If you’ve looked through a kratom shop online or browsed the kratom options at your local smoke shop, you’ve likely come across a whole host of product names and descriptors. “White Horn Capsules,” “Green Maeng Da,” and other names can read like Greek if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
There is a method to the madness. Kratom product names typically refer, at least in part, to the kratom strain used. Most commonly, the product will include a color. Although they all share common effects–it’s all kratom, to be sure–the different color strains can emphasize different benefits of the kratom plant. There are four main kratom strains: red, white, green, and yellow.
To help you choose the right strain for your personalized kratom experience, we’ve put together a primer on the different kratom strains and their effects. Because everyone’s body is different, we encourage you to experiment with the different strains yourself and find what works best for you.
Keep on reading for a breakdown of the different kratom strains explained.
What Do the Colors in a Kratom Strain Mean?
One of the primary factors differentiating kratom products is the color of the kratom strain. The “color” actually refers to the veins of the leaves in the original kratom plant at the time it was harvested.
Color is one means of measuring the alkaloid profile of the kratom plant. Alkaloids are the primary active chemical substances that give kratom its effects. The color of the veins–reflecting the alkaloid content and, in turn, how people tend to feel when they consume the leaves–is determined in large part by the point in the plant’s life cycle at which the leaves are harvested.
The four major strains of kratom, based on color, are red vein, white vein, green vein, and yellow vein. We’ll walk you through each.
Red Vein Kratom
Red vein kratom is made from more mature leaves of the kratom tree. As compared to other strains of kratom, red vein tends to have a more soothing, relaxing feel.
It’s important to keep in mind that, at normal doses, all kratom is typically a stimulant–it’ll still give you that energy boost for added productivity and sociability. Red veins have a more relaxing quality; however, they can be a good choice for people who are more sensitive to the jittery effects of other stimulants.
Some people experience more of a sedative effect when taking higher doses of kratom. If you’re interested in trying out higher doses, we’d recommend starting low and building up once you have a better sense of how kratom affects you. We always advocate exercising caution and doing your research.
White Vein Kratom
White vein kratom is harvested from younger kratom plants and emphasizes the energizing effects of kratom. If you’re after a pure energy boost to get you through the day’s activities, white vein kratom is for you. For example, many people take white kratom products before a workout or to maximize the uplifting vibes kratom can bring.
Green Vein Kratom
Green vein kratom is harvested around the middle of the plant’s life cycle, providing a natural middle ground. Green vein kratom is a popular choice for many people because it strikes that Goldilocks balance, somewhere between the white and red strains. Green vein products offer a nice representation of the overall kratom experience, providing both energy and relaxation.
Green is an especially popular choice for people who are newer to kratom and don’t want to lean in one direction or the other. It’s often described as helpful for enhancing mental clarity and focus.
Yellow Vein Kratom
Red, green, and white are the primary kratom leaf vein colors. You might have come across “yellow” or “gold” strains of kratom as well. These are actually hybrids, or blends, of other kratom strains combined with specialized harvesting and production methods. Yellow refers to the color of the resulting powder rather than the original leaf veins.
By combining the effects of other strains, yellow kratom can provide a nice balance of “motivating” and “calming.” Like green vein, yellow kratom is a popular choice for people who want an even-keeled kratom experience that does not aim for the more targeted effects of red or white.
How Do I Choose the Right Kratom Strain for Me?
We understand that sifting through the various types of kratom can feel overwhelming. At the end of the day, you have to pick what’s right for you! If you want that extra kick, check out the white vein. If you want to balance it out with a more soothing vibe, try red. If you are looking for a mix of all that kratom has to offer, check out green or yellow.
It’s also important to experiment and find out how different strains, as well as different doses and other factors, affect you personally. Body composition, meals, level of kratom experience, and other factors can affect how your body metabolizes the alkaloids in kratom, which, in turn, can affect your experience in a given session.
Play around to learn your own kratom preferences, and always pay close attention to what your body is telling you. The Mitra Bros are always ready to help you find that curated, optimized kratom adventure.
Find the Right Kratom For You at The Mitra Bros
At Mitra Bros, our passion is bringing our customers the best-in-class kratom, whatever their preference and whatever their needs. Whether you’re looking for a chill session or that extra boost of energy and productivity, the Mitra Bros have your back.
Head over to our online shop and browse through our wide variety of premium kratom products, featuring all of the major pure and hybrid strains.
If you need help figuring out which of our products best suits your needs, check out our kratom blog for kratom tips, tricks, and new developments. Our Kratom FAQs is an excellent resource for people just starting their kratom journey. We’re also happy to answer your questions directly.
