Mitragynine, the predominant alkaloid in kratom leaves, provides a slew of natural benefits that are being accessed exponentially more each year by people all over the world.

According to 2023 market research, consumer demand for kratom has increased by 600% over the past five years in North America, with Australia following closely behind at a 400% increase.

This eye-opening report predicts the global kratom market will nearly triple in value by 2032, mainly because people are becoming more aware of mitragyna speciosa on a broader scale.

If you're a new kratom user, you're in for a fun journey of playing around with the different strains to figure out their nuances and, most importantly, which you like best.

But with over 50 kratom strains to choose from, you may not know where to start.

After trying more than a dozen strains and scrutinizing different kratom products and vendors, we came up with this list of the best kratom strains to supercharge your vibe:

 

Top 5 Kratom Strains 

1. Best Kratom for Pain & Inflammation: Kratom Country Red Maeng Da Kratom Capsules  
2. Best Kratom for Sleep: Super Speciosa Red Bali Kratom Powder
3. Best Green Kratom for Balance: Kingdom Kratom Green Malay Kratom Powder
4. Best Types of Kratom Strains for Anxiety: Golden Monk Red Sumatra Kratom Powder
5. Best White Strains for Focus & Workouts: K-Tropix White Sumatra Powder

 

Types of Kratom Strains

Kratom comes from a leafy tree called mitragyna speciosa, indigenous to Southeast Asia. Kratom leaves have been used for hundreds of years as a standard medicine by locals in Thailand, Bali, and more, used to relieve pain, provide energy for workers, and more.

Different kratom strains have distinct personalities and nuances, and they fall into the categories of green kratom, white kratom, red kratom, and yellow kratom.

But using the term 'strain' here is a misnomer.

 

Various Kratom Strains & Their Uses

Different kratom strains do not refer to different genetic profiles, as you can get all the other kratom strains from the same tree.

Instead, the different kratom strains refer to the color of the veins of the kratom leaves at the time of harvest, with the youngest plants having a light, whitish color. The veins turn green as the plants mature, and these leaves are used to make green vein kratom products.

Older kratom leaves turn red and eventually brownish and are harvested for red kratom.

Even though all the different kratom strains can come from the same tree, their alkaloid profiles are different and, thus, vary in their effects.

As you start to try different kinds of kratom, you'll notice that they each have their own personality and nuances. Here's a brief rundown of the various types of kratom strains and their effects. 

White vein kratom - White kratom strains represent the youngest kratom leaves at harvest time. White kratom is most predominantly used for energy and focus. It's considered the most energetic strain, taken by most kratom users in the daytime hours.

Green vein kratom - The ever-popular green strains are your middle-of-the-road experience, with applications for energy and focus as well as relaxation and stress relief. Green vein kratom contains more chlorophyll than the other strains, which could also increase its wellness benefits.

Red vein kratom - Red vein kratom strains are harvested last to the point when the veins have turned red or even brown. Reds are known for their more relaxing, pain-relieving vibe that most people like to take in the evening or microdose for daytime use.

Yellow kratom & other blends - There are no kratom leaves with yellow veins; rather, yellow kratom is made by blending other kratom strains in the form of a powder that takes on a yellowish hue. Yellow kratom is a blend that incorporates different alkaloid profiles and, thus, produces different effects from the others.

 

Top 5 Kratom Strains for Wellness 

1. Best Kratom for Pain & Inflammation: Kratom Country Red Maeng Da Kratom Capsules

What we love

Our #1 pick, which also happens to be the best kratom strain for pain, is this incomparable red Maeng Da variety out of Indonesia from Kratom Country. Various kratom strains have a reputation for pain relief–Maeng Da is usually at the top of the list for potency. 

Commonly referred to by locals as the 'pimp strain' for its potency and versatility, there's not much red Maeng Da can't do for natural relief.

One capsule should be enough for beginners to feel a lift in mood, a delightful sensation. The more deeply relaxing, pain-relieving properties come out in full force at higher doses.

