Exploring the Different Types of Kratom | Kratom Monkey

I will give you the lowdown on best-selling strains like Maeng Da, Borneo, and Thai kratom while discussing what to expect from each type of kratom vein color. After that, we will look at some popular types of kratom products, including powder, capsules, and extracts.

Let’s get started.

Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia that produces leaves rich in mitragynine and other indole-based alkaloids. Kratom is officially known as Mitragyna speciosa and is part of the Rubiaceae plant family, which many refer to as the coffee or madder family.

Nowadays, kratom has a global reputation, including in the United States, where products are highly sought-after. The herb is a federally legal substance but is banned in some states. Click here to familiarize yourself with kratom legislation.

The herb is often described as possessing opioid-like properties, although opioids and kratom alkaloids are completely different compounds. Kratom products can provide a range of experiences, such as increased energy and euphoria.

Before we delve into kratom strains, let’s learn more about the different kratom vein colors. The vein color of a kratom strain holds more influence over its effects than the strain name.

For example, Red Maeng Da and Red Borneo are more alike than Red Maeng Da and White Maeng Da. Here’s what to expect from red, white, green, yellow, and gold vein kratom.

Red-colored kratom strains are associated with euphoria, enhanced mood, and generally peaceful properties. That said, small dosages may produce mildly energizing effects.

But overwhelmingly, red vein kratom is for chilling out and taking the edge off after a hectic day. You might even detect an enjoyable “couchlock” sensation after consuming a medium to high dosage.

Considering these effects, I recommend caution if taking red vein kratom in the morning or afternoon. Take too much, and you may find yourself not wanting to do anything productive! 

Prepare for stimulation and a substantial energy boost after a hit of white vein kratom! These uplifting, cerebral strains are perfect for blowing away the cobwebs and getting you functioning at 100%. Take in the morning to begin your day right or in the afternoon to lift your spirits.

Many find white vein strains ideal for focus, alertness, and maintaining productivity throughout the day. Indeed, there are parallels between these kratom strains and strong coffee, although most would agree that kratom is more intense!

However, white-vein kratom doesn’t suit everybody. Some people find the energy boost excessive and anxiety-inducing. So think twice about using these strains if you are prone to nerves and jitters. 

Green vein kratom strains generate well-balanced effects, combining the best of red and white vein kratom into satisfying hybrid-style strains. Think of increased energy without the jitters or enhanced mood sans the heady euphoria. That is what you get from green vein kratom.

Many kratom brands market their green vein strains as the best options for promoting well-being. I also like these kratoms for novices who are unsure about the effects they want. Green vein strains are a great introduction to kratom and can do the trick in any situation. 

Yellow vein kratom is significantly rarer than red, white, and green vein kratom - I would even go so far as to call it mysterious! Some users think these products contain a blend of green and white vein strains. Yellow vein kratom may be fermented to boost alkaloid content and potency.

Regardless of this kratom vein color’s origins, it is associated with some delightful effects. Yellow vein kratom strains may improve focus and enhance your mood while delivering a milder energy boost than white vein strains. 

Finally, we have gold vein kratom, another vein color with uncertain origins. However, much like yellow strains, many people suspect that gold kratom is made by combining several strains or by subjecting the leaves to a unique drying and fermentation process.

Once again, however gold vein kratom strains are created, it is their fantastic effects that matter most. Gold strains share similarities with red vein kratoms, but they are less likely to produce a couchlock effect or send you into full-blown euphoria. 

Now you have a broad idea of what to expect from different kratom vein colors, let’s dig deeper into the subtle differences between strains. There are dozens of kratom strains for sale in the U.S., but I want to focus on three best-sellers: Maeng Da, Borneo, and Thai. 

This kratom strain is famous for its punchy potency and is always in high demand. ‘Maeng Da’ is Thai slang for ‘pimp-grade’, and while that might be a crude phrase, it is certainly accurate!

White Maeng Da is a magnificent energy booster, even in the white vein category. As such, I only recommend it for seasoned kratom heads who seek out and can handle such sensations.

Intriguingly, Red Maeng Da kratom has more energizing qualities than most red vein strains. These effects are most pronounced in low dosages. Medium to large-sized servings still generate more traditional red vein kratom effects. 

Borneo kratom is known for its varied alkaloid profile and impressive potency. While kratom is mostly about mitragynine, the increased 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG) concentration in Borneo strains is essential for their extra strength.

Borneo kratom strains come from the Southeast Asian jungle island that bears its name, which is part of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The tropical environment is well-suited to growing premium-grade kratom, so it is no surprise that Borneo strains are so potent.

Red, white, and green vein Borneo strain effects match up with what you would expect from their respective vein colors. This makes Borneo kratom a reliable, go-to option for regular users.

We finish with Thai kratom - and there are no prizes for guessing that this strain comes from Thailand! Thai strains trend toward energizing and uplifting effects. Even Red Thai kratom is energy-boosting to some extent, which goes against what you would typically expect.

These Thai kratom characteristics make White Thai arguably the most stimulating strain on the market. Of course, not everyone will enjoy the headrush, but if you want pure invigoration from your kratom, this is where to find it.

Unlike years ago, kratom is now sold in several forms. Vendors offer niche options such as edibles, liquid shots, and tinctures, as well as tried-and-tested favorites like kratom powder and capsules. Let’s find out more about three sought-after kratom product types. 

Kratom powder is the most basic of all Mitragyna speciosa products and enjoys enduring popularity. It is a cost-effective and versatile kratom product. And pretty much every strain is sold in powder form.

There are no hidden secrets with high-quality kratom powder. These products contain nothing more than ground-up kratom leaves - no additives, fillers, or nasty stuff like that.

Kratom powder gives you various consumption options, including classic methods like 'toss and wash' and brewing tea. But if you are a kratom extract who likes getting creative, you could also make capsules, edibles, or extracts with loose kratom powder.

Love kratom but loathe the flavor? Remove taste from the equation with flavorless kratom capsules. Many brands that sell kratom powder stock the same strains in capsule form.

Kratom caps have other benefits, such as consistent serving sizes and travel-friendly traits. You can effortlessly enjoy capsules on the go without making a mess and with nothing more than a glass of water to swill them down.

Most manufacturers seal the kratom powder within hard shell capsules. But some brands now stock soft gel capsules, too - these are typically seen as easier to swallow.

These high-potency kratom products attract experienced consumers who are familiar with high dosages. Kratom extract powder is a blend of regular powder and alkaloid-rich extract, and therefore a substantially more potent product.

Many brands market kratom extract powder and capsule products as 5x, 10x, or another number. This figure describes how much more potent the product is than standard kratom - and it could technically be any value.

Some users find kratom extracts more convenient. For example, instead of getting your kratom dosage from several capsules, a single extract capsule might have all the mitragynine you need.

The kratom industry is more diverse than ever, with so many exciting strains and product types available for purchase. And as the kratom industry continues to grow, I expect to see even more unique products come onto the market.

However, I appreciate that all these choices can be daunting for a first-timer. I hope this guide has made you more confident about finding the perfect kratom product.