Kratom is now one of the most popular supplements on the market. Traditionally consumed by the local communities in southeast Asia to boost energy and for ailments such as pain and fever, kratom has grown in popularity in the Western world for its many benefits.
Kratom in General
Before understanding the differences between maeng da kratom and Bali kratom, one should first understand the basics of kratom:
Categorizing Kratom
Kratom products are made from the kratom tree, Mitragyna speciosa. It can be broadly categorized into three types (red, green, white) based on the maturity of the leaves and the drying or fermenting process. Generally, red vein kratom is best for those looking for relaxation, mood elevation, and pain relief while white vein kratom offers an energy boost and improved focus or concentration. Green vein kratom offers a balanced effect between red and white vein kratom.
Kratom Effects
Some of the effects of kratom include:
- Relaxation
Some strains of kratom especially red vein kratom is known for its ability to offer relaxation. Life today can be much more stressful and hectic than it was many years ago. While small amounts of stress can boost productivity, long-term stress can be detrimental to health. In fact, many individuals are so hard-wired from stress at work and life that they are unable to relax during their days off from work. Kratom can offer a sense of calmness to help the user relax. It also benefits those in pain as it reduces muscle tension. Since it helps the user relax, it also works great as a sleep aid making it an ideal supplement for those with insomnia, stress, and anxiety.
- Mood Elevation
One of the main effects in kratom is euphoria. This is especially true for red vein kratom. It helps to elevate the user’s mood. In green and white kratom, many users have reported that they feel more optimistic and motivated instead of the classic “high”. This effect can be great for individuals experiencing depression and pain as it helps them to start their day right.
- Pain Relief
Kratom is well-known for its ability to offer pain relief as it contains alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that acts as opioid receptor agonists to produce opioid-like effects. This is why many patients with chronic pain turn to kratom as they no longer want to be entirely dependent on prescription pain medication. Combined with the other effects that kratom offers, it can significantly improve the quality of life for many patients.
- Energy Boost
Some strains of kratom especially white vein and green vein kratom are popular caffeine alternatives. These strains are often the go-to for users who have an active lifestyle. In fact, some take kratom before working out to get the most out of their session. Many users are turning to kratom instead of caffeine as it does not cause the jittery feeling often experienced with coffee.
- Mental Clarity
Many users who take white vein kratom or green vein kratom have reported better mental clarity. This can be attributed to kratom’s ability to enhance focus and concentration. For this reason, many office workers and those in academia take white vein kratom as it also stimulates their memory and enables complex tasks to be completed within a shorter timeframe. Combined with the energy boost, users can expect the completion of projects within their deadline.
Maeng Da vs Bali
After understanding what kratom has to offer generally, it is time to look at the differences between the maeng da and Bali lineages:
Origin
The origins of kratom strains are not always accurate but reflects the best guess available. Bali Kratom is thought to originate from Bali, Indonesia while Maeng Da Kratom is thought to be from Thailand.
Appearance
Bali kratom is one of the oldest strains in the kratom market. The Bali kratom tree has a faster growth rate and yields broader leaves. Comparatively, Maeng Da is a relatively new strain on the market. It is a hybrid produced through grafting and shares its parent’s constituents. Maeng da kratom was made to be potent.
Biochemistry
Bali kratom has one of the highest concentration of alkaloids. It contains more than 25 types of alkaloids with the most prominent ones being mitragynine, mitraphylline, speciogynine, speciofoline, paynanthine, and oxindoles.
Meanwhile, Maeng da kratom has the best collection of alkaloids with high concentrations of mitragynine, 70hydroxymitragynine, speciociliatine, speciogynine, and paynanthine. The most active alkaloid in maeng da kratom is mitragynine, a compound best used to relieve chronic pain by acting on opioid receptors.
Effects
Most users use Bali kratom to elevate their mental well-being as it offers a great balance between relaxation and stimulation. This makes it the best strain to enhance focus and increase productivity as many of us work so much better without the constant pressure. Bali kratom is also great for those experiencing pain, anxiety, depression, or have withdrawal symptoms.
