Part of the appeal of kratom is its many strains and their unique effects. Users love learning about the large number of strains available and trying several combinations to get the best results.
If you want to discover the best kratom strains for you, you’ll need to start by learning about the differences they offer.
This guide will walk you through the best kratom strains and what makes each stand out. We also share details on combining strains for optimal results and our favorite vendors to shop with.
Comparing Different Strain Color Effects
When people talk about kratom’s effects, they’re usually not talking about the plant as a whole. Instead, they’re describing the effects of specific strains. The term “strain”refers to how different alkaloid levels manifest in the strain’s genetic make-up and create that plant’s physical and mental benefits.
A kratom strain is categorized by the color of its veins. There are three prominent veins in the kratom plant, which are red, white, and green. Other colors do exist, such as yellow, though they are less common.
All colors offer different stimulation and relaxation levels, but there are key differences between red, white, and green vein strains.
Here’s what you need to know about each and why the best kratom strains have one of these colors.
Red Vein Kratom
Red vein types are among the most popular strains available. The red color comes from their high alkaloid content, particularly the presence of 7-hydroxymitragynine. These plants are harvested later than other colors and are considered more mature and potent.
Alkaloids react directly with the brain’s opioid receptors, providing a pleasurable response. The higher the alkaloid concentration, the more potent the effects expected. As a result, red vein kratom makes up some of the best kratom strains for pain relief and relaxation.
Due to the potency associated with red vein strains, it is not generally advisable for absolute beginners. If you are new to kratom, the red vein may be too strong.
Make sure you start with a lower dose and work your way up as required. Excess dosage can result in undesirable side effects such as dizziness and nausea.
White Vein Kratom
While the predominant strength of red vein strains is relaxation, white vein kratom offers stimulation. It provides users with significant boosts of energy that can last for hours at a time. This energizing effect does not invoke restlessness or symptoms of anxiety as other stimulants might.
For this reason, white vein kratom can be a substitute for caffeine. It improves the user’s energy levels without causing jitteriness or agitation. In some, it will improve mental clarity and focus.
Green Vein Kratom
Green vein kratom is the middle-ground between red and white vein variants. It provides a balanced mixture of stimulation and relaxation. Green vein makes up some of the best kratom strains available due to its balanced effects.
If you are new to kratom, we recommend you begin with a green vein. The well-rounded effects of green vein kratom can be a gentle yet effective introduction.
In lower doses, it provides a stimulant effect that can improve focus. In higher doses, it can be an effective sleep-aid without causing sluggishness upon waking up.
What Are the Best Kratom Strains?
The best kratom strains will vary from between users. Every strain’s efficacy will differ based on the user’s body type, tolerance, and how much they take.
That being said, the following ten strains have universal appeal among the community. These strains are effective and popular with new and seasoned users alike.
For the best kratom strains, check out these ten options:
1. Maeng Da Kratom
Native to Thailand, the Maeng Da strain is renowned for the strength of its effects. It boasts an exceptionally high alkaloid content, especially 7-hydroxymitragynine. It stimulates the opioid receptors in your brain, resulting in a powerful boost of energy while simultaneously providing mental clarity.
There isn’t just one type of Maeng Da, however. Reach for the red variety if you want a more calming experience. The green and white types will provide you with enhanced energy and focus.
2. Red Bali Kratom
Harvested from the Indonesian island of Bali, this particular strain provides intense relaxation. In higher doses, it can alleviate symptoms of insomnia and improve sleep cycles. In lower doses, it can be a mild stimulant and soothe discomfort. Become a social butterfly and be more in-the-moment with this strain by your side.
3. Red Borneo Kratom
This particular strain is most often used by those who suffer from chronic discomfort. It possesses strong analgesic properties that can last for hours at a time, making it one of the best strains for pain. It helps to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia, arthritis, and muscle inflammation.
Do you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep when you need to be well-rested? This strain can also function as a productive sleep aid.
4. Red Horn Kratom
This Horn variety gets its name due to the tiny protrusions found along with its leaves. Due to how challenging the process of growing horned kratom is, prices are often high compared to other strains.
However, Red Horn is worth getting because of its potency. As a red strain, its focus is on relaxation and pain relief. Due to its strength, we recommend starting with low doses and increasing as you build a tolerance.
5. Green Malay Kratom
Green Malay provides a balance of effects. Among green veins, its distinctive potency can last for up to six hours. It is one of the best kratom strains for mood enhancement and pain relief. The combined approach of Green Malay’s effects makes it ideal for those who have experience but are looking for something slightly more potent.
6. Green Borneo Kratom
Possessing both stimulant and analgesic properties, Green Borneo is one of the best kratom strains for chronic pain and fatigue. Characteristic of green vein types, the Green Borneo strain provides a balance of both stimulation and relaxation. It is both energizing and soothing, providing mental clarity and improved focus to last for hours.
