Kratom powder is made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, people in this region have used kratom leaves and powders to boost energy, and mood, and relieve pain. Kratom leaves are usually dried and ground into a fine powder, then ingested directly or in capsules. There are three main strains or varieties of kratom powder: red vein, green vein, and white vein. These names refer to the color of the central vein running through kratom leaves. Each strain provides slightly different effects, strains better suited for certain uses than others.
Red vein kratom effects
The kratom strain, red vein kratom powder is the most euphoric and relaxing. Red kratom is rich in pain-relieving and sedative alkaloids, it is ideal for managing pain, relaxing muscles, alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms, and promoting feelings of calm and well-being. The active compounds in red kratom strains produce opioid-like effects in the brain’s pleasure centers. As such, many people use red kratom powder to elicit a state of euphoria, contentment, and relaxation.
The red vein leaves of Mitragyna speciosa contain chemical compounds like mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, 9-Hydroxycorynantheidine, and speciogynine. In moderation, red kratom is a pleasant rush of euphoria and batteries that lasts around 2-5 hours. It causes MOR receptors in the central nervous system to release endorphins, enkephalins, and serotonin into the bloodstream to produce its signature high. This natural high helps treat pain, relax the body, and block out stressful thoughts. The popularity of kratom has expanded beyond its native kratom country and it is now consumed and sold in various parts of the world.
Green vein kratom effects
- Green vein kratom lies between red and white strains as far as effects. It provides a balance of pain relief and energetic boost, without being too overpowering in either direction.
- Green kratom strains contain chemical compounds like mitragynine, 7-Hydroxymitragynine, mitraphylline, rhynchophylline, and mitralactonal. When these compounds bind to delta opioid receptors in the brain, they provide mild pain relief similar to red strains, but without quite as strong sedative effects.
- Instead, green kratom powder provides moderate energy and mood lift, an effect sometimes described as alert calmness. The alkaloids act as psychostimulants that help boost motivation and attention when working, studying, or carrying out mentally draining tasks.
- When used correctly, green vein strains offer sustained energy, heightened focus, and concentration for several hours. It makes green kratom ideal for countering fatigue, improving productivity, and enhancing wakefulness and motivation when a clear state of mind is desired. Popular energy-boosting green vein strains include Green Malay and Green Maeng Da.
White vein kratom effects
At the far end of the spectrum, white vein kratom powder provides the most stimulating effects. White strains act purely as energy enhancers, helping users feel more awake, focused, motivated, and productive. The leaves of white vein kratom plants contain stimulant-like alkaloids including mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitraphylline, and rhynchophylline. These compounds interact with adrenergic receptors and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in enhanced energy, improved concentration, and mental acuity, and an overall boost in wakefulness.
White kratom is less euphoric than red or green varieties and doesn’t produce opioid-like analgesia. But in return, this strain offers pure clean stimulation without drowsiness or fatigue afterward. The effects of white kratom usually begin within 5-10 minutes of ingestion and last for around 4-6 hours. White strains are best suited for morning and afternoon use when alertness and high productivity are desired. Popular stimulating options include White Maeng Da, White Borneo, and White Sumatra.