Keep in mind this is a decidedly PM strain and is described as such by Kratom Country. It looks like most verified kratom users take it like we did in the evening and nighttime hours to support pain relief, relaxation, and a fantastic night's rest.

That said, Red Maeng Da is also popularly microdosed during the day for a lift in energy and mood, though we did not use it this way.

We did spot an online testimonial where someone said they took over six of these kratom capsules and experienced no effects. In response, the effects are mild when taken at the suggested dosage, but the lift is palpable. Upon further investigation, this testimonial appears to be a one-off, with all the other users happy with the potency.

All in all, red Maeng Da checks the boxes for the things people most want kratom to help within the first place: pain and inflammation, mood boost, and overall wellness. It's a sure thing for a wider spectrum of feel-good relief.

About Kratom Country

Kratom Country was founded in 2009, giving them marked seniority in the online kratom space. We dig into how Kratom Country offers value for regular kratom users with their loyalty program and bulk purchasing options. Their customer service, same-day shipping, and hardcore transparency make Kratom Country one of the most reputable kratom brands out there today.

What Is Red Maeng Da? 

Although Kratom Country sources its Red Maeng Da kratom from Indonesia, the strain originated in Thailand. 'Maeng da' literally means 'pimp' and is a slang way to describe potency.

Red Maeng Da is well-known for its fast-acting effects that last longer compared with other kratom strains. It boasts a strong alkaloid profile with high concentrations of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that offer an analgesic effect that's particularly suited for alleviating pain and discomfort.

Pros:

• Fast-acting & long-lasting
• Convenient capsules
• Affordable
• Free samples
• Great for pain & stress relief

Cons:

• No subscribe & save

Specs:

• Strain: Maeng Da
• Size: 1 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz
• Strength: 800mg kratom per capsule
• Manufacturer's serving suggestion: 1 capsule

Learn more about Kratom Country Red Maeng Da Kratom Capsules.

2. Best Kratom for Sleep: Super Speciosa Red Bali Kratom Powder

What we love

When you can't sleep well from pain or a restless mind, the rest of your health suffers. To help maintain healthy sleep cycles and help you hit the hay hard and deep, Red Bali kratom is the way to go.

It all starts with a soothing cup of kratom tea. Simply mix the powder into hot water and add some lemon and honey if you like.

While some people don't like the intensely earthy taste of red kratom, we found that Red Bali has a lovely profile and aroma that goes well with green juice. A vanilla-flavored protein powder also blends really well with Red Bali in smoothies for a sweeter, balanced taste.

Worth noting is the phenomenal user testimonials we scrutinized for Super Speciosa's Red Bali kratom powder. As of writing, there are 500 five-star verified reviews, and not one has scored under four stars. Like us, most users speak to the sleep-boosting properties that take effect fast but won't leave you with that foggy feeling the following day.

Like other red vein kratom, Red Bali's effects can be felt quickly in under 20 minutes. This makes it a great addition to the medicine cabinet when sleep is hard to find.

About Super Speciosa

Super Speciosa processes all its kratom in GMP-certified facilities and is qualified by the American Kratom Association. The company employs strict testing protocols, and you can access third-party lab reports for all their products with a scannable QR code.

Super Speciosa also gets major points for affordability, offering 20% off plus free shipping with a cancel-anytime subscription. You also save the more you buy and can earn points toward future purchases with their lucrative rewards program.

What Is Red Bali?

As you might've guessed, this kratom strain originated on the islands of Bali in Indonesia. Red Bali kratom is most often harvested in the rainy season from mature trees. Less sunlight and a longer drying process are what give them their distinct red color.

Red Bali currently reigns as one of the world's most popular red vein kratom strains for its powerful relaxing properties that can help support optimal sleep health. It is one of the most potent kratom strains, and those who consume kratom agree it is one of the best for chronic pain relief. 

