it isn’t part of the plant’s natural life cycle. 

Instead, yellow vein kratom is created by blending white vein kratom with green or red. It may also be a blend of all three strains. 

The alkaloid composition of yellow vein kratom will vary depending on this blend, as will the effects. However, this unique strain generally presents a milder experience with more balanced, long-lasting effects.

Finding the Best Kratom Strains for Your Needs

No matter which strain you’re interested in, Joe’s Botanicals has the perfect kratom for you. Shop now for the highest-quality, purest kratom on the market.