Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The leaves can have stimulating or sedating effects, depending on the strain, making them popular for various uses.

Kratom has become a popular herbal substance worldwide, especially in the US. It has potential benefits in managing pain, anxiety and depression. However, there are debates about its side effects and scientific studies are still in their infancy, which can make it confusing for those interested in this natural supplement.

To know where Kratom comes from and how it works, you first need to understand its cultural roots and historical use. We’ve created the ultimate guide to Kratom, where you can learn everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

What is Kratom?

Scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree from the coffee family.

The main active compounds in Kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. When you consume Kratom, these compounds interact with your opioid receptors, potentially providing pain relief, a mood uplift, and energy. Kratom is consumed in various forms, with Kratom powder - prepared with the ground, dried leaves of the tree - being one of the most popular options.

Types of Kratom

Kratom leaves are categorized by their vein color. It refers to the color of the leaf veins and is an indicator of the effects the Kratom may produce.

• Red vein: reputed to have calming and relaxing effects. Often used for pain relief, relaxation and as a sleep aid.
• Green vein: may provide balanced effects, offering mild stimulation while still promoting relaxation. Ideal for focus and social anxiety.
• White vein: known for possible energizing and uplifting effects. It’s often used as a stimulant and to boost mood and concentration.
• Yellow/gold vein: a less common type, usually a result of specialized drying or fermentation processes. It offers moderate effects somewhere between green and red veins.

The strain refers to the geographic origin or specific growing techniques used, which influence the effects. Here are some common Kratom strains:

Borneo: available in all vein colors and known for its potentially relaxing properties.

Maeng Da: a potent strain which may offer energy and pain relief, available oil all vein colors.

Malay: available in all vein colors, it may deliver long-lasting, balanced effects with a focus on mental clarity and energy.

Uses and benefits of Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa is a versatile herbal supplement with various uses, depending on the strain and dosage. Remember, scientific research into the health and wellbeing properties of Kratom is not extensive and it is yet to be definitively proved whether it is viable as an alternative medicine.

Here are the possible main benefits of Kratom:

• Pain relief: red vein strains are believed to be among the best Kratom strains for pain relief because of their analgesic properties. They may ease chronic pain, arthritis and muscle aches.
• Energy: white vein kratom is known for its potentially stimulating effects. It may give you an energy boost and help improve focus, productivity and endurance.
• Relaxation and stress relief: green and red vein strains are believed to induce relaxation, reduce stress and ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Mood enhancement: Kratom may lift your mood or create a sense of well-being. Green and white veins may possibly deliver an effective mood boost.
• Sleep aid: red vein strains could be among the best Kratom strains for anxiety, insomnia and relaxation. As such, they’re often used to ease insomnia and obtain better sleep quality.

Scientifically proven or otherwise, the diverse benefits of Kratom make it a valuable tool in the arsenal for those seeking alternative natural remedies for a variety of conditions. You will discover that regular users are serious advocates for its potential wellbeing properties.

How to choose the right Kratom for your needs

Determine your goal to figure out how to choose the best Kratom for your needs:

• Pain relief: red vein strains like Red Vein Thai may be better for managing chronic pain and providing relaxation.
• Energy and focus: white vein strains may be beneficial if you're looking for an energy boost or improved concentration.
• Relaxation and stress relief: for relaxation, stress relief and anxiety, green vein strains like Green Maeng Da could offer a balanced approach.
• Sleep aid: red vein strains may also be useful as a natural sleep aid.

When trying a new strain, always start with a low dose to gauge your body’s reaction. Understanding your needs and knowing the effects of different Kratom strains will help you choose the right one.

Methods of consumption

There are many ways to take Kratom. Each method has unique benefits, depending on your preferences and needs.

• Kratom powder: this is the most common form of Kratom for consumption. Kratom powder is versatile and can be mixed with water, juice or smoothies. It’s ideal for those who want control over their dosage.
• Kratom capsules: a convenient and mess-free way to take Kratom. It’s ideal for on-the-go use. When choosing between capsules and powder, many users opt for the former because swallowing Kratom in capsule form masks its bitter flavor.
• Kratom tea: this is the traditional way Kratom been consumed for hundreds of years in Indonesia. Not only is the act of tea making a calming ritual in itself, drinking it as tea is also easier on the stomach than tossing the raw powder.

