Kratom is an herbal product with diverse effects. At certain doses, it has the potential to energize and motivate. At other doses, it may offer soothing and relaxing effects. Knowing how to strike the right balance is key to maximizing the benefits of this herb. We are focusing on its energizing and motivating properties in this article.
Understanding the Major Strains and Veins of Kratom
The journey begins by knowing the different vein strains of kratom and what each is best suited for. In your quest to explore this herb, you will often hear the name of some Southeast Asian areas attached to kratom. For example, Bali kratom, Thai kratom, Malay kratom, Borneo kratom, etc. These prefixes represent different strains. Thai kratom is a strain, Bali kratom is another strain, and so on. Factors like natural evolution, regional environment, soil conditions, climate, and selective cultivation by farmers influence the genetic makeup and alkaloid profiles of these strains.
Another thing you will notice is the different colors associated with these strains. These colors are the veins of kratom. The three main colors are white, green, and red. You may also come across colors like yellow or gold, but these are not natural — they are blends from vendors through the mixing of the key colors or fermentation processes. You will notice names like white Bali kratom, green Malay, Red Thai, etc. These colors represent the veins of the leaves at the stage of harvest, and they play a key role in the alkaloid profile of kratom.
The two most active alkaloids of kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Mitragynine is way more abundant, about 60–70% of the total alkaloid content, while 7-OH is just about 2% of the total. Mitragynine has more of the energizing and motivating properties, while 7-OH has more of the soothing effects. So when aiming to get kratom’s more energizing and motivating effects, you’d want something with a high amount of mitragynine. Now, let’s explain the three veins of kratom.
White Vein Kratom
White veined kratom leaves are usually harvested when the leaves are still immature. If you take a close look at the fresh leaves, you’d see pale or whitish veins on them, hence it is called white vein kratom. At this maturity stage, the leaves tend to have higher amounts of mitragynine. And since mitragynine has energizing and motivating properties, white veins are known for energy and mood boosts.
Green Vein Kratom
At this stage, the leaves are more mature than the white veins, but they are yet to reach full maturity. The veins are medium green, and the distribution of alkaloid content is more balanced. This means green veins typically have a more balanced amount of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. This property makes green veins potentially more versatile. They can act as potential energizers and can also offer mild relaxing effects.
Red Vein Kratom
The leaves of red vein strains are the most mature, and the veins on the fresh leaves appear darker, sometimes reddish or maroon. Red veins have the highest natural amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine, and since this alkaloid is chiefly known for its soothing properties, the potential effects of red veins are calm and comforting. So if you are looking for energy and mood boosts, red veins are the unlikely ones to consider.
Top 5 Kratom Vein Strains for Energizing and Motivating Effects
If you have followed through the write-up carefully, you should already know which vein strains are suited for energy and motivation. Of course, white and green, because they have the highest ratio of mitragynine, the alkaloid chiefly responsible for the effects we are talking about.
White Maeng Da
White Maeng Da is not a natural strain, but a cultivar created through selective grafting and breeding by farmers. Nevertheless, it’s generally known as a strain and considered a potent kratom strain. Its high alkaloid content, particularly mitragynine, is responsible for its energizing effects. Expect to potentially experience increased alertness, focus, and a sense of well-being from White Maeng Da.
White Borneo
If you want to potentially energize your day, White Borneo has the potential properties to do that for you. It may offer a great boost to productivity and the right optimism to run through the day. If you are new to kratom, this might be a good strain to start with.
Green Maeng Da
Green Maeng Da potentially offers balanced but stronger effects than other green veins. If you want increased focus and energy, and a mix of mild relaxation, this strain might be a good choice. The good thing is that it doesn’t come with the jitteriness that may come with more potent strains like White Maeng Da.
Green Malay
Green Malay is best suited for those who want milder, smoother energy. The mitragynine content in this product is above average but not as high as Maeng Da, which explains its potential long-lasting and balanced effects
White Thai
White Thai is an energizing kratom strain known for strong energy, alertness, and motivation. Although its effects are often shorter-lasting than Green Malay, it may deliver a sharper boost, making it popular for mornings or productivity. Kratom users with some experience with the herb should consider White Thai for energy and motivation.
Dosage Guidelines for Kratom’s Energizing and Motivating Effects
Apart from knowing the best strains for energy, which we have listed above, the amount of kratom you take can change the narrative. Taking smaller amounts should be your target for energy and focus. How much is a smaller amount? It depends on your tolerance level and how your body responds to the herb.
But generally, the range should be between 1 gram to 4 grams. Most users find their balance between 3–4 grams, but you have to experiment to find yours. If you are new to kratom, you can start with 1 g to see how it works for you. You can keep increasing until you hit the effect you seek, but don’t be tempted to go beyond 3 or at most 4 grams if what you want is focus and energy. Higher doses can get you into more relaxed states that may be counterproductive.
The effects of taking smaller doses may only last for 2–4 hours. If you’re working or studying for longer hours, you will need to re-dose more frequently to maintain the effect.
Enhancing Kratom’s Energizing Effects By Pairing With Other Natural Boosters
If you want to enhance kratom’s energizing effects, you can even go a step further by pairing it with natural boosters. Taking small doses of kratom and caffeine, like coffee or tea, can amplify focus and alertness.
Other herbal energizers such as guarana or ginseng may also complement kratom’s uplifting properties. For a smoother, longer effect, adding ginger, turmeric, or a pinch of cayenne can support digestion and improve absorption. These simple combinations may help extend energy and motivation, especially during long hours of work or study, without needing frequent re-dosing.
We like to stress that starting with the smallest possible doses, especially when you are trying for the first time, is the best way to go. While you are trying to enhance your energy, don’t forget about overstimulation. Overdoing it may result in jitters, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, or trouble focusing.
Learn to be moderate and don’t entirely rely on other people’s experience because responses vary by person, and tolerance levels are not the same. The key is to start small and observe your body for a while. You can tweak accordingly if needed to get your perfect dose and effects.
