Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family. It grows in Southeast Asia, mainly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. People in these regions have used its leaves for many years for energy, pain relief, and mood support. Today, people around the world use kratom as an herbal product for both health and recreational reasons.
Kratom’s effects vary by type, dose, and each person’s body. Knowing these differences helps you use it more safely and effectively. This guide explains how kratom works, the main types, what they do, dosing tips, and safety points so you can make clear, informed choices.
What Is Kratom and How Does It Work?
Kratom leaves contain many active compounds called alkaloids. When you chew the leaves or take them as tea, powder, capsules, or extracts, these alkaloids act on your body and can produce many effects. Traditionally, kratom has been used to ease pain and fatigue and to boost energy. It also appears in folk medicine and some local rituals where it grows.
European records from the 1800s describe kratom’s use, and interest has grown since then as a plant-based option for various needs. Laws differ by country and state, so always check local rules before buying or using kratom.
Key Compounds Responsible for Kratom’s Effects
The main alkaloids linked to kratom’s effects are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds interact with brain receptors, including opioid receptors, and help shape how kratom feels.
Mitragynine is often the most abundant, making up about two-thirds of total alkaloids. It acts as a partial agonist at the μ-opioid receptor and an agonist at the α2 adrenergic receptor, which may explain its pain-relieving action. Its metabolite, 7-hydroxymitragynine, is stronger at the μ-opioid receptor and is tied to analgesia. Some research suggests 7-hydroxymitragynine can be up to 13 times more potent than morphine, yet it behaves as an “atypical” opioid, which may mean fewer common opioid side effects. Other alkaloids, such as speciogynine, speciociliatine, and mitraciliatine, also contribute. Minor alkaloids like paynantheine and speciogynine may act on serotonin receptors and could play a role in mood effects seen in animal studies.
What Are the Main Types of Kratom?
Kratom is often grouped by the color of the leaf veins: red, white, and green. These colors relate to differences in alkaloid makeup and general effects. Growers time harvests to capture certain alkaloid levels, leading to a wide range of products. You may also see special blends, “enhanced” items, and mixed varieties.
Marketing often links each color to certain effects. A study by Huisman et al. (2023) found that while users reported different experiences that matched these claims, lab tests on products from one seller did not show clear differences in main alkaloid levels across colors. This points to a strong role for expectations and marketing, though unmeasured compounds or other factors might also matter. Still, color categories can help you pick a starting point based on your goals.
Red Vein Kratom: Uses and Typical Effects
Red vein kratom comes from more mature leaves with reddish veins. People often use red strains for relaxation and sleep support and to ease pain, stress, and worry. Reds are thought to contain more 7-hydroxymitragynine, which many link to calming effects.
Common uses include evening relaxation, chronic pain management, and sleep support. Popular red strains include Red Bali, Red Thai, and Red Maeng Da. In small amounts, reds may still give a light lift in energy, but higher amounts tend to relax muscles and reduce tension. Because of their strong calming effects, reds are usually not a good fit for tasks that require sharp focus during the day.
White Vein Kratom: Common Benefits and Effects
White vein kratom comes from younger leaves. Many use whites for energy, focus, and mental clarity. Some people swap coffee for white strains to get alert without caffeine jitters.
Whites can boost focus, alertness, and motivation, so they’re often used in the morning, for demanding work, or before exercise. Popular options include White Maeng Da, White Borneo, and White Sumatra. In higher amounts, whites can feel too intense for some people. Users often report better focus and easier social interaction, likely due to mood lift and lower anxiety.
Green Vein Kratom: Balance of Effects
Green vein kratom sits between red and white. It offers a steady, mild energy lift with a calm undertone. Greens come from leaves that are neither very young nor fully mature, which may explain their balanced profile.
Greens can help with focus, mental clarity, and mood without too much stimulation. They often give a mild positive outlook and can take the edge off irritability. Some people use greens for light pain support and anxiety relief without feeling drowsy. Well-known greens include Green Malay, Green Maeng Da, and Green Bali.
Yellow and Gold Kratom: How Are They Different?
Yellow and gold strains usually do not come from a natural vein color. Instead, the name often refers to a drying method or a blend of different colors.
These products are often mixes created by vendors to hit a certain feel. A gold mix might combine red, green, and white, or just two of them. Each seller tends to keep exact methods private, but they often describe the expected results, such as mood lift, mild energy, and some relaxation. Examples include Yellow Vietnam and Gold Bali. With these blends, pick a trusted seller, since quality and consistency can vary a lot.
Specialty, Super, and Enhanced Kratom Strains
Some products use labels like “Super,” “Ultra,” and “Enhanced.” These point to items that differ from standard raw leaf powder, often by higher strength or special processing.
Super and Ultra Kratom: These may be raw powders with slightly higher alkaloid levels or made from larger leaves. Some are actually extracts mixed into powder, which can be much stronger. Use care, as dosing can be tricky and effects can be intense.
Enhanced Kratom: This usually means regular kratom fortified with extract to raise alkaloid content. These can hit harder than plain powder. Read product details closely and start with small amounts.
