Kratom has become known as a Swiss army knife of sorts when it comes to natural nootropics. Users experience different effects based on the type of kratom they consume, the dosage amount, the strain, and a host of other factors. 

That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re playing roulette with kratom every time you consume it. By knowing as much as you can about kratom, you can adjust your usage to ensure you get the effects you want to experience. There are also plenty of kratom products available in many different forms that are designed to produce specific benefits. 

We’ll explore some of the most popular uses of kratom below and products associated with the benefits you’re looking for. The best kratom for you is out there somewhere!

Let’s Review: What is Kratom?

The kratom tree (mitragyna speciosa) found in Southeast Asia (and some places in Africa) gives us the leaves that ultimately become kratom products. Kratom is one of many natural substances gaining traction in the U.S. and elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere for its purported therapeutic and medicinal effects. Kratom benefits are widely reported among users, but the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not endorse its use in any context.

For centuries, kratom use was mainly confined to the plant’s native habitats. Users often crushed up the kratom tree’s leaves to mix in with tea and other beverages. Many laborers used kratom for its energizing and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. Other times, users consumed kratom as part of religious or spiritual ceremonies.

Modern-day kratom products come in a variety of forms. Powder is still popular for users who want to mix kratom with their food and beverages. Kratom capsules and liquid extract are convenient ways to consume the substance and measure out precise dosages.

What does kratom do to the brain and body?

In many ways, kratom acts a lot like an opioid. Two of the primary psychoactive compounds in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are alkaloids that interact with several opioid receptors. 

They act as both agonists (agents that stimulate a physical response in the body) and antagonists (pharmacological agents that block messages from getting to receptors). It’s been estimated that 7-hydroxymitragynine is up to 13 times more powerful than morphine.

Scientists have yet to fully unlock the mechanisms behind kratom’s effects in the physiological realm. It appears, however, that kratom may also increase serotonin and dopamine, two notable feel-good chemicals in the brain. 

Before using kratom, you should know that kratom is not without potential side effects, which can range from mildly unpleasant to serious and, in very rare cases, life-threatening.

Common kratom side effects include, but aren’t limited to:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Tolerance and addiction
• Seizures
• Coma

What is the Best Kratom for Me?

The best kratom for you hinges on what you want to experience as a result of your kratom use. Some vein varieties of kratom are geared toward users who want to feel energized and alert, while other vein varieties are closely associated with sedation and sleepiness. The color of a kratom product is just one of many considerations to mull over, however.

The amount you take impacts the likelihood of experiencing one set of effects over another. The main dividing lines on dosages are as follows:

• 1–5 grams: Usually results in stimulation, increased energy, better mood, and improved focus. Doses less than one gram are considered microdoses.
• 5–15 grams: Closely associated with relaxation, drowsiness, pain relief, and, for some people, euphoria.
• More than 15 grams: Not usually recommended; may cause stupor or other negative effects.

Best Kratom for Pain: Gold Kratom

Gold kratom isn’t one of the three most common vein varieties, but then again, not everyone who competes in the Olympics gets a gold medal. Thanks for suffering through that tortured metaphor with us. 

Let’s say it this way: gold kratom is a quasi-combination of other vein varieties (red, green, and white) and is known for producing almost all of the possible kratom benefits into one product. If you want kratom that does everything well–including pain relief—gold is the ticket.

Featured Example: Liquid Gold Kratom Extract Shot

Welcome to the Holy Grail of kratom liquid extract. Yep, we’re talking about the MIT45 Liquid Gold Kratom Extract Shot. This product contains 45 percent mitragyna speciosa extract. You measure this stuff in milligrams, not grams. Follow the instructions on the bottle for all-day benefits.

Best Kratom for Sleep: Red Vein

Relative to white and green kratom, red kratom is the most mature. Cultivators give kratom plants their sweet time before harvesting for the red stuff. As a result, red kratom is likely to give users more intense effects: sedation, relaxation, and drowsiness.

Featured Example: Happy Hippo Red Vein Kratom Capsules

Hippos may sometimes be hungry hungry, but they’re also happy with red kratom. Happy Hippo capsules can be great introductions to red vein kratom. Each capsule holds ½ gram of kratom powder, making it easy for you to build up to the optimal dose. Get ready for some top-tier honk-shooin’.

Best Kratom for Energy: White Vein

Generally speaking, the less kratom you use, the more likely you’re going to be energized, focused, and alert. The same basic principle applies to immature versus mature kratoms. White vein kratom products contain immature kratom. Immature people, like toddlers, have all the energy. Make sense?

Best Kratom for Euphoria: Green Vein or Indo

Between red and white kratom lies green kratom. It’s sort of a happy medium between the two. It’s common for green kratom users to have both energy boosts and relaxation for a well-balanced experience. The energy you get from green kratom might not be as intense as the energy you get from white kratom; the same is true for sedative effects and red kratom.

Featured Example: Ultra Enhanced Indo Softgels

Indo kratom is known alongside green kratom for its well-rounded, balanced effects. We recommend these Kraken Kratom softgels for your first foray into indo kratom. After starting with a lower dose, feel free to experiment with different amounts to find the one you like the most.

Choosing the Best Kratom Products for Your Needs

Now that you know which vein varieties are associated with certain effects, you may want to try different types of products to enhance your consumption experience. 

• Kratom Powder – If you want an authentic kratom experience, going with kratom powder is probably the best route. You can measure the amount you want and infuse it with drinks, soups, or any food you please.
• Kratom Capsules – Want even more precise doses? Kratom capsules are probably your best bet. The best kratom capsules have accurate dosing information and are convenient to take.
• Kratom Tea – Brewing your own kratom tea is fun, but there are a bunch more kratom drinks out there—seltzers, sparkling drinks, tonics, coffees, and, of course, cold brew teas.
• Kratom Gummies – Gummies are just tasty. If you’re not worried about your sugar intake or simply want to treat yourself, kratom gummies might work.

Find Out More About Kratom (Including Your Perfect Match!)

Now that you know everything there is to know about kratom, it’s time to start shopping. Kidding (mainly). We hope this article has helped you become a savvier kratom shopper. If you want to know even more, we’d be glad to answer any and all of your questions.

Ready to start shopping at Gold Dragon? Shop kratom across product categories, vein types, and strain types to find the right fit for your needs. You can count on us to connect you to reputable goodies from some of the most established brands on the market. Now, get out there and start experimenting!