Thanks to its properties, kratom has become a very popular remedy for many ailments, ranging from anxiety and depression to pain or fatigue. This wide variety of uses is due to several factors, such as the dosage, the consumption method and the kratom strain you use. The different kratom types and strains can be a bit overwhelming for new users, especially since the effects may vary depending on the kratom variety. In this post, you’ll learn some tips to choose the best kratom strain for you.
Kratom Uses and Properties
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree that grows in Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain alkaloids (such as mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine) that act on the opioid receptors in your brain and, as a result, consuming kratom can bring about different effects, such as:
- Analgesic
- Relaxing
- Euphoric
- Stimulant
Thanks to these effects, kratom is a very effective remedy for many conditions and ailments, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Fatigue
But kratom can also improve your memory and focus, has antioxidant properties and can boost your immune system.
Kratom Types and Strains
There are three main kratom types, depending on the color of the leaf stem and vein: white vein kratom, red vein kratom, and green vein kratom. Each of them contains different levels of kratom alkaloids and, as a result, their effects are different.
White vein kratom contains lower levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine and speciogynine (the most sedative alkaloids) than green and red kratom types. As a result, white kratom strains are more energizing than other strains. White kratom strains are also very good for producing euphoria.
Red vein kratom, on the other hand, has higher concentrations of the sedative and analgesic alkaloids. The result is that red kratom strains are the most potent ones for pain and anxiety.
Green vein kratom has the most balanced set of alkaloids. It has analgesic and relaxing effects, but it can also provide you with a feeling of euphoria and improve your memory and concentration.
But that’s not all. There are also many kratom strains (or sub-types), such as Indo, Maeng Da, Sumatra, Malay or Bali. For instance, you can find Red Malay, White Sumatra or Green Malay kratom. In most cases, the name of the strain depends on the place of origin (for example, Red Malay kratom is a red vein kratom that comes from Malay). The strain will also affect the potency and effects of kratom.
How to Choose the Best Kratom Strain
The answer to which kratom strain is best for you depends solely on your needs. What do you want to use kratom for? Below you’ll find the best kratom strain (or strains) for some of the most common uses of kratom.
Best Kratom Strains for Pain
Red vein kratom is the most potent kratom type for pain. However, since it also has sedative effects, red kratom can sometimes cause numbness in high doses. Red Sumatra, Red Bali, and Red Malay are some the most popular kratom strains for pain. Another red strain with potent analgesic properties is Bentuangie kratom. The sedative effects of this kratom variety are milder than those of other strains, so it can be a good choice if you want to avoid the sedation and sleepiness that red kratom can cause.
But green kratom strains can also help you if you are coping with pain. Green vein kratom also has analgesic properties, even if they are not so potent as those of red kratom.
Best Kratom Strains for Anxiety
Many people use kratom for coping with the symptoms of anxiety. Kratom has anxiolytic properties that can help people suffering from anxiety. Green strains, such as Green Borneo, are very good for fighting the symptoms of anxiety and social anxiety. Red vein kratom strains are also very effective, thanks to their calming properties, but if you opt for a red kratom strain make sure you are cautious with the dose to avoid sedation.
Best Kratom Strains for Depression
People suffering from depression have found a great ally in kratom. White and green kratom strains are the best choice if you are coping with depression. Thanks to its energizing and euphoric effects, these kratom strains can help you alleviate the symptoms. Green Borneo, white Maeng Da or green Malay can be very useful for patients with depression.
Best Kratom Strains for Fatigue
No doubt, white kratom strains are the best for fighting fatigue. In low doses, kratom will provide you with a great energy boost without the jitters of coffee. White Sumatra or white Borneo strains are great if you are feeling fatigue or low energy. Green kratom strains also have stimulant properties.
Best Kratom Strains for Stress
Green kratom strains are great to fight stress and promote relaxation. They have relaxing and euphoric properties without the sedative effects of red strains. By using green kratom strains for stress, you will feel relaxed and with a sense of well-being, but without any feeling of sleepiness or numbness. Thus, you’ll be able to keep your everyday activities and routine.
Kratom Dosage
Other than choosing the best kratom strain for you, it is crucial to establish the right dose. The effects of kratom are also related to the dosage and generally speaking we could say that low doses bring about stimulant effects while high doses are more relaxing. This is a dosage guide you can follow to establish your kratom doses:
- Starting doses: 2 – 3 grams
- Low doses: 2 – 4 grams
- Moderate doses: 4 – 5 grams
- High doses: 5 – 8 grams.
- Very high doses: 8 – 10 grams. Not recommended!
If you are new to kratom, we recommend you stick to the starting dosage (2 -3 grams) and avoid high doses. That is the best way to avoid kratom tolerance and side effects. While kratom is a safe substance, it can have unpleasant side effects, such as constipation, dizziness, nausea, and eye wobbles. In many cases, these side effects are due to high doses.
Luckily, nature has provided a remedy to such disadvantages. Kratom has been proven and widely used by many for its many benefits – one of them is for providing a much better sleep.