Bentuangie Kratom: This type is made by fermenting harvested leaves in bags. Moisture drives oxidation and partial changes in alkaloids. The process needs close control to avoid mold, and finished products should be tested. Bentuangie is known for solid pain relief and deep relaxation and is often viewed as a fermented red.
Maeng Da: Maeng Da is not a color but a well-known, strong strain that comes in red, white, and green. It is popular for consistent, strong effects across its color range.
For all specialty items, buy from reliable vendors that share lab tests and alkaloid data. This supports safety and more predictable results.
How Do Different Kratom Types Affect the Body and Mind?
Kratom’s effects depend on its alkaloid mix, which varies with leaf color and processing. People may feel anything from a light boost to strong calm, with changes in body comfort, attention, and mood. Knowing the general patterns helps you pick a strain that fits your aims.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine act on opioid receptors in an “atypical” way compared with classic opioids. Users often report pain relief, better mood, and changes in energy. Other alkaloids may act on serotonin receptors and affect mood as well. Your own response depends on dose, strain, and your body.
Sedating, Energizing, and Mood Effects by Strain Color
The common way to group kratom effects is by vein color:
- Red Vein Kratom: Often used for relaxation, sleep, and pain relief. Many people find reds reduce stress and lower physical tension. Best for evening use.
- White Vein Kratom: Often used for energy, alertness, and focus. Whites can lift mood and increase drive, so people use them in the morning or for long work sessions.
- Green Vein Kratom: Often used for a balanced effect. Greens give a gentle energy boost, a brighter mood, and mild pain relief without heavy sedation.
Responses vary from person to person. One study reported that users described different effects by color, but lab tests on products from one vendor did not show clear differences in main alkaloids. Expectation and placebo may play a part.
Comparing Physical Versus Mental Effects
On the physical side, kratom can slow digestion, ease discomfort, and relax muscles, especially with red strains. In small amounts, white and green strains can raise energy and heart rate a bit. Higher amounts, more common with reds, can lead to sedation and drowsiness.
On the mental side, greens and whites are frequently used for mood lift, focus, and lower anxiety. Users sometimes report mild euphoria, more often with green and white strains. Reds can help calm stress and support sleep. Effects depend on dose, and people can react differently.
Duration and Onset of Effects
Most people feel effects about 10 minutes after taking kratom. The main window is about 1 to 1.5 hours, though this varies by strain, dose, metabolism, body weight, and whether you took it with food.
Mitragynine has a half-life of about 24 hours, so it takes roughly a day for half to leave your body. Kratom can be detectable for about 5 to 7 days, depending on dose and frequency. Occasional users may clear it in 2 to 3 days, while daily or heavy users may take a week or more.
Kratom Dosage Guidelines by Type
Getting the dose right is important for both effect and safety. Small amounts tend to feel stimulating; larger amounts tend to feel calming and pain relieving. Body weight, metabolism, product strength, and personal sensitivity all matter.
Many users and groups such as the American Kratom Association suggest “start low and go slow.” Begin with a small dose, increase gradually only if needed, and watch how your body responds.
Low, Moderate, and High Dose Ranges
General dose ranges and common effects:
- Low Dose (1-2 grams): Often stimulating. People report more energy, alertness, and focus. Common for white and green strains.
- Moderate Dose (2-4 grams): More balanced. Many feel a better mood, light pain relief, and calm energy. Works well for greens and some reds.
- High Dose (4-6 grams): Stronger pain relief and sedation, often with reds. Can cause drowsiness. Used by some for chronic pain or high stress.
- Very High Dose (6+ grams): Higher risk of nausea, dizziness, and dependence. Not recommended for beginners and should be approached with great care, if at all.
Always measure with a digital scale. Guessing by eye can lead to uneven and unsafe results. These ranges are general; your best amount may differ.
Factors Affecting Dosage and Potency
Other factors can change how much you need and how strong the effects feel:
- Body Weight and Metabolism: Larger body size or faster metabolism may call for a bit more. Smaller users may need less.
- Strain Potency: Strength varies by strain and batch. “Super” or “Enhanced” products often use extracts and are stronger, so smaller doses are needed. Vendors that share Certificates of Analysis (COAs) help you compare alkaloid levels. For example, MIT45 red vein powders often test around 1.0-1.4% mitragynine, while green and white powders may range from 1.3-1.8%.
- Formulation: Extracts are much more concentrated than raw powder. Capsules are convenient but check mitragynine per capsule to know your dose.
- Tolerance and Frequency of Use: Regular use can build tolerance. Try not to use daily and take breaks. Rotating strains may also help.
- Individual Sensitivity and Health Conditions: People react differently. Health issues and medications can change how your body handles kratom. Talk with a healthcare professional before using kratom with medicines or if you have health concerns.
With careful dosing and attention to these factors, you can better match your use to your needs while lowering risks.
Risks, Side Effects, and Safety Concerns
Kratom may help some people, but it also carries risks. Research is ongoing, and the FDA has not approved kratom for medical use. Product quality can vary widely between sellers, so learn the risks and use care.
Effects depend on strength, dose, product type, how you take it, other substances in your system, and your health history. A mild effect for one person may be stronger for another. Use caution and start low.
