One of the most amazing things about kratom is its variety of effects. Most people use kratom as a natural remedy to relieve pain. But kratom can also be stimulating and relaxing. And it even has euphoric effects and improves your mood! But these effects are not random. They depend mostly on the kratom type that you choose. In today’s article, we will explore the two kratom types on each side of the spectrum: white kratom Vs. red kratom.
The Three Main Kratom Types
There are three different types of kratom, each named after the color of the leaf’s stem and vein:
- White kratom: This is the most stimulating kratom type. The white vein varieties are praised for its energizing and euphoric effects. White kratom strains are the best choice to start your day off, to improve your focus or to get an energy boost.
- Red kratom: Red kratom strains go to the opposite side of the spectrum. These varieties own analgesic and relaxing properties that can even be sedative at high doses.
- Green kratom: This kratom type lies between the white and the red varieties. It comprises the whole range of effects of kratom but at milder levels than the white and red kratom strains. Thus, green kratom is both analgesic and euphoric, but its effects are not as potent as those of white and red kratom. Nevertheless, green kratom strains are still very good if you are looking to relieve pain or to improve your state of mind.
How Does Kratom Work in Your Body?
Although they have different effects, all kratom varieties work exactly the same in your body. When you take kratom, its alkaloids are absorbed in your bloodstream, where they pass to your nervous system and your brain. There, they bind to the so-called opioid receptors in your brain. These receptors get this name because opioids and other substances bind to them in order to create an effect in your body.
The human body produces its own opioids (endogenous opioids) such as endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins. When they bind to the opioid receptors (such as the mu or delta receptors), they activate a series of responses in your body, such as analgesia (or pain relief) or mood and emotional alterations. But opiates are not the only substances to bind to the opioid receptors. For instance, dark chocolate contains a flavonoid (epicatechin) that also acts on these receptors.
White Kratom Vs. Red Kratom
Why are white kratom and red kratom so different? Well, the answer lies in the alkaloids. Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid in the kratom leaves. But kratom also contains other alkaloids, such as 7-hydroxymitragynine. In low doses, these alkaloids produce euphoria and give you an energy boost. But in higher concentrations, they are more sedating.
White kratom and red kratom strains have different amounts of alkaloids. That’s why their effects are so different. However, they also have things in common.
White Kratom Vs. Red Kratom: Points in Common
Let’s begin by the obvious: both white and red kratom varieties are kratom. Again, maybe this is too obvious, but because of this, the most abundant alkaloid of white and red kratom is mitragynine. That means that white kratom strains also have analgesic properties. For instance, white Maeng Da is an excellent strain to relieve pain.
On the other hand, red kratom strains can also be energizing and euphoric. Many kratom users praise red Bali kratom for its euphoric effects, whilst many others find that red Borneo gives them the energy boost to start their day off.
White Kratom Vs. Red Kratom: Differences
In general, we could say that white kratom is more stimulating while red kratom is more sedating. That is the main difference between white kratom and red kratom and is due to the alkaloids that each kratom type contains.
Red kratom varieties contain higher amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine, which has potent relaxing (even sedating) effects. As a result, red kratom strains are usually more sedating than the other varieties. Red kratom can make you feel drowsy and sleepy if you are not cautious with the dose.
With regards to white kratom, it is hard for other kratom types (green and red) to beat its euphoric effects and the alertness that it brings. Furthermore, white kratom strains are great if you are looking for mental clarity.
But of course, the dosage also plays a very important role in the effects you feel when taking kratom. The general consensus is that at low doses kratom is more energizing, while at high doses it brings about more relaxing effects. Nevertheless, kratom doesn’t affect everybody equally. And for some individuals, the strain plays a more crucial role in the effects than the dosage, while for others the dosage is more important. For instance, many users claim that they get jittery when taking high doses of white kratom. But others report that white kratom at high doses is sedating for them.
So, in the end, it all depends on the user, on how kratom will affect you. In any case, we always recommend caution with the dosage.
Can I Mix White Kratom and Red Kratom?
Yes, you can mix white kratom and red kratom. Many kratom users often combine their favorite strains to get a wider range of effects or to potentiate one specific effect.
However, these combinations usually require practice and research. Also, you must bear in mind that combining different kratom strains doesn’t mean that you should use higher doses. You should divide your usual amount between the strains you want to mix (although you don’t need to use each equal amounts of each strain).
If you want to mix white kratom and red kratom strains, we recommend you start always with low doses. Also, you can search for combinations on the internet. There are many tips on how to mix kratom strains on Reddit. And you can also check our post about the best kratom combinations.
