Kratom Strains And Effects
Updated Nov 11, 2021
Written By: Mark Andrews
Countless people across the world are learning about kratom in 2020. With so many strains, its important to understand which strain is right for you. Unlike synthetic opioids, kratom’s chemical composition is complex, and the effects of this composition are dynamic.
Its main alkaloids are mitragynine, paynanthine, speciociliatine, and the more minor 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG). Kratom’s neurochemical complexity is echoed in its physiological effects.
It is generally understood that at low doses (< 1 gram), kratom “can boost energy and enhance mood,” whereas at higher doses kratom is sedating, and may have anxiolytic qualities.
The following table serves as a comparative base for some of the most popular strains of kratom on the market.
Click on any strain below to find more information:
Ground Leaf Strains
| Strains | Effects | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Bali | An ideal balance of pain relief and energy boost. Bali works somewhat differently than a traditional red kratom. Bali helps achieve a gentle energy boost while maintaining the pain relief expected of a red. Euphoric and the most classic opiate like among the strains of kratom. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Maeng Da | Energizing and stimulating with pain killing effects. Maeng Da takes the normal pain relieving properties of a red strain and adds a nice energetic kick because of it’s specific alkaloid properties. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Red Bali | Similar to Bali with some red characteristics. This is a known as a versatile strain. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Red Vein Thai | Similar to Bali with a more classic red strain effects. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Red Vein Kali | Sedating and more classically opiate like. Red Kali is a more traditional red kratom offering pain relief & relaxation. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Red Indo | Similar to Red Kali and many other traditional strains. Red Indo is a more tame red vein strain and is often touted as ideal for mild pain relief and relaxation. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Green Indo | Balances pain relief and energy boosting qualities. The combination of alkaloids in Green Indo creates a longer lasting milder effect although there is not as high of a concentration of alkaloids as SGM. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Green Malay | This original variety of Malaysian Kratom is well known for its mood-lifting, energizing effects. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Green Vein Kali | A stimulating strain which also has painkilling attributes. Green Kali delivers a strong boost of energy without sacrificing any of the sought after pain relief effects. It is know for have a higher potency than Green Indo. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| White Vein Kali | More euphoric or dissociating. White Vein Kali is a milder white strain known for its energizing qualities – when compared to Red Vein Kali – while still containing notable pain relief qualities. . | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| White Vein Thai | White Thai may be the most stimulating of all white strains. There are however less pain relieving attributes than a red vein strain or a strain similar to Bali as a trade off. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| White Vein Indo | Similar to Red Indo which is best known for its pain relief attributes. However White Vein Indo differs from the calming Red Indo by bringing a euphoric dissociative kick with it. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| White Borneo | Known as a uniquely high quality white strain of kratom. It has known for its long lasting, energizing effect. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
| Super Green Malaysian | Known for its unique ability to combine the characteristic pain relieving properties of a red strain with the energy and euphoria boost of a white strain. SGM also has some of the longest lasting effects of any kratom with smooth delivery due to the high concentration of alkaloids. | 1/2 – 3 teaspoons |
Kratom Extracts
| Strains | Effects | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Enhanced Indo | Most euphoric of the extracts and works well for reducing social anxiety. UEI manages to contain a full range of effects including pain relief & relaxation with a slight energy and mood boost. | 1 gram or less (if mixed with powdered leaf) |
| Gold Reserve Extract | Powerful extract made by applying highly concentrated kratom alkaloids back to natural kratom leaf. Gold Reserve is a highly potent extract providing a blend of stimulation and pain relief while providing full body relaxation with a notable energy boost. | 1 gram or less (if mixed with powdered leaf) |
| ISOL-8 Extract | ISOL-8 is an outlier and has caffeine like stimulation. ISOL-8 uniquely focuses in on the energy and stimulating effects of kratom while other extracts generally bring out a broader range of effects. | 1 gram or less (if mixed with powdered leaf) |
| Ultra Enhanced Red Kali | This extract is made by blending pure alkaloids from Red Vein Kalimantan leaf with high quality Red Kali leaf. This is not made with semi-synthetic chemicals but only all natural kratom leaf alkaloidal extract. | 1 gram or less (if mixed with powdered leaf) |