Short-Term Side Effects of Kratom Use
Even at low to moderate doses, some people may have short-term side effects, especially at higher amounts or with sensitivity. Common effects include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, stomach upset, constipation (often reported more with red and white than green), or diarrhea.
- Dizziness and Drowsiness: More common with higher doses or reds.
- Dry Mouth: Often reported.
- Sweating and Itching: Some users notice these.
- Headaches: Can happen, especially with dehydration.
- Increased Heart Rate: Low doses can be stimulating and may raise heart rate slightly.
- Confusion: Possible at high doses.
Rarely, severe effects such as hallucinations, seizures, and high blood pressure have been reported. Mixing kratom with other substances, especially depressants or stimulants, greatly raises the risk of harmful interactions, including liver issues and breathing problems. The FDA advises against kratom use due to these risks.
Potential for Dependence and Withdrawal
A major safety concern is dependence and withdrawal, especially with frequent or high-dose use. Kratom’s main compounds act on opioid receptors, which can lead to tolerance and withdrawal in some users, even if the risk is different from that of traditional opioids.
Early signs of dependence include:
- Increased Tolerance: Needing more to get the same effect.
- Cravings: Strong urge to take kratom daily.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and muscle aches when you stop.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Letting work, school, or family slide due to use.
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Trying to stop but not being able to.
Withdrawal can resemble mild opioid withdrawal and often starts 6-12 hours after the last dose, peaks in 1-3 days, and eases over 4-7 days. Common symptoms include anxiety, irritability, muscle and joint pain, insomnia, restlessness, fatigue, low mood, sweating, chills, nausea, and poor concentration. In rare cases with long-term heavy use, psychosis-like symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, confusion) have been reported.
To lower the risk, avoid daily use, limit intake to a few days per week, and take breaks. If dependence develops, taper slowly instead of stopping all at once. Medical or behavioral health support can help manage symptoms and plan recovery, especially for moderate to severe cases.
How to Choose the Right Kratom Type for Your Needs
Picking a kratom strain can feel overwhelming because there are many options. The best choice depends on your goals, your body, and your experience with kratom. Match what you want with what each type tends to do, and use it responsibly.
Factors for Selecting Kratom
Keep these points in mind when choosing a type:
- Identify Your Needs: Decide what you want: pain relief, energy and focus, relaxation, better mood, or sleep support. Reds often help with pain and sleep. Whites often help with energy and focus. Greens often give a balanced effect and mild pain support.
- Research Specific Strains: After you set your goal, look into named strains. For example, Red Bali is common for pain and relaxation, Green Maeng Da is often used for energy and mood, and White Maeng Da is popular for focus.
- Potency and Experience Level: Some strains are stronger than others. If you’re new, start with a lower dose or a balanced green to test your response, then adjust.
- Quality and Purity: Buy from trusted vendors that share lab tests. Look for mitragynine levels and testing for heavy metals, pesticides, mold, yeast, salmonella, coliforms, and E. coli.
- Read Reviews: User feedback can help you spot reliable strains and consistent sellers.
- Try Sample Packs: Many vendors sell small bundles so you can test a few strains without a big purchase.
- Ask Experienced Users: Forums and communities can share practical tips. This is not medical advice, but it can help you learn what to expect.
Using these steps can help you pick a kratom type that fits your goals and comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kratom Types and Effects
People often have questions about kratom because experiences can differ. Here are clear answers to common questions about types and effects.
Q: Does the color of kratom veins really point to different effects?
A: Many users and sellers link red with calming, green with balanced, and white with energizing effects. A 2023 study by Huisman et al. found users reported these differences, but lab tests on products from one seller did not show clear changes in main alkaloids by color. Expectation may influence what people feel, and minor compounds or personal biology may also play a role. Still, many users find the color guide helpful as a starting point.
Q: Can kratom be addictive?
A: Yes. Frequent or high-dose use can lead to dependence and withdrawal. People can develop tolerance, cravings, and symptoms like anxiety, irritability, aches, and insomnia when stopping. Use on fewer days per week, take breaks, and keep doses modest to lower risk. If you notice signs of dependence, seek help or taper slowly.
Q: How long do kratom effects last, and how long does it stay in your system?
A: Effects usually start in about 10 minutes and last around 1 to 1.5 hours. Mitragynine’s half-life is about 24 hours, so kratom can be detectable for 5 to 7 days, depending on dose, use frequency, metabolism, body weight, and liver function. Occasional users may clear it in 2-3 days; daily heavy users may take a week or more.
Q: Is it safe to mix different kratom strains?
A: Some people blend strains (for example, red plus white) to balance effects or to manage tolerance. Mixing can make results less predictable and dosing harder. Try single strains first, track your amounts, and avoid combining high doses of strong strains. Do not mix kratom with alcohol, prescription drugs, or other stimulants or depressants due to the risk of dangerous interactions.
Q: Does kratom show up on standard drug tests?
A: Standard 5-panel tests usually do not check for kratom. Specialized tests can detect kratom alkaloids in blood or urine. If you are tested, be aware that specific kratom panels exist.