The first thing to understand about kratom is that all kratom comes from the same plant, the Mitragyna speciosa — a member of the coffee family. You will often hear kratom types referred to by color: white, green, yellow, and red. These colors indicate the color of the vein of the leaf when it was harvested. However, the strain of the plant often refers to the geographic location of where the plant was grown in combination with the vein color. For instance: green vein Bali kratom, or Indo red vein kratom.
There are four common colors of kratom veins. As the kratom plant ages and matures, the veins of the kratom leaf change colors. The pharmacology of the plant, the compounds, alkaloids, and properties, are said to change in concentration in the leaves as the plant ages. Similar to tea leaves, the vein color can also indicate the age of the leaf when it was harvested. In short, different colors or veins of kratom have different uses.
White vein kratom is harvested from leaves at their youngest point in the development cycle. Technically, it’s a very light shade of green. White vein kratom contains high concentrations of mitragynine and is known for its energy-boosting effects, its ability to help users focus, the feeling of increased stamina, and the support of a positive mood.
Green vein kratom is harvested from leaves that have yet to reach full maturity. As the leaf begins to mature, it produces the classic green color that mimics the flesh of the kratom leaf itself. It’s during this period of time that the leaf is taking in the most energy it can possibly acquire from the sunlight. Green vein kratom is known for its support in enhancing alertness and focus, easing discomfort, to soothe feelings of unease, and to enhance social feelings.
Red vein kratom is harvested when leaves have reached their full maturity. As the plant matures, a kratom leaf’s vein will begin to darken to an amber color. This reddish hue provides the kratom farmers with a tell-tale sign that the leaf is ready for harvest. At this stage of growth, pigments called anthocyanins are becoming more abundant throughout the leaf. Red vein kratom is known as the most commonly used type. Red vein kratom is known for its calming and sedative effects, and is used to ease physical discomfort, aid relaxation, and help achieve sleep.
Yellow vein kratom is a more recent development in the world of kratom. There are a few theories on how yellow vein kratom is produced. One theory states that yellow vein kratom leaves are harvested late in the lifespan of the Mitrayna speciosa’s life span, giving the vein a yellow hue. Other theories state that yellow vein kratom is created by processing the plant after harvest, rather than during the plant’s actual growth process. These theories include methods of drying, fermenting, and blending white, green, and red vein kratom leaves together to create yellow kratom. Due to the relative novelty of yellow vein kratom strains, and ambiguity about the actual production and cultivation methods behind them, it can be more difficult to find reputable sellers who are able to source yellow kratom, and it may not be available in as many different strains as the more common vein colors are.
Kratom strains and varieties are the subtypes of kratom products. The strain generally notes the geographic location that the kratom comes from along with the vein color to indicate a specific growth characteristic of the kratom plant. Varieties may also indicate a mixture or blend of kratom strains or how the kratom is processed. Kratom strains are often sold using labeling that describes both the vein color as well as the geographic location to indicate the strain’s properties or speeds and effects.
Thai Kratom is grown in the country of Thailand and can be purchased as:
Bali kratom is grown on the Indonesian island of Bali and can be purchased as:
Sumatra kratom is grown on the large Indonesian island of Sumatra and can be purchased as:
Borneo kratom is grown on the Borneo island in the Southeast Asian Malay archipelago. Borneo kratom can be purchased as:
Malay kratom is grown in the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia and can be purchased as:
Indo kratom is grown in the Republic of Indonesia and can be purchased as:
Maeng Da kratom is commonly known as the strongest variety with maximum potency. Although the term comes from Thai slang for “pimp grade,” Maeng Da kratom can be grown in any region, as well as harvested from any color of vein. What sets Maeng Da apart from other geographic strains is the crossbreeding technique used to grow it. Maeng Da kratom is grown by grafting a sapling to a mature tree.
Bentuangie kratom is grown in the Bentuangie region of Indonesia. Rather than the typical process of drying and crushing kratom leaves, Bentuangie kratom is fermented before it is dried. It is known for the temporary relief of physical discomfort, the promotion of feelings of calm or relaxation, as well as its reputed benefits for reducing feelings of unease.
Not only are there many types and strains to choose from that each tout their own reputed lifestyle benefits, but there are also many ways to take kratom and explore the proper dosage for you. You can take kratom in capsule form, brew kratom tea, add kratom powder to foods or beverages, take kratom extracts, and even smoke kratom. With all of the options and opportunities to enjoy kratom, you can curate the best experience for yourself while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of the Mitragyna speciosa plant.