Each method of consuming Kratom has its advantages and everyone has their personal favorite. It all comes down to your lifestyle, your taste preferences and the desired effects.

Kratom dosage and safety

It’s important to follow safe dosage guidelines to avoid potential adverse effects and ensure a positive experience.

Here’s a basic kratom dosage guide:

• Start slow: for beginners, it’s best to start with a low dose of 1–2 grams to assess tolerance. Slowly increase the dosage as needed.
• Common dosages: a low dose of 1–3 grams may provide mild stimulation and increased focus. A moderate dose of 3–5 grams may offer balanced effects like pain relief and relaxation. A high dose of 5–8 grams may be best for pain relief, relaxation or sedation, especially when consuming red vein Kratom strain dosages. There is some suggestion that high doses of Kratom can cause fatal intoxication but the published numbers remain very small.
• Safety considerations: avoid using Kratom daily to prevent tolerance and dependence. Stay hydrated, as it can be dehydrating, and be cautious with higher doses. Don’t mix Kratom with other substances.

Potential side effects and risks

Is Kratom safe? Yes, but it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks.

One of the most frequent side effects is nausea and vomiting, especially at higher doses. To combat nausea with Kratom, start with a low dose and consume Kratom on a full stomach.

Regular use may also lead to digestive issues and constipation. Stay hydrated and increase your fiber intake. Dizziness and drowsiness are common, especially with higher doses of red vein strains.

Using Kratom frequently at high doses can lead to tolerance, requiring more to achieve the same effects, which can potentially cause dependence.

Although research is ongoing, there are some concerns about Kratom’s effects on heart health.

Follow these safety measures for peace of mind:

• Use Kratom responsibly and follow dosage guidelines;
• Take breaks to avoid building tolerance;
• Speak to your doctor before use, especially if you have health conditions.

Legal status of Kratom

The legal status of Kratom varies around the world. It’s legal in some countries, but others have strict prohibitions against its use, sale and possession. The current FDA stance on Kratom is that the herbal substance is 'not approved' as a prescription or over-the-counter drug and that it is 'not appropriate for use a dietary substance'. It has tried to ban Kratom outright but received popular backlash from advocates of it, including being successfully lobbied by the AKA (American Kratom Association).

Kratom is federally legal in the United States, but a few states and municipalities have banned it. Here are some states where Kratom is banned:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

Certain cities and counties, like San Diego, California and Sarasota County, Florida, also have local bans. It’s important to check state and local regulations before traveling so you know if it’s legal to fly with kratom in the US.

Here’s an overview of some other nation’s laws and countries where Kratom is prohibited:

• Thailand: legalized for medicinal use since 2018;
• Malaysia: Kratom is illegal, and possession can lead to penalties;
• Australia: banned since 2005;
• Canada: legal to possess, but illegal to sell for consumption;
• Germany: Kratom is classified as an unapproved drug, making it illegal to sell;
• New Zealand: only legal with a doctor’s prescription.

Try Kratom for yourself

Who knew a tropical tree from Southeast Asia could have so many potential benefits? Kratom is a go-to for many people seeking non-chemical pain relief, energy enhancement, increased focus, stress reduction and relaxation.

Understanding Kratom’s origins, vein colors and strains can help you select the right type for your needs. While this herbal leaf has many benefits, it’s vital to follow dosage guidelines and be aware of potential side effects.

Stay informed with Kratom’s complex legal status on our blog. If you want to compare it with other supplements, our Kratom versus Ashwagandha guide is your go-to. You can also read a comparison of Kava versus Kratom tea as another popular herbal remedy.

Want to discover the benefits of Kratom for yourself? Buy high-quality Kratom at Hidden Valley Botanicals. We ship to all areas in the US where Kratom is legal within a few days.