| Natural Enhanced True Thai | Made from taking a 90% pure alkaloid extraction of Thai Kratom and reapplied to a Green Vein Thai leaf. This extract is a high potency version of classic Thai kratom strains notable for a mild energy boost with significant pain relief & relaxation effects. | 1 gram or less (if mixed with powdered leaf) |
| Natural Enhanced White Sumatra | Created by taking a 90% pure alkaloid extraction from white vein kratom and mixing it with White vein leaf. This reformulation results in a more potent version of white vein kratom with significant pain relief and relaxation effects. | 1 gram or less (if mixed with powdered leaf) |
I’ve been addicted/dependent on opioids for most of the last 50 years (65 this year), including cough syrup in the beginning, then pain pills and heroin, methadone the last 20+ years, currently 30mg. daily The pain clinic I got it from went out of business recently, because of covid-19. They sent my last two monthly prescriptions to the pharmacy, to last me until I can get into another pain clinic. I took a nasty fall a few days before going to pickup my second monthly prescription of methadone, smashing my shoulder very hard, but they wouldn’t give the methadone prescription to me until the next day, even though it had been 30 days. They claimed the pharmacist gave the first prescription to me a day early by mistake, and they couldn’t give it to me before the date written on it, even though they had the previous month. I was in pain and withdrawal, and panicking, but instead of getting heroin, I went straight to the herb store, and got some Bali Red Kratom. It really helped with pain, and got rid of the withdrawal symptoms too. It’s been a week now, and even though I have a month supply of 10mg. methadone tablets, I’ve been using kratom instead, and it’s really working. I cap it up in 00 size vegcaps, which is 1/2 gram each, making titrating my dosage easy. I take about 7 grams in the morning, and afternoon, then 10+ grams at night. I don’t like the feeling of taking too much, after trying a 15 grams dose and even 10 grams is too much during the day. It makes me feel foggy, unbalanced, and jittery when I take too much. I took 7 grams a couple hours ago, and that is just about right, might even be a bit high. At bedtime, however, I’ll take considerably more, because sleeping is very difficult for me. I also take valerian, melatonin, kava, chamomile, holy basil, ashwaganda, etc., along with the kratom. Last night was hard, and I had to take my morning dose during the night, so tonight I’m taking a larger dose. I’m a weenie when it comes to pain and withdrawal syndrome, used to go straight to heroin when the methadone supply got interrupted, but now I know kratom is all I need. IT REALLY WORKS!!!
Hella happy for you my guy, can’t even imagine what being addicted to opiates for 50 years must have done to your life. Glad Kratom works for you and u don’t have to suffer anymore for the most part
I have Fibromyalgia & was diagnosed 2 years ago, by 2 different doctors, in the past I was prescribed opioids because my doctor at the time didn’t really know exactly what was going on, fast forward 10 years & ive been taking suboxone because of course there’s no way even with Fibromyalgia to get good pain relief, Also many doctors are now realizing that ppl with Fibromyalgia have had horrible pain ect. Well this is where Kratom comes in, I am left with no relief for pain even taking suboxone without doctors knowing, FOR ANYONE wondering how Kratom helps get off Suboxone, once you start with a white strain that is stimulating along with pain relieving, you will eventually forget to even take the suboxone, that’s exactly what has happened with me!! If anyone wants more information or insight on how this works for getting off all pain pills & suboxone & also ADHD medications, you eventually will completely forget about these meds!!
White strains are THE BEST for pain relief and energy boosting !! I was on Tramadol for 3 years and finally found something to help me get off them!
Mel, do you take the capsules? How many at a time do you take?
after15 years of on/off soma, xanax, for spinal injury, then 10 months of percocet, went to detox md for suboxone, it was the worst 4 years of my life!!! Pain relief, yes that is why he put me on it, said for chronic pain and do not need other meds.
made me gain 30 lbs, small frame person, had no desire for pain pills, but overweight, pain started (after 4 years, 2 strips a day) in a total fog, short term memory loss, I was a mess!!!!!
I trusted MD, supposed to be best!!! He stated I would be on suboxone for rest of my life,
One day, after nearly losing my family, I went off cold turkey
worst withdrawals ever, as a health care prof, it was all my secret! I had restless legs, shaking , insomnia, but the Lord got me thru it!!
that was 4 years ago, I had 6 other back surgerys since, no opiates for me, Take 1.5 grams of red bali in am, and lost over 40 lbs, feel great and positive, the occasional muscle relaxer is needed if I over do things, but I have my life/work and family back
Mind clear and happy, If I stayed on suboxone, could have never gone thru necessary surgeries, and I would not be around,
Listen to yourself, anyone who feels addicted, try one day at a time, titrate off, and start over, Krotom is great for me a little does a lot!!! Good Luck and be happy and healthy
Of all the Rx’s I have ever taken, I believe SUBOXONE to be the poison on this planet, something to get you off opiates caused me more damage, who doesn’t want to be present in their life? Suboxone put me in a 4 year mental fog and made me so impulsive and the Queen of bad choices.
