Kratom Strains And Its Varied Benefits

Kratom (Mitrayna speciose) is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and is part of the coffee family. Unlike coffee strains that are high in caffeine and low in all other compounds, the variety of Kratom strains are significantly different from one another.

For those new to Kratom, it is wise understand the use of Kratom and to understand which varieties produce which effects.

Three main reasons people find Kratom beneficial are:

• Medicinal: Although there have been no studies showing results, many users have have found kratom quite useful for treating conditions like opiate addiction, depression, insomnia, anxiety and as a general pain reliever.

• Energy: Kratom has varying levels of energy boosting properties, most of which lack the edgy side effects of caffeine.

• Recreational: Most all Kratom strains have some nice mood-altering properties. Because the leaf is legal in most of the world, it has become a popular alternative to alcohol and illegal drugs for many users.

The colors tell a story

The categories of Kratom are based on the color of the plant stems and the largest vein that runs the length of each leaf. There are three main colors being: red, white and green. One must note also that there are also difference between the light and dark green varieties. So, in reality there are actually four color-based varieties.

Let’s take a look at their known properties.

Red Vein Kratom is probably the most often sold variety. It features a soothing effect that allows you to feel calm with a great sense of well-being.

This variety is often used for the three conditions below:

• Insomnia: The relaxing qualities of red veined kratom are considered to be perfectly suited for use as a sleep aid. This makes it very popular with those who are suffering from insomnia.

• Pain relief: The red strain of kratom seems to be the most effective at reducing pain and treating muscle tension, making it an attractive alternative to prescription pain medication.

• Opiate Withdrawal: Some of the strongest extracts of red veined kratom have even met with some success in easing the withdrawal from opiates.

White Vein Kratom also can help contribute to a positive frame of mind. Note that the effects are more energizing than the calming influence of the red vein variety.

This strain is really good for:

• Increase Concentration
• Promote Alertness
• Combat Fatigue and Drowsiness

White vein kratom can usually produce these effects without causing anxiety or restlessness, therefore it is a popular choice for those who are looking for a stimulant alternative to caffeine.

However, anyone who is particularly sensitive to caffeine may still find that white kratom could cause jitters or irritability, as well. Furthermore, just like coffee, this variety may also lead to insomnia or restless sleep when ingested near sleepy time.

Green Vein Kratom is considered kind of a happy medium between the red and white veins, providing benefits of each, but at a more subtle level.

Much like the red strain, green kratom can also be very effective at relieving pain, although it is not so strong as to cause lethargy or drowsiness. It can also be used to increase energy, focus and alertness much like the white vein with less edginess.

Users of the green kratom have high beliefs in its ability to provide clear thinking and endurance, while also effectively  dealing with symptoms of anxiety and depression.

While the colors of each strain provide the broad categories, these can be further refined by the locations in which the trees are grown.

It is fascinating to discover just how much difference environment makes for this particular tree.  But it was found that specimens grown in hot houses did not contain all the properties of trees, as opposed to trees, which were grown in the wild!

Location can effect the Kratom Strain

Three of the most potent strains of kratom are found in Indochina, Malaysia and Thailand. Their names have become as much a part of the variety of strains as colors, with individual products being referred to as Indo, Malay and Thai.

Sometimes varieties are even named more specifically for the region they are grown. That is how important location is to these plants.

All three colors are available in both Indo and Malay varieties. However, Thai strains only include Red and Green-Veined strains. But this is not to say that Thailand is inferior with kratom production as what they produce are top notch.

An enhanced version of Thai varieties is currently considered the best all round strain of them all. Not technically named after a region, it is called Maeng Da.

How do you know what Kratom strain is right for you?

With so many varieties of kratom available today, the choice can be overwhelming. You will have to find what is right for you as there can be no one top choice because it depends on which effect you are looking for.

Some days you may need more energy, while other days you may want help in winding down. Sometimes you may want more focus and mental clarity, and other times when you require relief from pain.

For each of these reasons there are multiple choices.   But there is one factor that you will want to note for future reference.

Usually Indo strains will have a much longer lasting effect. This might seem like an excellent quality at first glance but you should remember that there could be times when you will not want to be energetic or lethargic for such a long time.

Maeng Da – Is an excellent energy booster being more from the stimulant family. However, it has strong analgesic properties, as well. So if you are seeking pain relief without any lethargic side-effects, this one should work well for you. It also has the bonus of euphoric qualities, which add an overall sense of well-being.

Bali & Borneo – Pretyy much the same, they are probably the absolute best in pain relief, and are second only to Maeng Da in mood lifting. They do however have sedating qualities you should be aware of.  Borneo may be slightly less effective than Bali in that regard. Also worth noting is that both of these are Indo varieties, so they tend to have longer lasting effects.

Both Maeng Da and Bali are excellent at pain relief and mood lifting.   Maeng Da is more of a stimulant, while Bali and Borneo are sedatives. If you are seeking an energy booster, or increased alertness, then you will want the stimulating qualities of Maeng Da. If you are need help winding down, or are trying to combat insomnia, then the Bali and Borneo Kratom strains help you most.

Its very important to note that everyone’s body chemistry is different, so it is not reasonable to expect reactions to be exactly the same across the board.

Also, while kratom can be used as tea, it is bitter, therefor many people prefer capsules. It is recommended to start with smaller dosages in order to gauge what the effect will be on your individual body chemistry. The leaf may also be smoked, but doing so will not increase the strength of effects and smoking is not good for you.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia
http://www.onlinekratom.com/blog/kratom-strains-and-names.html
http://kratomonline.wpengine.com/red-vein-vs-white-vein-vs-green-vein-kratom/
http://ensobotanicals.com/strongest-kratom/