What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their stimulant and opioid-like effects. The primary active compounds in Kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, providing pain relief, mood enhancement, and increased energy at lower doses.
Kratom products, including shots, capsules, gummies, and powders, have gained popularity due to their ease of use, versatility, and perceived natural benefits. Initially, kratom was primarily consumed in its raw leaf form or as a tea. However, the Western market's demand for convenience and precise dosing led to the development of these more accessible formats.
Types of Kratom
Kratom comes in various strains, each distinguished by its color and regional origin. The primary types are Red, Green, and White vein kratom, with other variations like Yellow vein emerging from specific processing techniques. Each type has unique alkaloid profiles, leading to different effects.
Red Vein Kratom
Known for its sedative and pain-relieving properties, Red vein kratom is often used for relaxation, sleep aid, and pain management. It's the most commonly used strain for managing chronic pain and opioid withdrawal symptoms. High in 7-hydroxy mitragynine, contributing to its strong analgesic effects.
Green Vein Kratom
Offers a balance between energy and relaxation. It's commonly used for enhancing focus, boosting mood, and mild pain relief. Green vein is considered more subtle, with effects that are somewhere between Red and White veins.
White Vein Kratom
Known for its stimulating and euphoric properties, White vein kratom is often used as a natural energy booster, mood enhancer, and nootropic. It's popular among those seeking mental clarity and increased focus.
Yellow Vein Kratom
A milder strain is often used for its balanced effects, offering both mild energy and relaxation. Yellow veins are less common and is typically created through a unique drying or fermentation process rather than being a distinct vein type.
These strains are further classified based on the plant’s geographic origin, which influences their effects.
Maeng Da Kratom
Maeng Da, a highly potent strain from Thailand, is known for its strong effects, with elevated levels of mitragynine, mitraphylline, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. Typical dosage ranges from 1-5 grams, taken 2-3 times daily, depending on individual response.
Trainwreck Kratom
Trainwreck is a potent blend of 11 different kratom types, offering long-lasting effects. It's favored by regular users seeking a unique experience beyond common strains. Recommended doses range from 1-5 grams, with beginners advised to start with lower amounts.
Thai Kratom
Sourced from Thailand, Thai Kratom is available in Red, Green, and White vein varieties. White Thai is often used as a coffee substitute, Green Thai enhances focus and energy, and Red Thai provides pain relief and relaxation. Dosages vary from 1-5 grams, depending on desired effects.
Bali Kratom
Originating from Indonesia's Bali islands, Bali Kratom is known for its high alkaloid concentration and potency. Red and Gold Bali strains are among the most potent. Dosage recommendations are 1-3 grams for beginners, up to 10 grams for experienced users.
Malay Kratom
Harvested in Malaysia, Malay Kratom comes in Red, Green, and White strains, known for their potency and sedative effects. Doses range from 1-4 grams for energy to 5-8 grams for pain management.
Borneo Kratom
From the Borneo islands, this kratom is noted for its unique alkaloid profile, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Available in Red, Green, and White strains, Borneo Kratom is typically taken in doses of 1-5 grams, 2-3 times a day.
Sumatra Kratom
Sumatra Kratom, grown in Indonesia’s Sumatra islands, is recognized for its long-lasting and soothing effects. Dosage varies from 2 to 8 grams, depending on the desired effect.
Vietnam Kratom
Grown in the mineral-rich soil along the Mekong River, Vietnam Kratom is rare and comes in Red, Green, and White vein varieties. Red Vietnam is used for pain management and insomnia, Green Vietnam for anxiety relief and energy, and White Vietnam for its uplifting properties.
How do Kratom products get you high?
Kratom products can produce a "high" by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain, particularly through its active alkaloids, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. At low to moderate doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, enhancing energy, focus, and mood. However, at higher doses, it has sedative effects, leading to euphoria, relaxation, and analgesia. The "high" is comparable to opioids but generally milder. This effect occurs due to the binding of these alkaloids to the brain's mu-opioid receptors, similar to how opioids work, but with a different pharmacological profile, leading to both stimulating and sedative experiences depending on the dose.