Anyone who reads this, you are never alone!!!
What brand do you use? I’ve been using capsules…How many grams do you use?
I have used opioid for over 30 years. All of them. Pure train wreck to detox. Subs take you thru the detox but only to get hooked on them. 30 days of pure hell. I used kratom this time to shack Mr Jones and the hell to pay. It really helped. Wasn’t so bad and could get off the feeling like death train. I still take kratom two years later. If I stop taking the kratom I sneeze my ass off but don’t feel any withdraws. I’m telling everyone it is a God send to us and to unlock the chains big pharma has locked one down with. Come on. If I can brake the chains then you can to with kratom.
Is this hard on your liver
Thank you for being forthright. I’m in the same boat and am having reservations because I can’t find relief. I wanted to end it all yesterday. One day at a time. I’m happy you fared well with the opioids. I pray to don’t concede. You have inspired me not to give up the fight. Ty
I know how you feel Kim and I’ve tried before so I promise you I know.ive also been hooked on every opiate from codeine to injecting pharma grade fentanyl and kratoms all I use now.so it absolutely can make a difference
Hi Vincent
I’m currently wanting to ween off of suboxone does this truly help with side effects or is it still hell with withdrawals I’m really scared to feel withdrawal symptoms thanks for any input you may have
This will help big time. It will even bypass any withdrawal you would feel if you stopped the suboxone Before weening. Kratom is truly a miracle substance. I used opies for 2 decades. Now I’m completely sober. It’s pretty fabulous. I’d recommend a red or Bali to start off. But honestly any Kratom will do…
Good luck, you cam do this.
What strains do you use? I take 2 30mg oxy every day want to quit
Hi Judy, I like that you did your research. Could you tell me how much white malay I should start off with and how many times a day? Also where do you buy it? I’m very concerned that it be of good quality.
1-3 teaspoons for a dose and I take up to 3 doses a day. Kats botanical has a really great kratom selection.
I just used 2 grams of Bali Gold for headache and FMS. So I will wait and see how I feel.
Kratom in my opinion will help with minor withdrawal symptoms. I suggest taking it with RSO which is medical cannabis used from extracting THC from the whole plant. It’s way different than anything you’ve ever taken in your life. to get the extract you have to have a medical marijuana card or look up Rick Simpson and he will teach you how to make it. When I took it it was life-changing. Or I said I was the way to go from any detox from benzos or opiates. I suggest taking Kratom with RSO. By the way all Kratom is all the same. I just kicked fentanyl with the two as well as taking a benzo for the first day. I suggest going to NA or AA meetings as well when you’re clean keep off of everything.
Red baili and red Mange da have worked for me. I am a recovering Iv using heroin/ fentinol addict of 12 years. These have helped me get my life back in order and also the kratom extract shots. This shit saved my life on some real shit. Good luck to all recovering addicts trying to get back on track.
Hey buy chance how exactly did you do it getting off the stuff? Like how much did you use of what and all that my brother and I are both trying to kick the bs right now and just trying to find anything that helps thanks alot
I am so glad to read of your recovery using this ❤️
I lost my oldest child, my son Jamie to OD September 10, 2020 after him being clean almost 3 years…….my heart is shattered 💔 please keep up with your sobriety…… your family and friends will thank you 😘
there are nothing such things as strains. just color variations due to drying processes and whether or not the vain color is ground into the leaf powder. these sites crack me up. its insane how much misinformation is still misleading people.
when we were in indo where most Kratom is grown, you can find a red, green and “white” vein on the same branch of the same tree. vein color is like a phenotype characteristic. if there is an argument about different strains it would be horned leaf verses standard leaf. there is only 1 strain….its called kratom.
most krsrom is grown in specific regions in indo such as borne(80ish% of all Kratom), jongkong, Jakarta and a few other smaller areas. the “strains” are in fact just the regions of where the kratom comes from and 90% of the resellers haven’t a clue where their Kratom is from
simply put most are full of shit full stop.
larger more mature trees usually produce larger amounts of alkaloids than younger farmed plants that just haven’t had the time or environment to get to maturity. either your kratom has a high alkaolid content or it doesn’t period regardless of color or “strain”.
