Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa is a tree originating from Southeast Asia where its leaves are harvested and consumed by the locals to help provide an energy boost or to provide relief for a wide variety of ailments. Over the last few decades, this natural herbal supplement has been brought to the Western world where it skyrocketed in popularity. As more people become interested in kratom, more are seeking out information on how to use this remarkable plant. Kratom can be broadly categorized into red vein kratom, green vein kratom, and white vein kratom. This guide covers the pros, cons, and differences between red and green vein kratom strains.
Red Vein Kratom
Like all kratom, red vein kratom is made from dried and crushed leaves from the Mitragyna speciosa tree. While some may believe that different types of kratom are made from distinct kratom trees, that is not the case. All kratom comes from the same plant. The main difference is in the maturity of the leaves that are harvested, contributing to the vein color. For example, red kratom is made from red vein kratom leaves which indicates the most mature leaves.
Leaves with different maturity contain varying levels of alkaloid concentration. Alkaloids are chemicals that can be naturally found in plants such as kratom and coffee. These leaves are then dried or fermented in direct sunlight or using a powerful ultraviolet lamp.
Kratom trees require a tropical environment with rich fertile soil and hot humid weather to thrive. In southeast Asia, the local kratom farmers are also well acquainted with the care of the kratom tree using the knowledge handed down by their ancestors. The maturity of the leaves combined with the location the kratom tree is cultivated gives rise to the unique strains of kratom.
Red Kratom Benefits
Red vein kratom has many benefits to offer. While red vein kratom generally has similar effects, each lineage is unique in their own ways. Most users use red kratom for the following effects:
- Relaxation
Life today has become extremely hectic and stressful for most people. While small amounts of stress can contribute to more productivity, too much stress long-term can be detrimental to health. For those who are constantly under pressure, it can be difficult to relax. Red vein kratom can be used to help induce calm and relaxation. In higher doses, it can promote sleep and ensure better rest. These properties are ideal for users with insomnia, stress, and anxiety.
- Analgesia
One of the main selling points of red vein kratom is its ability to offer pain relief. The alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine act on opioid receptors to mimic opioids and produces effective pain relief. For this reason, many chronic pain patients turn to kratom, so they no longer have to be entirely dependent on prescription medicine. Combined with the relaxation effects, tensed muscles in the body also relaxes which helps to reduce pain levels as well to significantly improve the quality of life.
- Mood Elevation
Red kratom is known for their effects to improve moods. Users have described it as a feeling of joy, peace, and optimism. This can be especially useful for individuals experiencing depression and pain. By uplifting their moods, it helps them to get going and experience life again.
Different Red Vein Kratom Strains
Some examples of red vein kratom strains include:
| Type | Thought to Originate From | Effects |
| Red Bali | Bali, Indonesia | Red Bali is a versatile strain and is best used for relaxation, pain relief, and opiate withdrawal. |
| Red Thai | Thailand | A milder red vein kratom, red Thai is popular among users who is looking for a sleep aid and pain relief. |
| Red Horn | Borneo | Known for its potency, red horn kratom helps to soothe tired minds and bodies while promoting mental well-being. |
| Red Sumatra | Sumatra, Indonesia | Another potent strain, red Sumatra can help promote undisturbed rest and reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. |
Green Vein Kratom
Green vein kratom leaves also come from the kratom tree. Typically, green vein kratom is made from mature kratom leaves which are dried in an air-conditioned room with little to no light. Once the leaves are almost completely dry, they are moved outside in the sun for about an hour to complete the drying process.
Green Kratom Benefits
Green kratom is known as the jack of all trades as it offers balanced effects of red and white vein kratom. If in doubt, green vein kratom is the way to go as it is ideal for just about any situation. For this reason, green vein kratom varieties are often recommended for beginners. The benefits of green kratom include:
- Relaxation
Providing a blissful and relaxing sensation, green kratom can help soothe and calm the user. It is especially helpful for users who want to calm their nerves while maintaining their productivity level as it does not have the more sedative effects of red vein kratom. It can also be useful to help loosen users up especially during events such as work interviews or awkward social gatherings.
- Energy Boost and Mental Clarity
Green vein kratom offers an energy boost to help keep users going through a long day. One of the main traits of white vein kratom, it is often used as a caffeine alternative but can often cause some jitters. With green vein kratom, the energy boost is milder and felt at a steady rate without causing users to feel antsy. It also helps to improve mental clarity by promoting concentration and focus. This helps to increase productivity levels as complex tasks can be completed easily in a shorter timeframe.
- Analgesia and Mood Elevation
Like red kratom, green vein kratom also offers pain relief and mood elevation albeit at a milder level. It is suitable for users experiencing mild to moderate chronic pain. Many patients prefer using green kratom over red kratom for analgesia as it has a less sedative impact and allows them to continue to be productive. Paired with green kratom’s ability to elevate moods, it can help to improve the quality of life for many individuals.
