Kratom Strains - Your Ultimate Guide

The tropical Kratom tree thrives in the rainforest regions of Southeast Asia. The alkaloids in the kratom leaf are known to produce a myriad of rejuvenating effects on the user, but are all strains the same?

Seeking out information about Kratom strains is a complicated process. There are several Kratom strains on the market available for you to buy, so finding the perfect variety takes a bit of research on your part. Luckily, we’ve compiled an informative guidebook to help you understand the complexities of the different Kratom strains marketed by various Kratom vendors. 

What Are the Different Types of Kratom Strains? 

Kratom strain names are separated into two different categories, the origin and the leaf color. The origin of the leaf is determined by the geographic location where the leaf was grown; typically Countries in Asia such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. 

The Kratom strain color is determined by - you guessed it - the color of the leaf when the plant was harvested. Throughout the plant’s growth cycle, the leaf will range through a list of colors due to various reasons. Factors such as the amount of sunlight the plant gets during growth could be attributed, but it mostly depends on the alkaloid content and the maturity of the plant. 

The way the Kratom is processed can cause a color change as well. If you use a reliable vendor that sterilizes the Kratom powder before resale, this could cause a color change throughout the drying process due to the temperature it is exposed to. In addition, each of those Kratom batches have distinguishing attributions that manifest from the compositions of compounds in the plant material. 

Despite arguments online discussing kratom strains largely being a marketing angle and not truly scientifically/botanically valid (every company purports to offer a lot of different strains), I don't hold this against companies. 

There *IS A DIFFERENCE* in the effect of the different Kratom strains. NO QUESTION!

For example, one of my favorite Kratom strains to hit the gym is Rockstar Hippo (White Maeng Da). It really gets me going physically and cognitively, better than any other Kratom powder. One of my other favorites is Magic Hippo (Red Sumatra). However, I would never use Red Sumatra to have a good workout. The difference in effect is night and day. There is definitely a difference between the two strains, even if the botany suggests the strains to be very similar.

White Vein Kratom Strains 

The youngest leaves on the Kratom tree are smaller than the rest. Those leaves also have stem and veins that resemble a lighter color than their counterparts. As such, the Kratom industry has termed these immature leaves as White veined Kratom. These leaves have not fully developed yet, so the alkaloid content in them will differ slightly from the other phases they’ll eventually go through.

Still, as the white vein Kratom leaves mature, they’ll start to produce more chlorophyll and begin taking on a darker green color that resembles a traditional leaf that we’ve come to expect seeing. This forms a different version of Kratom, which we talk about below.

White vein Kratom Effects: Plenty of Kratom consumers swear that the leaves with white veins are the best for those seeking energetic properties, similar to a cup of coffee. 

Happy Hippo’s top White vein Kratom strains include White Maeng Da, White Malay, White Vein Borneo, and White Thai. 

Green Vein Kratom Strains 

Once a Kratom leaf reaches its full potential, it turns a dark green color. This green coloration comes from a pigment called chlorophyll. The purpose of chlorophyll is to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose to nourish the Kratom tree; this process is known as photosynthesis.  When the chlorophyll concentration has peaked in the Kratom, it signifies the stage of a Green vein Kratom leaf that has reached its primary state.

Green vein Kratom Effects: There is an abundance of testimonials from the Kratom community that state Green vein Kratom provides a more balanced effect for those who consume it. They state the Kratom effects of this leaf fall somewhere in the middle of the White and Red varieties, and since that stage is the middle step of growth, there might be some truth to the argument. 

The most popular Green vein Kratom strains at Happy Hippo are Green Maeng Da, Green Sundanese, Green Borneo, and Green Malay.

Red Vein Kratom Strains

The last stage of Kratom produces a Red vein Kratom leaf, which gets its name from the red hues found in the veins of the Kratom leaf when it reaches peak maturity. Most of these leaves grow on the outer edges of the tree, performing their oxidation cycle in the light shining down from the sun. It is during this specific growth period that Kratom farmers can tell the foliage is ready for harvest. Nature provides cues from the amber coloration of the pigmentation in the leaf. That pigment protects the leaves from too much damage due to the direct, harsh UV light.

Red vein Kratom Effects: For the most part, many Kratom consumers report that this type of Kratom produces discomfort-relieving qualities in the user. 

Some of the most purchased strains at Happy Hippo are Red Vein Kratom strains. These include Red Sumatra, Red Bali, and Red Maeng Da. 

Yellow Vein Kratom Strains

White, green, and red are the only colored veins found on Kratom leaves. But recently, a new Kratom color has arrived on the market: yellow vein kratom. The Kratom leaf never produces a yellow-colored vein throughout its life cycle. Instead, the color of the Kratom product comes much later. The yellowish hue comes after the farmers harvest the Kratom leaf from the tree.

Like traditional herbal teas, Kratom goes through a drying and fermentation process, which results in different types of Kratom teas. The cultivation and drying process also changes the colors of the finished products, so some of those batches take on a yellowish hue, typically from being dried longer than other leaf colors. Simultaneously, you may notice some strains being called Gold vein Kratom rather than Yellow. Essentially, they are the same thing in the Kratom industry. 

Although some may theorize that there is no difference between yellow vein Kratom in comparison to the other vein colors, consumers agree there is an obvious difference.

Yellow vein Kratom Effects: Yellow Kratom strains are best known for giving users a warm fuzzy feeling after taking it and helping to provide a more optimistic vibe. 

Yellow strains are an employee favorite at Happy Hippo. Yellow Maeng Da, Yellow Bali, and Yellow Sumatra are all very underrated strains!

What Is a Blended Kratom Strain? 

The primary varieties of Kratom are already prepared and packaged before a Kratom company imports them. Yet, there are other Kratom products created through a blending process. These Kratom varieties are personalized blends produced by the Kratom company where you made your purchase.

