At Happy Hippo Herbals, Kratom isn’t just a product we sell, it’s a botanical we’ve studied, used, and shared for decades. As a small, family-owned business, our mission is simple:
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Provide the highest-quality Kratom products available.
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Educate our community with fact-based, first-hand knowledge.
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Spread healthful happiness through responsible use.
Our team is made up of family and close friends with 30+ years of combined daily Kratom experience. Collectively, we’ve tested hundreds of Kratom products from vendors all over the world, which gives us a unique perspective on what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the most out of this remarkable plant.
We know Kratom. Now we want you to know it, too.
Disclaimer: Kratom is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. The information in this article is based on personal experience and should not replace medical advice. If you have questions about Kratom, consult with a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Why People Use Kratom
Across Southeast Asia, Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has been used traditionally for centuries to combat fatigue, ease physical discomfort, and promote a sense of well-being. In the U.S., modern users report a wide range of benefits—often depending on the strain, serving size, and personal body chemistry.
From our experience, the most common reasons people reach for Kratom are:
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Smoother, longer-lasting energy compared to coffee or energy drinks.
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Mood enhancement and motivation for daily tasks.
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Discomfort relief and physical relaxation.
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Support for focus and productivity in work or study.
In-House Expert Insights
We asked our team members to share how they personally use Kratom:
Energy & Motivation
“I use Kratom when I need motivation. Within 15–20 minutes, I go from dragging my feet to being ready to tackle my to-do list.” – Avery Hippo, Project Manager
“It gives me more of a pick-me-up than my morning coffee, with better mental focus.” – Brian Hippo, Team Member
“I have four boys, a live-in father-in-law, a 5-day workout week, and a full-time job. Kratom helps me keep up while taking the edge off my high-strung nature.” – Holly Hippo, Customer Service Manager
Focus & Emotional Balance
“For me, it’s an anti-fatigue agent and emotional stabilizer. It keeps my mood just above average all day—no big spikes or crashes.” – Chris Hippo, President & CEO
“Kratom helps me focus, stay organized, and manage my forgetfulness.” – Jamie Hippo, Fulfillment Manager
Discomfort Relief
“Kratom works great to ease general soreness and help me relax.” – Nate Hippo, Fulfillment Associate
How We Use Kratom
Kratom products generally come in powder, capsules, or extracts. Each format has pros and cons, but across our team, 99% of us prefer powder for its:
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Full-spectrum alkaloid profile (more balanced effects)
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Faster onset
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Cost-effectiveness
“Powder all day (literally), usually moderate strains. The powder offers a 'full-spectrum' of alkaloids and gives that ‘balanced effect/above average mood/focus’ that I'm looking for. It's my Happy zone.”
- Expert Chris Hippo | President
“I prefer Kratom powder, it is fast-acting and more cost-effective.”
- Expert Holly Hippo | Customer Service Manager
“I prefer powder over everything. Capsules and Extracts are convenient, but if you're a novice Kratom user you definitely notice a higher impact from taking powder! Capsules take longer to digest and sometimes can give you an upset stomach because your body is trying to break down the shell of the capsule. Extracts are a completely different resonation - it also doesn't last as long as powder. Sure, powder can have an icky taste but it is the more pure, sensible way to take Kratom! And there are many ways to cover up the taste.”
- Expert Avery Hippo | Project Manager
“My go-to is straight-up Kratom powder. I have simply never tried capsules, although I’m sure they would work perfectly well; and extracts to have a dull, buzz effect which I find to be unsatisfying.”
- Expert Brian Hippo | Happy Hippo Team Member
Possible Downsides & Side Effects
Most people tolerate Kratom well when it’s used in moderation. That said, possible side effects can include:
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Jitteriness or nausea (from taking too much)
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Reduced social interest or libido (varies by user)
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Occasional “bad resonation” with certain strains
Side effects are usually avoidable by starting small, sticking to recommended serving sizes, and practicing strain rotation.
We asked our experts, “Do you experience any side-effects when using Kratom?”
“A general "indifference" or "apathy" to things I should probably care more about. This is both a good and bad thing. For example, I don't crave social interaction like a normal person would. I'm very content to be by myself. Too content. It's always been that way, but Kratom took that to another level. In my defense - if you are 40 years old and looking to party all the time - you have issues that Kratom will not fix. Kratom is not a "party drug" anyway. I offset any lower libido with doctor supervised hormone replacement therapy. I consider the appetite suppressant effects to be positive. High positive actually.”
- Expert Puddles Hippo | President & Chief Executive Officer
“That's the best part - I do not experience side effects. Kratom does not have a crash like energy drinks or coffee. I prefer not to travel with Kratom, as it is a little controversial, and luckily I don't feel crappy when I don't take it. There are no headaches like with caffeine (no judgment I also drink coffee coffee coffee) and if I didn't have coffee for a few days I would be a monster with a bad headache.”
- Expert Holly Hippo | Customer Service Manager
“If I take too much I can feel jittery, uneasy, and sometimes nauseous.”
- Expert Sky Hippo | GMP Production Team Lead
“Every once in a while I'll have a bad resonation if I take too much. Puts me in a bad mood.”
