Kratom has been a cultural staple across Southeast Asia for centuries, but it’s only recently become popular in the United States. If you’re new to kratom, you probably have several questions–how kratom works, how to use kratom safely, and how to get the best kratom experience, among others.
For a compilation of useful information for people just starting their kratom journey, check out our Kratom Guide for beginners below. You can also check out our kratom FAQs for more information.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is the common name for mitragyna speciosa, an evergreen tree found across Southeast Asia. Kratom can refer to the tree itself or to products made from the leaves of the tree.
In the U.S., kratom typically comes in the form of powder, capsules, or raw leaves. Kratom powder is made up of crushed and processed kratom leaves, which can then be packaged into capsules for ease of use. You can also find other products like kratom extracts or gummies and other foods infused with kratom.
Effects of Kratom
Kratom has been used for centuries by indigenous Southeast Asian populations as a stimulant, natural medicine, and holistic treatment for pain and other conditions. In the U.S., people who take kratom use it for the stimulating effects–boosts in energy, productivity, sociability, and talkativeness.
In normal doses, people often say they experience an improved attitude. At higher doses of kratom, some people report more sedative-like effects. Different strains can also emphasize different effects, as we discuss below.
Kratom has not been approved for any official medicinal use by the FDA. There are studies underway currently evaluating the effectiveness and potential side effects of kratom as a natural treatment for chronic pain relief, depression, anxiety, digestive issues, and other maladies.
Different Kratom Strains
There are a lot of options for kratom products in the U.S., and when you’re just starting your kratom journey, it can feel overwhelming. Once you understand the standard terminology, choosing the right kratom product is much more approachable. For this kratom guide, we’ve compiled the basic information about the different kratom strains.
If you’ve read a kratom label, you’ve likely seen that kratom typically comes in one of four colors: red, white, green, and yellow. These “colors” refer to the colors of the veins in the leaves of the kratom tree at the time it was harvested. Different color veins indicate differences in the chemical profile of the plant, which can affect how people experience the ultimate product.
Typically, red vein kratom highlights the more relaxing elements of kratom, balancing against the stimulating effects. White vein kratom leans fully into the energy-boosting effects. Green vein kratom falls somewhere in the middle, offering a nice representation of all that kratom has to offer. Yellow (or gold) is actually a hybrid strain made by mixing other strains and using specialized harvesting and processing methods. Like green, many people find that yellow kratom carries a good mix of kratom’s beneficial effects.
Terms like “Indo,” “Thai,” or “Bali” refer to the region from which the kratom originates. Other terms like “Maeng Da” are used to denote processing methods. Like grapes made into wine, where the kratom is grown and how it is produced can have a significant effect on the ultimate product.
Where to Buy Kratom
Depending on your local laws and regulations, you can find kratom in your local vitamin shop, nutrition shop, smoke shop, or online. The best kratom products meet the American Kratom Association’s Good Manufacturing Practices, so make sure to do your research.
How to Dose Kratom
The amount of kratom you take can affect your overall experience. At higher doses, for example, many find that kratom can feel more like a sedative. Kratom can also affect different people differently. Body composition, experience with kratom, and even how much and how recently you’ve eaten can affect whether and how you experience kratom’s benefits.
If you are new to kratom, we always advise starting with a small dose and working your way up as you learn how kratom affects your body individually. Kratom powders and capsules can be useful for planning a precise dose, provided you buy your kratom from a trusted source. For the best and safest kratom experience, it’s always best to do your research, read product labels, and listen to your body.
How to Store Your Kratom
Kratom is a natural product derived from plant leaves. Eventually, it can expire. For the most part, expiration means that kratom will simply lose its potency. Unlike fruit or milk, for example, kratom typically won’t become rotten and dangerous to consume.
Kratom’s shelf-life is based on the type of kratom product you purchase and other factors. Exposure to sunlight, moisture, and other environmental contaminants can cause kratom to expire more quickly. Moisture can lead to the buildup of mold, which is never great for consumption.
To keep your products fresh and get the most out of your kratom experience, there are several practical steps to take. We recommend the following:
- Buy fresh, pure kratom from a source you can trust
- Store your kratom in a cool, dry place
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and other UV lights
- Use airtight containers
In general, we’d suggest storing your kratom in a dark pantry or dry root cellar. Some people freeze their kratom, which can prolong freshness but can also create other problems by introducing additional moisture. It’s also important to keep in mind that kratom-infused products will have different expiration dates; a kratom gummy made with fruit, for example, will expire earlier than pure kratom.
If your kratom has lost its traditional aroma, rich color, and distinct flavor, or if you notice any mold growing, it may be time for a replacement batch.
Start Your Kratom Journey With the Mitra Bros
The kratom team at the Mitra Bros is delighted to help you start your kratom adventure. We have a wide variety of fresh, lab-tested, premium kratom products available to curate your kratom experience. We’re always happy to answer your questions if you need help finding the right product to suit your needs.