Pros:

• American Kratom Association qualified
• Affordable
• Relaxes body & mind
• 500 5-star reviews

Cons:

• Can cause sleepiness and loss of focus when taken during the day

Specs:

• Strain: Red Bali
• Size: 100 g, 250 g, 1 kg, 5kg
• Manufacturer's serving suggestion: 1 teaspoon kratom powder

Learn more about Super Speciosa Red Bali Kratom Powder.

3. Best Green Kratom for Balance: Kingdom Kratom Green Malay Kratom Powder

What we love

Energy drinks are so complicated to enjoy. Now, more and more people are looking for a more tranquil vibe, a way to power through errands and work tasks without that rushed, chaotic feeling.

Enter green kratom strains. These are the most versatile varieties, as they can be taken anytime, with lower doses best suited for daytime vitality and higher amounts taken in the evenings and late afternoons. Green vein strains give you the boost you want without the crash later in the day. 

Of all the green vein strains we tried, Green Malay was our favorite. A teaspoon in some water before breakfast and a little more in the afternoon for an uplifting tea is just what the doctor ordered for that zen productivity headspace we all want to be in.

You can smell the freshness immediately when you open this bag of Kingdom Kratom's Green Malay powder. The color is a bright, strong green, and the flavor blends phenomenally with green juices. Green strains like green Bali kratom do not have the same effects as white or red strains. 

We also highly recommend Green Malay for beginner kratom users, as it provides a nice middle-of-the-road experience that you can then use as a baseline to explore other strains. It's not as energetic as a white and distinctly mentally soothing compared to other greens.

About Kingdom Kratom

Kingdom Kratom started in 2017 as an ethical, eco-conscious kratom brand dead set on offering the world's most potent kratom strains at affordable price points. Although they don't offer a subscription option for regular users, Kingdom Kratom's VIP program gives you points on all purchases and will regularly send you coupon codes to cash in on awesome sales.

What Is Green Malay?

Green Malay kratom originates in Malaysia, where it grows best in mountainous regions that offer a colder climate than what most kratom trees need to flourish. Here Green Malay has been used by locals for centuries for energy and productivity for a long workday.

Green Malay is most often used for its feeling of clean energy that won't have you crashing hours later. Creatives are also favorites of this green vein kratom strain, swearing by it for inspiration and mental stimulation.

Pros:

• Powerful energy & focus
• Mental calm
• Bulk purchasing available
• Great for beginners & daily users

Cons:

• No subscribe & save

Specs:

• Strain: Green Malay
• Size: 25g, 50g, 250g, 500g, 1kg
• Manufacturer's serving suggestion: Start with 1.5-2g for women and 2-3g for men, adding 1g every 30-40 minutes until the desired effect is achieved.

Learn more about Kingdom Kratom Green Malay Kratom Powder.

4. Best Types of Kratom Strains for Anxiety: Golden Monk Red Sumatra Kratom Powder

What we love

Golden Monk sources their Red Sumatra kratom from Indonesia from their partner farming network. Red Sumatra is a distinctively uplifting red vein kratom strain that's known to nip anxiety in the bud.

Red vein kratom strains, in general, offer more pronounced relaxing properties than the other colors due to the strong alkaloid profile developed over time from older kratom leaves.

But something that helps you relax doesn't necessarily help with anxiety, and certain sativa strains of cannabis are a great example.

What makes Red Sumatra so great at helping keep the scaries at bay is its ability to provide relaxation without cognitive impairment in moderate doses simultaneously. A lot of people with anxiety don't like to feel mentally compromised, as this can make anxiety worse.

That's why kratom users favor taking Red Sumatra during the day, as it has focus-boosting qualities without the energy jolt of green and white kratom strains.

We were struck by how many people in the verified reviews said the approachable Red Sumatra is their favorite kratom strain ever. It's worth trying, whether you deal with anxiety or not.

About Golden Monk

Golden Monk is a smaller kratom brand with a more curated selection that features popular strains as well as some less common, more connoisseur-level kratom strains. Their kratom products are relatively affordable, and Golden Monk gives 10% off + FREE shipping with their cancel-anytime subscription.

Our only qualm is that Golden Monk doesn't offer a rewards program, which is standard in the industry. Hopefully, they'll roll one out soon for regular customers.