Maeng da kratom is the most potent kratom lineage and is often used in local communities to relieve pain. It has strong relaxation and analgesic effects. The alkaloids present in this lineage also boosts energy levels. Combined with the relaxation effects, maeng da kratom does not cause the user to feel jittery or antsy. Other effects of maeng da kratom include regulating sleep patterns and increasing metabolism. It is a popular choice for patients with pain as it does not have any side effects of opioids such as respiratory depression.
Uses
These recommendations are based on the effects for both Bali and Maeng da kratom:
Bali kratom is best for:
- Users who want soothing effects
- New users without kratom experience and want to avoid an overpowering strain
- Light energy boost
- Relaxing and unwinding at the end of the day
Maeng da kratom is best for:
- Use at the beginning of the day
- Users who want a pick-me-up
- Boosting concentration and focus
- Stimulation
Dosage
Both Bali and Maeng da kratom are available in powder form. Upon ingestion, Bali kratom takes effect within 20 to 30 minutes and can last for about 3 to 4 hours. Maeng da kratom takes effect faster in about 10 minutes and can last for as long as 8 hours.
There is no one set dosage for kratom as it depends on the kratom strain, product form, age, health status, metabolic rate, and more. Users new to the strain should experiment to find their optimal dose. This can be done by keeping a journal to record the details such as strain, dosages, and effects achieved.
Generally, when trying a new strain, beginners start with 1 to 2 grams. If the user is of smaller stature, a dosage of 0.5 grams is also acceptable. Wait for 60 to 90 minutes for the effects to peak to see if the desired effects are achieved. If not, the user can take an additional dose of 1 to 2 grams. Users gradually increase the dose to achieve the effects desired. Average doses of Bali kratom ranges from 2 to 4 grams and 2-3 grams for Maeng da kratom.
Remember that kratom doses are not regulated and requires experimentation to find the optimal dose. Kratom should not be used with other drugs that are metabolized by the liver as it reduces the clearance of the medication and can prolong the effect of the drug.
Side Effects
Both Bali and Maeng da kratom are natural. The likelihood of side effects for both these lineages are minimal especially if they are used accordingly. The side effects of kratom are most commonly seen among beginners or those who use larger than recommended doses. Some of the side effects that may occur are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle pain
Best Ways to Take
The best ways to take kratom depends on user preference and product form. Most kratom veterans prefer kratom powder as it is easily accessible, affordable, and cost-efficient. They take kratom powder using the toss-and-wash method where kratom powder is placed on the tongue and washed down with any beverage.
Users who dislike the smell and taste of kratom can opt to add kratom powder into their food or drinks such as smoothies and shorts. Some make kratom tea by adding hot water to kratom powder and letting it steep. Kratom can be consumed plain or with added flavors to improve palatability.
Kratom capsules are recommended for beginners as they are convenient, and the dosages have already been measured out. It also hides the smell and taste of kratom. Both Bali and Maeng da kratom are available in powder and capsule forms.
Kratom FAQs
- Is kratom legal?
Yes, kratom is legal in most US states. There are some states where it is legal, but the local counties deem it to be illegal. Examples include San Diego, California and Sarasota County, Florida. If in doubt, reach out to customer service to see if kratom is legal in your area.
- Is Kratom Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, all kratom products are suitable for vegans. The only variable to look out for are kratom capsules. While some capsules are made from plant-based ingredients, there are some that are made from gelatin, a bovine source.
- Does Kratom Contain Caffeine?
No, kratom does not contain caffeine. It contains compounds that mimic the effects of caffeine making it a great caffeine alternative.
- Are All Kratom Products Tested?
No, not all kratom products are tested. This is why kratom users are encouraged to buy from a reputable kratom vendor as they regularly test their products for purity and contaminants.
Conclusion: Which One To Choose
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between Bali or Maeng da kratom. The choice simply depends on what effects the user is looking for. Users who want to boost productivity and feel energized should opt for Maeng da kratom while those who want a soothing and relaxing effect should opt for Bali kratom. Overall, both strains are remarkable and has much to offer.