Different Green Vein Kratom Strains
Some examples of green vein kratom strains include:
| Strain | Thought to Originate From | Effects |
| Green Bali | Bali, Indonesia | Green Bali has been reported to improve moods and helping the user feel motivated and optimistic. It also increases energy levels, focus, and concentration. |
| Green Indo | Indonesia | A great strain for relaxation, green Indo helps those who have anxiety or stressed out by promoting optimism. It also boosts productivity levels and energy. |
| Green Malay | Malaysia | Green Malay helps with focus and relaxation. It is especially useful for those who experience brain fog as it promotes mental clarity. |
| Green Maeng Da | Thailand | A highly potent strain, green maeng da helps boost energy and is an effective analgesic. |
Red Kratom vs Green Kratom: How To Choose?
Choosing the type of kratom depends on the user’s personal preferences and situation. The general thinking is that those who are primarily looking for pain relief, relaxation, or euphoria, the best choice would be to go with red kratom. Users who are looking for an energy boost or to increase productivity levels should go with white vein kratom. Meanwhile, beginners to kratom or those who are looking for balanced effects should go with green vein kratom.
Since every individual is unique, kratom users are encouraged to experiment with different strains and dosages of kratom to find one that works well for them. One of the most important piece of advice kratom beginners should take away with them is to always buy kratom from a reputable kratom vendor as it has a great impact on user experience.
Where to Buy Kratom
Buying from a reputable kratom vendor not only guarantees a better user experience, but it also guarantees the client’s safety. Reputable kratom vendors regularly test their kratom products for purity and contaminants. Their kratom products are ethically sourced according to Fair Trade policies. This protects the future generations of kratom farmers which in turn, safeguards future kratom supplies and stabilizes market prices.
When choosing a kratom vendor, be sure to consider their reputation and available customer reviews. Look at the variety of kratom products available along with pricing. This allows users to experiment without burning a hole in their pockets. Before purchasing, check their return and refund policy. Having a good customer support team is also crucial as this team will be the one responsible for processing returns or refunds. With all these factors in mind, some of the best kratom vendors on the market are:
Nova Kratom
Nova Kratom is a brand that has been voted as the best kratom vendor on Reddit due to their premium quality kratom products with the lowest prices on the market. They also offer free shipping for orders above $40 and an additional 20% discount off all orders. Offering a 30-day money back guarantee, Nova has an excellent customer support team that not only addresses any potential issues, but also helps clients to determine which kratom strain may suit them best. Nova also regular tests their products for purity and contaminants.
Organic Kratom USA
Best known for their commitment to 100% organic kratom, Organic Kratom USA (OK) aims to provide clients with quality kratom products and other botanicals at reasonable prices. Backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, OK regularly tests their products for freshness. Despite their steeper prices compared to NDK, this brand offers bulk pricing for orders above 10 kilos. They are well-known as they allow users to create their own kratom blend.
Kraken Kratom
Established since 2014, Kraken Kratom is a reputable kratom vendor recognized by the American Kratom Association for their Good Manufacturing Practices. Regularly testing their products sourced from southeast Asia, they offer a reward system that allows users to redeem loyalty points for discounts. Although prices are steeper compared to NDK, they offer bulk pricing and a 30-day refund policy only for unopened products.
General Kratom FAQs
- Who Should Use Kratom?
Almost anyone can use kratom as the local community in southeast Asia use it to alleviate pain, fatigue, muscle cramps, and more. Kratom is a natural herbal supplement that has minimal side effects.
- Does Kratom Have Side Effects?
Yes, kratom can cause side effects. However, the risk of side effects is minimal and mostly occurs in kratom beginners or when used in larger than recommended doses. Some of the side effects that may occur include nausea, vomiting, irritability, sweating, dizziness, dry mouth, weight loss, and more.
- What Dosage of Kratom Should Beginners Use?
Since every individual is unique, there is no one set dosage. Instead, beginners are recommended to start with a 1 to 2 grams dose and wait for 60 to 90 minutes for kratom to reach its full effect. If the desired effects are not achieved, take another dose of 1 to 2 grams. Beginners are encouraged to keep a journal to track their dose and effects. This helps them to determine the optimal dose of kratom for them. As the potency of each kratom strain differs, this process should be repeated when trying a new strain of kratom. Generally, the average kratom user takes about 3 to 5 grams of kratom while a heavy user takes 6 to 8 grams of kratom.
- Is Kratom Legal?
Yes, kratom is legal in most US states. In fact, it is legal on the federal level. However, there are some states where kratom is legal, but the local counties declare kratom to be illegal. Examples include San Diego, California and Sarasota County, Florida. If in doubt, reach out to the customer support team from your kratom vendor to determine if kratom is legal in your area.
Conclusion: Red Kratom vs Green Kratom
Both red and green kratom has its own pros and cons. It all boils down to why the user wants to use kratom. Red vein kratom is best suited for pain relief, relaxation, and mood elevation while green kratom offers all the effects of red kratom but at a milder level. Green kratom also offers a moderate amount of energy boost, mental clarity, and focus. Ultimately, green vein kratom is an all-rounder often recommended for beginners.