What Is Red Sumatra? 

Red Sumatra is most often described as smooth and calming. Grown in the Sumatra region of Indonesia, Red Sumatra kratom is harvested from mature plants.

Locals in the area have used Red Sumatra kratom leaves for hundreds of years for the relaxation of body and mind. While Red Sumatra can indeed provide pleasant euphoric effects, it's often used to manage pain, anxiety, and energy during the day at smaller doses.

Pros:

• Palpable sense of calm & well-being
• American Kratom Association vendor
• Free kratom samples
• Affordable

Cons:

• No rewards program

Specs:

• Strain: Red Sumatra
• Size: 250 grams, 500 grams, 1 kilogram
• Manufacturer's serving suggestion: 1-2 grams per serving; beginners start with 0.5 grams

Find out more about Golden Monk Red Sumatra Kratom Powder.

5. Best White Strains for Focus & Workouts: K-Tropix White Sumatra Powder

What we love

Finally, the award for the best kratom strain for that clean energy boost to stay focused goes to White Sumatra. This white vein kratom strain serves as an excellent coffee alternative, and there are no jitters.

We also noticed an excellent mood-boosting sensation, making morning duties like cleaning and laundry more enjoyable. There's a distinctively motivating effect that comes through more than any other kratom strain we tried.

Another great thing about White Sumatra is its milder taste. Since this white vein kratom comes from younger leaves, they have less chlorophyll than green strains and a much less bitter flavor than red vein strains.

In our experience, the taste is overall better. Simply blend this kratom powder into a smoothie, and you're not going to taste a big difference, if any.

K-Tropix recommends taking two grams per serving, a little less than half a teaspoon. Once you experience the effects for yourself, you can increase your dosage and/or take another serving after a few hours.

FYI - If you eat a big meal before taking your kratom, it can delay the onset of effects. We recommend making kratom tea after drinking some water in the morning with a light breakfast like a juice, smoothie, or a piece of fruit.

About K-Tropix

K-Tropix is a small kratom brand out of Oregon that specializes in the more energetic kratom strains, i.e. white vein kratom and green strains. Their more significant focus is nootropics in general, i.e., natural plant medicines that promote cognitive and mental health.

Ordering online from K-Tropix is easy and fast. They shipped the same day and were friendly and responsive when we contacted their customer service to ask a few questions about their kratom.

What Is White Sumatra?

White Sumatra kratom is harvested from young leaves grown on its namesake island in Indonesia. White Sumatra is most well-known for its potency and energy-boosting properties.

That said, in higher doses, White Sumatra is deeply relaxing and even sedating. Although most experienced kratom users take it for energy and focus, this strain truly offers a wide spectrum of effects at different dosage levels.

Pros:

• Great morning strain
• Clean energetic feeling for body & mind
• Blends well in smoothies
• GMP certification

Cons:

• No rewards program

Specs:

• Strain: White Sumatra
• Size: 100g, 250g, 500g, 1 kg
• Manufacturer's serving suggestion: 2 grams kratom powder

Learn more about K-Tropix White Sumatra Kratom Powder.

 

Our Methodology

Exploring different kratom strains was a fun adventure for the editorial team. We tried over a dozen other products from different strains: whites, greens, reds, and blends.

To begin, we are a remote team located in jurisdictions where kratom is legal, so we had no problems ordering kratom online or with delivery failure. Remember that if you live in an area where kratom is illegal, you won't be able to order it online from a reputable company.

First, we took a look at each vendor. What kind of company is producing the kratom? Do they provide lab tests? Are they transparent? What do verified reviewers say about their products and customer service?

 

Lab-Tested Kratom Products

The lab test factor is crucial before trying any kind of kratom strain. Because kratom is imported from countries like Indonesia in Southeast Asia, there's no domestic oversight as to manufacturing and processing.

This makes it critical for kratom brands to not only test the imported plant material by a third-party lab but also provide these results for consumers. Comprehensive contaminants panels should show negative results for pesticides, bacteria, mold, and heavy metals. Any kratom brand that did not provide current, independent lab reports for contaminants on the product in question was immediately disqualified.