7. Green Bali Kratom
One of the most affordable strains yet still highly potent, Green Bali is one of the best kratom strains available for beginners. It provides a significant boost of energy while simultaneously soothing discomfort, nausea, and dizziness. Additionally, it can be an effective way to combat nervousness, as it promotes a level head.
8. White Borneo Kratom
Energy stimulation is the primary effect associated with White Borneo. In lower doses, it is an adequate substitute for caffeine with even greater energy production. In higher doses, it can be used as a sedative to improve relaxation and sleep. Users also occasionally take it as a mood-enhancer and analgesic.
9. White Thai Kratom
White Thai is one of the best kratom strains available for an extended duration period, as its effects are both potent and long-lasting. It is not the superior choice for pain relief, as it puts much greater emphasis on stimulation than analgesic properties.
Users will often experience a significant boost of energy and enhanced concentration following consumption. It can also provide additional stamina for extended periods, which is ideal for physical exertion.
10. White Indo Kratom
The high alkaloid content within White Indo makes it one of the best kratom strains for mood enhancement. It reacts with the opioid receptors in the brain to provide a soothing and pleasurable response.
What makes White Indo unique is its analgesic capabilities. White vein strains are not usually ideal for pain relief, but White Indo is surprisingly effective.
Mixing Kratom Strains Best Practices
The variety of strains available is already pretty impressive. However, over time, experienced users can become desensitized to the desired effects. The human body naturally adjusts over time, which can lessen the potency of any strain.
To combat this, some users mix various strains to add a kick to their routine. However, you must know what you’re doing before attempting this. Not all strains complement each other well.
A single strain can possess anywhere up to forty different alkaloids. Without being careful, you can completely upheave a delicate balance and experience unwanted effects like deep sedation or overpowering energy.
Mixing the best kratom strains is perfectly safe, provided you do it properly. There are three ways to mix your strains effectively:
- Different vein colors with different strains (example: Red Borneo with Green Malay)
- Different vein colors with the same strain (example: White Maeng Da with Green Maeng Da)
- Same vein color with different strains (example: Green Malay with Green Indo)
The best kratom strains to mix are the ones that complement each other’s effects. The above are just examples, but they should give you a good framework to start. To avoid excessive dosage, you should replace your usual dose with your new mixed dose. Do not take it as an additional dose, as this may lead to unwanted side effects.
We only recommend mixing strains if you have prior experience with kratom. New users should try strains on their own before experimenting with different blends.
Where to Buy Best Strains of Kratom?
Now that you have a full run-down of some of the best kratom strains available and how to mix them, it’s time to discuss vendors. Listed below are our top picks for where to purchase kratom safely and securely.
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom provides excellent variety and affordability with their listed products. Whether you are just starting with kratom or you’re pursuing the latest strain, they will likely have what you’re seeking.
The company can maintain its wide selection and competitive pricing thanks to its close relationships with growers. The farmers in Southeast Asia have worked with Kona Kratom for years, and the company passes on the benefits to you. You get better quality products with strict safety regulations at affordable prices. What’s not to love?
Key Points
- Widest selection of strains, including niche types
- Affordable prices for budget-minded buyers
- Excellent business relationship with SE Asian farmers
- Vendor approved by American Kratom Association
- Strains tested by a third-party lab
VIP Kratom
All of the items listed on VIP Kratom’s site must be grade-A, premium quality. This level of quality control should reassure first-time buyers and experienced users alike.
The selection may be smaller and the prices slightly higher because of this commitment to quality. However, the quality is worth it. The strains tend to have higher potency levels, and the purity and consistency are hard to beat.
Key Points
- Top-shelf, grade-A strains
- Exotic and rare strains available
- Higher potency and purity levels
- Vendor approved by American Kratom Association
- Strains tested by a third-party lab
Star Kratom
If you have tried other vendors and found yourself frustrated by slow processing times and deliveries delayed for weeks on end, you’ll want to check out Star Kratom. This vendor is located near a major shipping hub and can deliver orders 2-3 days faster than the competition.
The small, family-owned business also has excellent customer service. If you find that the strain you ordered wasn’t what you expected, you can take advantage of the vendor’s no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee.
Key Points
- Great selection
- Fastest shipment system
- Excellent return policy
- Vendor approved by American Kratom Association
- Strains tested by a third-party lab
Conclusion — Best Kratom Strains
The only way to discover the best kratom strains is through experimenting. However, we believe the red, white, and green vein strains on our list are most likely to give you an excellent experience.
Red vein strains will have higher alkaloid levels and are best for experienced users seeking relaxation and pain relief. White vein strains will promote stimulation and are especially beneficial if you want improved energy and mental clarity.
Green vein strains strike a good balance between red and white, and they tend to be the best for new users or those seeking a combination of red and white-vein effects.
Get your products from the vendors we listed above to ensure you get the safest and best kratom strains.
Gallery