the time of year and region also affects the quality. we are entering the wet season now in indo and krarom quality usually suffers for the next 4-5 months and gets better during the dry season.
on a side note when describing extracts most haven’t a clue. using terms like 20x or 50x means absolutely nothing. either the extract powder contains higher alkaloids or it doesn’t. if you want to know how much alkaloids are in the extract you will have to take it to a lab and get it tested end if story. if you have 1 kg extract and 20% is mitragynine than you have 200 grams of mitragynine. its not 20x is 20%. 500 grams mitragynine is 50% extract not 50x and so on. most think 20x means 20kg extract down to 1 kg . thats simply not how it works and even it it was it wouldn’t mean the extract is 20% mitragynine. you can produce extract and not capture the alkaolids and you’d end up with a kg of junk like waxes, oils, lipids, tannins and other photo material.
there you have it folks. enjoy the lesson.
You must not consume much kratom my freind.
Outstanding. Thank you. 🤟🏼
Kratom science websites explain how there are about 25 alkaloids, although only two of them are considered the most significant, and the potency of the leaves vary by region, with Thailand strains usually being most potent. Yes white, green, and red leaves are found on the same plant, BUT they have different alkaloid compositions. Red Bali is often used for opioid dependence, because it has the most opioid alkaloid effects. Just as cannabis is the same plant, there are many strains, and regions where it’s grown, all with different effects. I’ve been an opiate addict for most of the last 50 years, methadone for over 20 years. It’s getting harder to get, and soon they may require getting the CV19 vaccination, which I will never do. I find that 20 “00” caps of Bali red, about 10 grams, is sufficient to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and provide pain relief. I haven’t tried taking 30 caps, ~15 grams, but after I get more later today I’m trying a higher dose. I did take WAY too much one time, like three heaping tablespoons, and felt totally overdosed, so too much IS too much!!
Hi everyone, great information! Is there anything to come off 20-25mg Xanax a day and 25mg EX tabs at night. I ran out once and thought I was going to die. I can’t keep going like this. I just end up needing more and more. I take it for severe GAD and Social Anxiety and to sleep. I also have horrible PPMD. Please help
Hello! I’m wondering if someone could Give me a recommendation of what to buy? I hate the paranoia that I have experienced when I have tried smoking weed. HATE it! I loved the buttery feeling, great mood & motivation that I got when I took 30mg oxycodone 30mgs. I have severe depression and anxiety. I would like something that makes me feel really good physically but gives me the energy / motivation to get things done but I hate the speed / tweak of cocaine, amphetamines, etc. I do not like euphoria or hallucinations or trips. I was hooked on fan ape tin for about a year and was finally able to put them down about 6 months ago. With Gabba, I didn’t love them but I liked what they did for my better mood and energy to be motivated but it was never a good enough high for me. Just better than nothing at all. I have been clean from opiates for 4 years and currently take Sunoco every 12mg. Subs don’t do anything for me. I simply take them because I would be sick without them. I’m still tired and depressed even when I increase the dose. I won’t lie, I like the feeling of being high. I like being in a better mood and I like not being so down and tired. I just do not like speed either though. Any help or related would be appreciated!!! I’m excited to try this but I don’t know what the right one would be. I love a good nod but I still need to be able to function without others thinking or noticing that I’m high. I would like a pill form.
Thanks!
B
B, I am familiar with the problem of those drugs, plus too many more. You know ‘One is too many and a thousand never enough’ ? Me exactly, sooo, I cold turkey of every best-friend-drug I had in an extensive array. Great!
But, all my pain and problems did not go away. Ten years I have tried alternative anything to find relief.
WHITE MALAY KRATOM has been my God send! Again, His green growing plants have given me (I know it is a tree leaf) fantastic pain relief and energy! I am a Registered Nurse and I did the research necessary to relieve my mind about what was going into my body! Kratom is my pain relief also, my night time routine include s RED BALI…it doesn’t make anxious or jittery or have bad dreams, etc. I rest and an get 6-8 hours of good, solid sleep.
I know it sounds like a miracle and impossible to believe. Only it is not too good to be true, it is just true.
Best luck ever, B. Research to let yourself know what it is all about and try it if you feel it is ok for you. WORKS for me. TXsis70
There’s a very helpful kratom community on Facebook called “kratom united”, and it has a wealth of knowledge, and the people are extremely supportive and will give you excellent information to help you figure out exactly how to get off of heroin using kratom.