Once the legit kratom brands were filtered out, we tried the different kratom strains to see what nuances come through and which feel like a good fit for a particular outcome, be it anxiety, sleep, etc. While this was mostly done using kratom powder, we also tried a few different strains in capsule form.

To take the kratom, we followed each manufacturer's serving suggestion for beginners in the interest of consistency. This was done by mixing kratom powder into hot water for tea, mixing it into smoothies, and taking kratom capsules with a bit of food and a glass of water.

Then was the best part: evaluating the effects. Keep in mind that everyone is different, so our experience is highly subjective.

That's why, after taking the kratom, we circled back, making sure each of our favorite kratom strains met the following criteria:

• Transparent sourcing - The kratom brand must provide information on the geographic sourcing of their kratom as well as details about growing and processing.
• Current third-party lab tests for contaminants - Lab tests conducted by an independent laboratory within the past six months were required. Since the kratom industry is largely unregulated, it's essential to hold vendors accountable as individual consumers, and a legit kratom brand will always provide these for you to view before you purchase.
• Effects match what's advertised - Wellness supplement companies are notorious for talking a big game about how their products will make you feel. Each of the kratom strains on this list provided us with at least one of the potential effects listed by the brand.
• Freshness - Once you've tried a few kratom powders, you get to know that 'fresh' smell. Older products or inferior powders can get a muskier, less pungent odor. Fresh-smelling, vibrant-looking kratom powder with consistent texture is what we prioritized.
• Customer service - We got in touch with customer service with various kratom brands to ask them about the products we were trying. Only the brands that actually responded and did so in a friendly, helpful way were considered for the final cut.
• Verified testimonials - Verified testimonials helped us out more in the process of awarding the best kratom strains for different effects. For example, when one of us wanted to award a particular kratom strain for anxiety relief but was met with disagreement, we took to the verified reviews to see what others were experiencing. Lo and behold, anxiety was never mentioned in the testimonials, so in this case, that strain was dropped from the anxiety discussion.
• Mission-driven - Although this isn't a hardline requirement, we gravitated more toward mission-driven kratom brands versus the catch-alls that look like online minimarts. Indicators included membership with the American Kratom Association, discounts for veterans, and seniority in the kratom space.
• Value - Finally, no one wants to waste money on supplements, but often, superfoods and phytochemicals like kratom alkaloids can get expensive with regular use. That's why the different strains and products had to provide an affordable price point compared to the industry average and/or opportunities for regular users to save in the form of loyalty programs, subscriptions, and bulk purchases.

 

Potential Benefits Of Kratom

Scientists already have an understanding of the pharmacology of kratom. That is, we know that kratom affects the human system through its alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors.

However, clinical trials and legitimate human studies on kratom's effects are mainly absent. Researchers in the academic space draw primarily on information from surveys from self-administering kratom users.

Keep in mind that although kratom shows tremendous promise and social proof is powerful, we still have a long way to go before establishing dosage consistencies for different ailments, for example.

Here are the potential health benefits of kratom based on the currently available scientific and academic research:

• Pain relief - Kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the same way that prescription opiates do. Kratom is a natural anti-inflammatory that can have an analgesic effect at higher doses, making it potentially effective at treating pain.
• Crash-free energy boost - Unlike caffeine and energy drinks that can make you feel terrible when they wear off, kratom offers a crash-free experience. This is why people all over the world use kratom as a coffee alternative to get them going without the jitters.
• Relief from opioid withdrawal - Kratom users around the world report that it provides significant relief from uncomfortable symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
• Anti-anxiety and mood health - Mitragynine, the primary alkaloid naturally present in kratom leaves, binds with opioid receptors, triggering a calming response by the central nervous system. For this reason, more and more people are using kratom to support mood health.
• Sleep health - Kratom may help you sleep better and maintain regular, healthy sleep cycles. While it has stimulating effects at low doses, higher doses, especially with red vein strains, are distinctly sedative.
• Mental clarity & focus - Kratom is considered a nootropic, meaning it has positive effects on cognition. Lower doses of white-vein kratom and green vein strains are known to promote focus, clarity, and motivation.

