Kratom, a botanical derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant, has become a common lifestyle supplement in Western countries. It has a storied history in Southeast Asian communities, where it was “used traditionally to combat fatigue and improve work productivity among farm populations.” As it becomes more accessible around the world, many modern users continue to seek out kratom’s purported physical and mental effects.
People choose to take kratom for countless reasons, but boosting energy remains one of its most popular reported uses. In a survey of 8,049 kratom users, 83.75% of respondents claimed that “increased energy” was one of the primary benefits of taking kratom. While kratom currently has no uses that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the large body of positive user reports seems to suggest that there may be some link between kratom and energy that merits further exploration.
How Does Kratom Work to Boost Energy?
It’s unclear if kratom actually has energy-boosting properties, as researchers are still in the process of investigating kratom in a clinical setting. However, kratom does contain active compounds — known as alkaloids — that are believed to be responsible for the effects some users experience.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the two most abundant alkaloids in kratom. These alkaloids seem to activate certain receptors in the brain. Though not fully understood, these brain centers have many functions, including regulating emotional responses. The activation of these receptors by mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, or other alkaloids may explain why kratom may have stimulating or energizing effects for some users, and is the focus of ongoing research into kratom.
Despite growing interest in kratom, there is little high-quality, thorough research available about its pharmacology, functions, and effects on the brain and body. More comprehensive studies will help researchers and kratom users alike understand how, or even if, kratom can be directly linked to the boosting of energy, scientifically.
Best Strains of Kratom for Energy
There are certain strains of kratom that may be more likely to produce energizing or stimulating effects than others. Much like wine and coffee can be cultivated to have different flavor profiles, kratom can be cultivated to have different proportions and concentrations of alkaloids. This may explain why different strains of kratom seem to have different effects on users.
Generally, “fast” strains of kratom are best if you’re looking for an energy boost. Fast strains may stimulate both the mind and body. This does not guarantee that kratom will affect you in this way; rather, categorizing kratom strains by speed is simply a helpful way to understand how they could work and compare different strains relative to each other. While fast strains are cultivated and created with certain effects in mind, there are several other factors that can influence how kratom makes you feel.
These strains of kratom are commonly used for their commonly recognized purposes of energizing, stimulating, and mood-boosting properties:
Green Maeng Da Kratom
Green Maeng Da kratom is thought to promote physical energy, while being mentally motivating, and boost sociability. Generally, green vein kratoms are useful for improving focus and concentration. Green Maeng Da, in particular, is highly popular because of its ability to be uplifting without being overstimulating.
Red Maeng Da Kratom
Red Maeng Da kratom is similar to green Maeng Da, but comes from a red vein kratom leaf. Red strains are usually slower than green ones, but because Maeng Da kratom tends to be quite powerful, it may seem or feel faster than a typical red strain. Red Maeng Da kratom is meant to create social energy and foster an enthusiastic mentality.
Red Thai Kratom
Originating in Thailand, red Thai kratom is meant to stimulate creative energy and promote feelings of confidence and security. Because it comes from a red vein leaf, it may be slightly slower than other uplifting kratom strains. However, this can lead to a more subtle and refined mood boost.
White Maeng Da Kratom
White Maeng Da kratom works to provide a physical boost while fortifying your mind. Like other white vein kratom strains, it is frequently used for a stronger or more pronounced uplifting effect.
White Malay Kratom
White Malay kratom is designed to help you unlock your maximum motivation and energy potential. It is one of the fastest strains available, working to induce feelings of stimulation and enthusiasm.
White Thai Kratom
White Thai kratom is another top-tier fast strain that works to promote liveliness and stimulate productivity. This somewhat rarer strain is well-balanced, offering an uplifting boost with a reduced chance of unpleasant or overwhelming side effects. Some users enjoy using it as a morning boost, either in lieu of or in addition to coffee.
Kratom Dosage for Energy
Even with an energizing strain, you need to dose your kratom properly to enjoy your desired effects. Recent research suggests that small to moderate doses of kratom — about one to five grams — may yield stimulating effects, while larger doses tend to be more relaxing or mildly sedating.
Depending on your tolerance level or how long you’ve been using kratom, your dosage needs can vary greatly. In fact, many users report that it takes some experimentation to find your “sweet spot” with kratom. Generally, it’s best to take it slow and be patient while you discover the amount of kratom you need to enjoy the desired effects. Since there can also be varying degrees of potency between different products, follow the serving size recommendations listed on your specific product. Trusted kratom sellers with high-quality products will be upfront about dosage and contents, as they want their customers to have an enjoyable and pleasant experience with their wares.
The lack of available research on kratom makes it difficult to know how it can affect the human brain and body. Preliminary research suggests there may be some kind of relationship between kratom and energy, but additional study is crucial to fully understand its potential benefits. Some strains of red, white, and green leaf kratom have been cultivated to contain different proportions of active compounds to produce stimulating and elevating effects. It’s always important to buy high-quality kratom, while also dosing appropriately to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
