Kratom is quickly gaining traction worldwide, gathering millions of users looking for potential effects of well-being, motivation, focus, and relaxation. Kratom comes in different types and categories. These variations are called strains, each coming with unique properties and effects.
If you’re new to these products and wish to delve deeper into the world of kratom, you’ll find it quite challenging to do so due to so many different kratom strains. Any experienced user will tell you their side of the story because they all have their favorite kratom strains.
However, what works for them won’t necessarily work for you. With that in mind, we’ll discuss the differences between the three main kratom strains (white, green, and red) to help you understand their characteristics and make an informed decision.
Kratom Strain Origins
Red, green, and white kratom strains come from the Mitragyna speciosa tree that grows in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, and Indonesia. The three main strains are recognized by the distinct color of the center vein of their leaves.
That aside, kratom strains also differ in their unique processing and drying methods. This distinction gives you access to unique kratom products when exploring red vein vs green vein vs white vein. These include Red Bali (Bali and Indonesia) and Maeng Da (Thailand and Indonesia).
Traditionally, red kratom comes from Southeast Asia, most notably Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, and Indonesia. Green kratom originated in Malaysia but is now successfully cultivated in Indonesia and Thailand.
White kratom is also native to Southeast Asia but is mainly cultivated in Borneo. You can find all three kratom strains in these countries and all over the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
Differences Between Vein Colors
The vein colors get their name from the faint coloration in the stems and veins of the strain leaves. Red, green, and white are the only three vein colors in the kratom world. They all originate from the same strain of kratom.
However, each kratom vein has a unique alkaloid profile and properties that affect its potential effects. The harvesting time is the main factor in determining a kratom strain’s color and vein.
Here’s the comparison list:
- White veins – the mildest vein variation with the most immature leaves;
- Green veins – a more potent variation of the white vein kratom with half-matured leaves;
- Red veins – red leaves are the most mature and potent of all kratom veins.
There are a few exclusions from these kratom veins, such as gold and yellow strains. These aren’t vein colors but unique blends, mixtures, and combinations of two or more existing vein colors. For example, the gold stain is the fermented version of yellow kratom.
Yellow kratom, on the other hand, is a unique kratom variant created through a special drying method named photooxidation. Put simply, yellow kratom is a combo of dried white and green kratom strains, left to dry over 20 days or more to get its specific yellow color.
Like other kratom colors, yellow and gold kratom have unique effects. Consuming these kratom strains might produce energy boosts and enhanced feelings of well-being.
ADVERTISEMENT
Effects of Different Kratom Strains
White is generally more stimulating, red is more relaxing and sedating, and green is in the middle. Each kratom strain might have potential mood-boosting, cognitive, energizing, soothing, and uplifting effects.
However, the effects of each strain are determined by how much kratom you consume. Generally speaking, lower doses will always have more stimulating and energizing effects, while higher doses fall more into the relaxation and sedation spectrums.
White vein kratom is generally praised for its potential to enhance focus and increase energy levels. It provides an energy boost and keeps you motivated throughout the day. It’s perfect for gym-goers and people who struggle to stay focused during the day due to having too many chores.
Green kratom is somewhere in the middle, between red and white kratom. Most kratom enthusiasts opt for the green vein because it offers the best of both worlds. It can be both stimulating and relaxing at the same time. Kratom users rely on green kratom when they wish to enhance mental clarity and sharpen focus.
Red kratom is the most potent kratom vein of them all. Since it contains the most mature kratom leaves, the red vein can potentially be comforting, soothing, and calming to your body and mind. However, as mentioned earlier, lower doses might produce an energy-enhancing vibe.
Color-Specific Alkaloid Profiles
All kratom strains contain primary alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine.
However, kratom strains may contain over 40 other alkaloids, such as:
- Speciociliatine
- Speciogynine
- Mitraciliatine
- Tetrahydroalstonine
- Ajmalicine
- Corynoxine
- Paynantheine
- Isopaynantheine
- Corynantheidine
There’s not enough research on the secondary alkaloids and their standalone qualities. We don’t have enough information to correctly interpret their interactions with the primary alkaloids.
However, we know that complex mixtures of primary and secondary alkaloids and different alkaloid ratios contribute to differences in the effects of each kratom strain. In other words, the unique alkaloid profiles of each kratom strain are directly responsible for the potency and impact they provide.
Red kratom is known for containing higher concentrations of both primary alkaloids, with 7-hydroxymitragynine taking charge. The white vein contains higher levels of mitragynine, while the green vein kratom has the most balanced alkaloid profile.
Conclusion
Though it may seem like something overly complicated, choosing the right kratom isn’t rocket science. Eventually, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer more relaxing effects, you can go with the red kratom vein.
If you wish for relaxation and energy boosts, opt for the green vein variant. If you want a full energy boost, white kratom is right up your alley. Keep in mind that all kratom veins can be stimulating and energizing in lower dosages.