 

Potential Side Effects Of Kratom

Here is the list of the potential side effects of kratom, according to the DEA: addictive, causes confusion, nausea, itching, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, increased urination, and loss of appetite.

Potential drug interactions

Kratom itself has a favorable safety profile, but mixing it with other drugs can be dangerous, even lethal. That means that many people who might be interested in taking kratom will need to avoid it altogether if they're on medication.

Unfortunately, kratom interacts with a long list of substances, including OTC medications, prescription drugs, and even alcohol.

Daily alcohol users should avoid taking kratom, as should anyone who takes any kind of opioids, as it can trigger a hazardous interaction. Additionally, barbiturates, alpha-blockers, and other prescriptions can also put people at high risk who use kratom.

Here's a list of common medications that can interact with kratom, including the risk level of each:

High risk: ACE inhibitors, alcohol, alpha-blockers, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, eugeroics, opiates, peripheral adrenergic inhibitors, stimulants, tricyclic antidepressants

Moderate risk: Antibiotics, beta-blockers, blood thinners, biguanides, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, immunosuppressants, MAO inhibitors, NSAIDs, SARIs, SSRIs, 5-ARIs

Low risk: Antihistamines, insulin, statins

Remember that this list only represents a fraction of potential drug interactions from kratom. Therefore, it is critical that if you take any kind of medication, you first speak with a licensed physician before taking kratom.

 

FAQ

Is kratom legal?

Kratom is federally legal but is banned in the following areas as of writing: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, Utah, Sarasota County, FL, Alcorn, Calhoun, Itawamba, Lowndes, Monroe, Noxubee, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union County, MS, Corinth, Derma, Fulton, Guntown, Iuka, Mantachie, Marietta, New Albany, Okolona, Oxford, Pontotoc, Ripley, Saltillo, Senatobia and Vardaman, MS, Monument and Parker, CO, San Diego, CA, Jerseyville, IL, and Oceanside, CA.

How much kratom should I take?

Most legit kratom brands and experienced kratom users agree that beginners should start with just one gram of kratom powder per serving until they get used to the effects.

Once you get used to the feeling of kratom, you can adjust your dosage accordingly. Remember that the more energetic, cognitive support lies in the low doses, and the more sedative, pain-relieving properties come through more strongly at high doses.

Do not take kratom if you drink alcohol every day or take prescription medication.

What is the best strain for new kratom users?

Green vein strains like Green Bali are a perfect fit for beginners to experience a balanced combo of energy and serenity.

What is the best kratom strain for pain relief?

All kratom strains have anti-inflammatory properties, but pain relief is most associated with red vein kratom like Maeng Da.

What are other kratom products besides kratom powder?

If you're not into the powder, you can get your mitragynine on with convenient kratom capsules, kratom tinctures, pre-made kratom teas, energy drinks, kratom gummies, and even kratom vapes.

Who should NOT use kratom?

Pregnant or nursing mothers, daily alcohol drinkers, and those on prescription medications should not use kratom. As always, when in doubt, consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen.

 

The Best Kratom Strains Roundup: Reds Reign Supreme

Discovering the best kratom strains was a joyful experience that made us more familiar with the nuances of each distinctive variety.

Though it must be said, at the end of the day, the reds reign supreme! Three out of the five best kratom strains on our list are red veins, and all the market research we looked at suggests red vein is the most popular type of kratom across the globe.

Red strains are the more chillaxing of the bunch, though you can microdose them during the day to support mood and energy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CBD and THC products are not currently evaluated or approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before using these products, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. Check your local laws regarding CBD and THC usage, as regulations vary by jurisdiction

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CBD and THC products are not currently evaluated or approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before using these products, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. Check your local laws regarding CBD and THC usage, as regulations vary by jurisdiction.