- Expert Luis Hippo | Affiliate Manager
Happy Hippo Staff Favorites
Before we dive into our favorites, let’s talk about Kratom Speeds because they will be mentioned briefly throughout the staff’s testimonials.
We’ve developed a simple classification system—Kratom Speeds—to help users predict effects:
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Fast: Energy, motivation, productivity (e.g., White Malay, White Horn)
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Moderate: Balanced between energy and relaxation (e.g., Green Sumatra, Green Maeng Da)
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Slow: Relaxation, discomfort relief, better sleep (e.g., Red Bali, Red Sula)
Alright! Now let’s talk about our favorite Kratom strains!
“Sumatra strains, but frankly - any moderate or slow strain (with the exception of Red Island Kali or the Chocolate strains) can get me in 'the zone'. I also use the moderate-fast strains, but rarely the super fast strains.”
- Expert Chris Hippo | President
“Zen Hippo (Green Sumatra), because it brings peacefulness to my chaotic mind.”
- Josh Hippo | Chief Production Officer & General Manager
“I have so many different favorites because each day may have a different need. But my 3 go-to Strains are Jolly Green Hippo, Ghost Hippo, and Happy Hippo I. Each of these Strains has a very nice motivating resonation that really helps me get my to-do list cleared. I have to make sure that I am always focused on getting all of our Happy Hippo Orders fulfilled and shipped out super fast!”
- Expert Jamie Hippo | Fulfillment Manager
“I really love White Horned Rhino (White Horn) for discomfort relief. Red Sula (Lovely Hippo) is great for calming relaxation. Thunder Hippo (White Malay) is one of my favorite fast strains.”
- Expert Luis Hippo | Affiliate Manager
“My favorite Kratom strains are White Borneo (Ghost Hippo), Green Sumatra (Zen Hippo), and Yellow Vietnam (Wild Golden). I’ll usually mix some combination of these strains. I like the Borneo and Sumatra strains because they both have a high amount of Mitragynine in their alkaloid profile; and Yellow Vietnam has a lot of 7-Hydroxymitragynine, which seems to provide a relaxed, comforting mind-set.”
- Expert Brian Hippo | Happy Hippo Team Member
“My favorite Kratom strain has always been Sunshine Hippo (Yellow Maeng Da)! But when you take the same strain too much, you start to build up a heavy tolerance to those alkaloids. It's VERY important to rotate your strains - even if it means mixing your favorite one with another strain. Another great strain I like to mix with others, is Platinum White Bali. It sort of has that potentiating effect and will boost the resonation.”
- Expert Avery Hippo | Project Manager
Expert Tips for Getting the Most Out of Kratom
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Start low and go slow – Build your “Kratom IQ” gradually.
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Rotate strains – Prevent tolerance by switching regularly.
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Consider alkaloid content – Higher mitragynine strains may last longer.
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Enhance with simple hacks –
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Mix powder with citrus juice for better taste & absorption.
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Eat a small, fatty snack beforehand for potentiation.
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Buy smaller amounts first – What works for one person may not work for another.
“Start with a small serving, and take your time finding your perfect sweet spot. By doing this, you will really come to appreciate what this amazing leaf can do.”
- Expert Josh Hippo | Chief Production Officer & General Manager
“Always try a smaller size before committing to a large bag... because what works for me, may not necessarily work for you. Everyone is built differently and there is one strain that I may love and swear by, but someone else may get nothing from.”
- Expert Jamie Hippo | Fulfillment Manager
“For the newbie - it takes a good month to really figure out Kratom, especially the powder. This will be a process of trial and error, just accept that. Start with small amounts. You'll either feel nothing or it will do something. Try again later. Every serving will increase your Kratom IQ.
If you've tried Kratom before (and didn’t like it), RESERVE JUDGMENT. There's a ton of sub-par Kratom on the market. The effects (or frankly, non-effects) are not reflective of what this magical plant can really do.
What you want to avoid is taking too much, having a bad experience, and deciding that "Kratom doesn't work". There's way too many people who do that. Sadly, many of these people shut the door on Kratom when their quality of life stood to benefit exponentially. There's a reason that Kratom can be life-changing. Don't walk away until you've tried it at least 10 times, different strains at different serving sizes.
That said - there are about 1-5% of people who are non or lesser-responders that never can get the A+ effects that I do. It doesn't work for some people. Don't declare yourself a non-responder until you try Happy Hippo's product. There's a world of difference between cheap Kratom and real Kratom. If you've legitimately tried a high-end Kratom product (hint: Happy Hippo) 10 times and it still doesn't work - no Kratom will work for you. Which is a bummer because this stuff is awesome for a lot of people.”- Expert Chris Hippo | President & Chief Executive Officer
Final Thoughts
When you contact Happy Hippo, you’re talking to real Kratom users who understand the plant inside and out. Our advice comes from daily, long-term use, not second-hand hearsay. Whether you’re brand-new or looking to fine-tune your experience, we’re here to help.
Explore our high-quality Kratom with the fastest shipping in the industry and find the one that resonates with you.
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