Strangely, there seem to be more types of kratom in the U.S. than in places like Southeast Asia, where kratom grows naturally (and where most of the kratom in the U.S. is sourced from). Why is that? Well, it’s not because there are more varieties of kratom trees in the U.S.All varieties of kratom on the market share one thing in common: they are derived from the leaves of the kratom plant, Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom trees, which belong to the same family as the coffee plant, naturally grow in tropical environments and can be found in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and New Guinea.
Kratom Product Differentiation
The reason it seems like there are more types of kratom in the United States is because kratom vendors in the U.S. have taken the types of kratom leaves (primarily green vein, white vein, and red vein kratom leaves), given them strain names to distinguish between the different batches (like Maeng da, Borneo, Bali), and then turned the kratom into a wide range of products for consumers to buy (from kratom tea and powder to kratom gummies and soaps).For kratom beginners and experienced kratom consumers alike, learning about the different varieties of kratom can be difficult if you don’t know exactly what “kratom types” refers to. What exactly are the different “types of kratom?” Does “types” apply to the different kratom strains? Or does it mean the different types of kratom products or forms of kratom offered by various kratom brands?To make the learning process easier, we’ve broken down kratom types into the following categories and subcategories, which we’ll dive into below.Different Types of Kratom Colors
The first type of kratom category you should know is kratom vein colors. The “vein” in vein colors technically refers to the veins of the kratom leaves. Leaf veins are are made up of vascular tissue, and they transport water and nutrients throughout the leaf. They also provide structural support.Although most leaves from the kratom tree have red veins, this can change depending on the geographic location of the tree and the age of the leaves. That being said, the various kratom vein colors marketed in the U.S. don’t typically correspond with the leaves’ appearance. Rather, the different colors come from different drying processes. In turn, these drying methods create kratom’s different effects.As different lighting conditions enhance different alkaloids, farmers in Indonesia can create different kratom vein colors and strains based on how they dry the leaves after harvesting them. Thus, kratom vein categories can serve as a helpful guide for consumers.There are three main kratom vein colors: white vein kratom, green vein kratom, and red vein kratom. These three main categories classify kratom strains by their effects. Overall, these three kratom “veins” serve as a loose guide for many getting started with trying kratom strains as a beginner.Now, there are more kratom vein types, but we’re sticking to the most common. (Many of the other types are actually just blends of the three main varieties – for example, yellow vein kratom is usually a mix of green and red vein kratom.)1. White Vein Kratom
The best type of kratom for energy is white vein kratom. Consumers who are looking to gain an energy boost often enjoy white vein kratom tea, as it’s a great alternative to coffee. White vein kratom is a suitable choice to start your day, charge up before a workout, or enhance your productivity and motivation.The energizing effects of white vein kratom come from its unique alkaloid profile. To achieve this profile, workers use a particular drying process on the kratom leaves. Some people theorize that this process brings out the more uplifting alkaloids.Compared to green vein and red vein kratom, white vein kratom receives the least amount of sun exposure while drying. Minimizing the leaves’ exposure to strong sunlight brings out more of the stimulating alkaloids.If you’re trying to find a caffeine-free drink for energy, you might enjoy bringing a thermos of white vein kratom tea with you to work, the gym, or wherever you need a little boost to feel more focused, motivated, and energized.2. Red Vein Kratom
As one of the most popular kratom vein types, red vein kratom possesses a strong alkaloid profile that customers find to be relaxing and restful. Customers often enjoy a cup of red vein kratom tea to unwind, settle down after a stressful day, or prepare for sleep. Fans of red vein kratom tea enjoy the sense of peacefulness and well-being it gives them. It’s a soothing part of their routine for calming down after a long day.The secret to the relaxing effects of red vein kratom’s alkaloid content comes from the sun’s brightness and warmth. To make red vein kratom, workers lay freshly harvested leaves out in the sun to dry. Compared to green vein and white vein kratom, red vein kratom receives the most sun. Furthermore, many kratom drying houses use methods to partially ferment red vein kratom, which gives this kratom color its characteristic traits.Overall, if you’re seeking a sense of calmness and relaxation, you may find that a cup of red vein kratom tea is the perfect choice for your routine.3. Green Vein Kratom
Green vein kratom is considered the most balanced kratom color. Consumers of this vein type enjoy the sense of composure and steadiness its alkaloids provide. The effects of green vein kratom fall somewhere in between white and red vein kratom, making it a good compromise between relaxation and energy. This well-rounded balance is helpful for enhancing a mindset of optimism and relaxed focus.Just as its effects fall in between the other kratom color types, its production methods also stem from a middle road; green vein kratom receives less sunlight than red vein kratom but more light than white kratom. Years of experimentation with different drying methods have allowed workers to really fine-tune their approach to bringing out an array of synergistic alkaloids in green vein kratom.If you’re not sure which is the best type of kratom color for your needs, green vein kratom is a good first choice for beginners. Furthermore, you can always try a kratom sampler pack with different vein colors to find your best fit.What are the Different Types of Kratom Strains?
While kratom vein colors group kratom types by their effects and drying methods, these main color groups are often broken into more specific types, called kratom strains.Related: Best Kratom Strains: How to Pick the Right One
1. Types of Strains Related to Geographic Regions
Many strains refer to countries and islands throughout Southeast Asia. These include Borneo, Bali. Malaysia (Malay kratom), Java, Indonesia (Indo kratom), and Thailand (Thai kratom).However, most kratom comes from a particular region of the island of Borneo in Indonesia. In fact, kratom is illegal in Malaysia, so it’s obvious that Malay kratom doesn’t actually come from Malaysia. The same is true for Thai varieties—kratom was illegal in Thailand until just a few years ago, but Thai strains have been on the market for a much longer time.2. Types of Strains that Indicate Strength
Some strain names, like White Maeng Da, are meant to indicate how strong a kratom product is. Maeng da is a Thai word that loosely translates to “pimp grade.” Many companies use the term for their strongest batches.Interestingly, some companies use terms like Bali or Borneo to refer to kratom batches of a lower alkaloid content. While this can get confusing, it is helpful that some kratom vendors will be more honest than others when it comes to strain origins.3. Types of Strains that Refer to Leaf Shape and Size
A few strain names sometimes are meant to refer to the type leaves a particular product is sourced from. Examples are horn kratom and elephant kratom/super green kratom.Horn kratom supposedly comes from “spiky leaves,” or leaves with serrate or dentate margins. Elephant kratom supposedly comes from the largest, most mature leaves.However, many visitors to kratom farms say this is not factual. It seems these strain names are almost always fabricated. Farmers don’t actually have time to selectively pick leaves of a certain size or shape to make certain batches of kratom.How are Types of Kratom Strains Really Derived?
If it’s not based on the location the trees grow or the size and morphology of the leaves, how are strains actually different?Some vendors mix kratom leaves from different batches or vein colors to make unique blends, and then give them strain names to differentiate them.This allows you to more easily keep track of exactly which kratom type you liked, so you can buy the same strain again if you enjoyed it.The composition of each kratom strain may vary from vendor to vendor, so keep that in mind when switching to a new kratom vendor or switching between the different forms of kratom products that are labeled with the same strain name.Each group of farmers or manufacturers may do it differently, though. Furthermore, some vendors assign kratom strain names arbitrarily to drive interest in new products.Kratom products with the same strain name are thus frequently inconsistent between vendors and batches. (That’s why Top Tree Herbs has stopped using kratom strain names.)The composition of each kratom strain may vary from vendor to vendor, so keep that in mind when switching to a new kratom vendor or switching between the different forms of kratom products that are labeled with the same strain name.