Although all kratom comes from the Mitragyna Speciosa plant, not all kratom is the same color or type.
Traditionally, kratom strains have been categorized by the color of their leaf veins. The plant’s color indicates the maturity of the leaves at harvest and, sometimes, is impacted by how the leaves are dried and processed. Kratom’s secondary name — such as Sumatra, Borneo, and Thai — is determined by the area in which it has grown or where the strain originated.
Today, there are many different strains of kratom that you might find in stores or on e-commerce sites. Among the plant’s many shades, however, perhaps none are as popular as its three primary colors: green, red, and white.
White-veined Strains
White-veined kratom is harvested while the tree is still young. While this strain isn’t as sedating as its green and red-veined counterparts, its primary advantage is considered stimulation.
Reports by Kratom.org conclude that white-vein varieties contain the highest concentration of mitragynine, an alkaloid with similar stimulating effects as coffee. Because it’s believed to be helpful when needing improvements to energy, mood, and creativity, users report taking white-vein kratom to stay focused for an extended period.
These reported effects make white-vein kratom particularly popular among those with busy schedules and active lifestyles, according to Kratom IQ. In addition, CFAH suggests that since white-veined kratom fights off feelings of lethargy, this strain may be especially effective for people managing chronic fatigue syndrome.
White Vein Borneo
If you’re looking to find a strain to help you focus at work or complete your daily objectives, White Vein Borneo can be of use. As noted by CrediHealth, this strain primarily works to increase energy and vitality, making it commonly used as a stimulant.
But while a boost in energy may be White Vein Borneo’s signature effect, the strain is also considered useful for:
- Sharpened attention
- Anxiety relief
- Mild pain relief
- Mood enhancement
- Relaxation
White Vein Sumatra
While white-veined kratom strains are usually hailed for their stimulative capabilities, White Vein Sumatra is a bit nontraditional. Sources suggest that opinions vary on what White Vein Sumatra is best at — energy production or sedation.
According to CFAH, many kratom users experience soothing effects with White Vein Sumatra, with the intensity depending on the dosage. At lower doses, this strain is believed to promote feelings of balance and relaxation.
The primary benefits of White Vein Sumatra, as noted by Skope Magazine, include:
- Anxiety relief
- Depression relief
- Enhanced energy
- Improved sleep quality
Green-veined Strains
With semi-matured leaves, green-vein kratom is typically harvested once the plant is in the middle of its lifespan. As a “middle ground” between white and red-vein strains, sources such as Avens Publishing Group claim that green-veined strains provide a balance of effects within users.
However, Kratom.org notes that each strain is different, with some producing more stimulating and soothing effects than others. Regardless of which side of the spectrum they fall on, these effects are presumed to be subtle but long-lasting.
According to 1883 Magazine, users can expect calming and energizing properties of green-vein strains, both lifting users’ spirits and sharpening their concentration. The publication also highlights its incredible potential to alleviate anxiety, stress, and even chronic pain.
Green Vein Bali
Green Vein Bali is cited as one of the best-selling strains of the kratom family. Because it contains a high concentration of alkaloids, this green-vein strain is considered highly potent compared to other green-vein varieties.
According to Kratom IQ, users of kratom can expect the following effects when purchasing Green Vein Bali:
- Relaxation
- Anxiety relief
- Mild pain relief
- Appetite suppression
Green Vein Borneo
Green Vein Borneo is a strain believed to provide a moderate mix of stimulating and sedative effects. Because of its potential to both motivate and relax users, this strain is reportedly popular among those looking for a way to deal with low mood, mental illness, and chronic pain.
CFAH cites Green Vein Borneo’s strength points as providing:
- Mood enhancement
- Relaxation
- Mild pain relief
Green Vein Maeng Da
While green-veined kratom may not be as popular as red or white-veined kratom, Green Maeng Da is an exception, according to the Detroit Metro Times. In a 2021 article by Space Coast Daily, the news platform titled this type of kratom as one of the purest and most potent strains in today’s market.
Packing soothing and energizing effects in each dose, MMA News highlights that the primary effects of Green Vein Maeng Da include:
- Enhanced energy
- Relaxation
- Mental clarity
- Depression relief
- Mood enhancement
- Mild pain relief
- Increased self-confidence
Green Vein Malay
Though all green strains are known to combine the unique properties of white and red strains, Kratom Science considers Green Vein Malay as doing it better than any other.
Despite some sources claiming Green Malay is slower to take effect than white-vein kratom, its exceptional potency claims the attention of kratom users worldwide. According to SpinFuel, the mix of health and wellness benefits of this strain include:
- Mood enhancement
- Fast pain relief
- Improved focus
- Enhanced energy
- Improved physical and cognitive performance
Red-veined Strains
Harvested when the leaves reach the peak of the plant’s maturity, red-vein strains have an exceptionally high level of 7-hydroxymitragynine, one of kratom’s many alkaloids. In addition, this type of kratom is exposed to more sunlight than other strains, making it commonly regarded as the most potent of all kratom.
According to Herald Net, users consume these strains to manage various mental and physical conditions.
Since 7-hydroxymitragynine is a mu-opioid agonist, red-vein kratom is reported to have powerful sedative properties. While it can produce stimulation depending on the individual strain and dose, its primary strength points are its ability to induce relaxation, sedation, and pain relief.
Red Vein Borneo
Said to be one of the best kratom strains for anxiety, Red Vein Borneo kratom is popular for delivering relaxation and pleasure, according to The Plaid Horse.
Unlike other red-veined variations, however, Red Vein Borneo is not considered overwhelming, rarely inducing side effects such as drowsiness.
In The State Journal’s review of Red Vein Borneo kratom, the Kentucky daily newspaper noted the strain’s health benefits as:
- Fast pain relief
- Mood enhancement
- Improved sleep quality
- Anxiety relief
- Depression relief
- Improved focus
- Opiate withdrawal relief
Red Vein Maeng Da
With an impressive 82% mitragynine chemical makeup, Red Vein Maeng Da is reported as one of the best kratom types for beginners.
With roots tracing back to Thailand, Red Maeng Da differs from most other red-veined strains in that it delivers energy and is thus considered a stimulant, as opposed to the traditional red-veined sedative.
According to Space Coast Daily, Red Vein Maeng Da kratom is best for users seeking:
- Elevated brain efficiency
- Increased energy
- Mood enhancement
- Powerful pain relief
- Mind and body relaxation
- Insomnia relief
Red Vein Thai
Renowned for its relaxation properties, Red Vein Thai is cited by Exposed Magazine as ideal for those dealing with stress, overwhelming feelings, and various body pains.
The pain relief Red Vein Thai offers is powerful, helping those both with chronic pain and newfound aches, according to The Daily World.
Aside from offering pain relief, this strain is favored for its immense potential to provide different effects, such as:
- Relaxation
- Insomnia relief
- Anxiety relief
- Mood enhancement
Find Your Strain at Kratom Connect
At Kratom Connect, we make finding your next kratom strain easy.
Whether you’re new to the kratom plant or a Mitragyna Speciosa enthusiast, our selection of premier capsules and powders combines the best white, green, and red-vein strains to help you find your next go-to kratom.
Shop our stock of kratom products or sign up to receive your free sample pack to learn more about our strains.