These concoctions are proprietary blends developed by the Kratom company, so each one might be slightly different from another. No set recipe exists for the blended Kratom packages, and you would need to contact the company you purchased it from to request the varieties involved in the mixture.

There are countless types of Kratom blends on the market. The combination of differing Kratom products creates unique formulas that produce distinctive Kratom effects. Customer’s can easily make individual Kratom blends at home using different batches of Kratom they've bought. Check out our other blog to review some popular Kratom blends!

A Happy Hippo branded mix would be Pink Maeng Da (Tickle Me Pink), which is a mix of Red Maeng Da and White Maeng Da. 

Which Kratom Strain Is Right for You?

Finding the right Kratom strain for you is more simple than some may realize. Some take Kratom to relieve discomfort while other Kratom consumers ingest it to help with mood. Some people even utilize the plant for its energizing effects: Kratom is related to the coffee plant, after all.

The reason you want to take Kratom is probably a unique scenario, too, and depending on your need from the plant, the type of Kratom strain that’s right for you can differ. It’s also important to remember that nobody’s brain chemistry is alike! A specific Kratom strain might affect you slightly differently than it would someone else. 

However, most people find that particular Kratom strains have specific effects. Happy Hippo lists their strains in three separate classifications: slow, moderate, and fast-acting strains. All the different types of Kratom strains and Kratom effects can be seen on our Kratom Strain Chart.  

Best Kratom Strains for Relief 

One reason Kratom has received mainstream attention in the past decade is that the alkaloids in Mitragyna Speciosa contain various benefits to the consumer. In today’s world, more people are seeking out natural, herbal products than ever before. 

This progressiveness led to an extensive base of consumers learning about Kratom. People in Southeast Asia take Kratom for relief all the time. Several Kratom varieties help with discomfort: they all can, to a certain extent. But the slowest Kratom strains or red vein kratom strains usually work the best. 

Best Kratom Strains for Energy 

Kratom is related to the coffee plant, so it should come as no surprise that kratom produces similar effects on the user. The mitragynine alkaloid found in Kratom reacts with the adrenergic receptors in our brains, which renders a boost of energy afterward. But that animated effect from the Kratom is dependent on the serving size taken by the user. This is where kratom is dissimilar to coffee. The more coffee you drink, the more caffeine stimulates the central nervous system; but with Kratom, stimulation is felt through smaller amounts of mitragynine consumption. 

You see, mitragynine is the same compound that reacts with the other receptors in your brain to produce different effects, and some of those effects counteract an energized stimulation. Relaxing properties need more mitragynine to accomplish those outcomes from our biochemistry. So the more Kratom you take, the stronger the rest-inducing effects become. 

Still, there are specific fast-acting kratom strains you can purchase that give the user more energy. So when you need to remain active throughout the day, it’s best to use one of them.  

Check out our other blog to see How to Use Kratom in Your Workout Routine!

Best Kratom Strains for Balance 

Some people are very sensitive to trying new things. A strain that has more relaxing effects or strong energy giving properties may be too much for some users. This is where moderate strains come into play. 

Moderate Kratom strains are best for those who want to feel the more mild effects Kratom powder has to offer. They give a good balance between relaxation and energy without being too overpowering. 

Where Is Kratom Grown? 

Mitragyna speciosa is a tropical evergreen tree that grows in the jungle region of Southeast Asia. Kratom is an indigenous species that flourish in the rainforests of countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Papua New Guinea. 

Regional Kratom Names: What Do They Mean? 

Bali Kratom Strains 

Bali Kratom gets its name from the Indonesian island of the same name. This spectacular island is world-famous for its pristine beaches and active volcanoes, but it produces lots of agricultural products for the global market, too. With a rapidly growing industry, local farmers have begun growing Kratom trees to make a living. 

Bali Kratom Effects: Varieties of Bali kratom can provide physical regeneration for users while lifting their mood.

Borneo Kratom Strains 

The name of the Borneo Kratom variety comes from the third-largest island in the entire world. The island is so large it gets divided among three separate countries. Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia all lay claim to part of its land. And like its namesake, the punch from Borneo Kratom packs a wallop. 

Borneo Kratom Effects: Some effects from Borneo kratom powder include a productive and enthusiastic mentality, making it a perfect strain to use whenever you want to accomplish daily tasks.

Indo Kratom Strains

Indo Kratom originates from the nation that produces most of the Kratom supply found on the market: Indonesia. Because Indo kratom is the original Kratom variety first produced, you know you’re getting a well-rounded product every time.  

Indo Kratom Effects: Taking Indo Kratom is the key to having a go-getter frame of mind. So no matter the occasion, Indo Kratom always provides a pleasant experience. 

Thai Kratom Strains

Thailand is one of the more well known Southeast Asian countries. It's known for tropical beaches, extravagant royal palaces, ancient ruins and beautiful temples displaying figures of Buddha.

In recent news, Thailand has started easing restrictions on the Kratom plant; so the future of mass Kratom exportation through there may change at a later date. 

Thai Kratom Effects:  Thai kratom is the perfect choice for anyone needing creative energy to finish an artistic project. Happy Hippo calls this strain the mental juggernaut.

Malay Kratom Strains

Malaysia connects to Thailand on its southern border and enjoys diplomatic relations with its neighbor. This Kratom strain is renowned to the locals in Southeast Asia; this is because Malay kratom provides a very unique experience.

Buy Red Malay Kratom now!

Malay Kratom Effects: The warm glow felt from the Kratom reaches down and creates a warmhearted spirit. This strain is perfect for a night out with friends. 

Vietnam Kratom Strains

The lowland rain forests along Vietnam’s coast creates the optimal conditions for Kratom trees to bloom. The natives in the region have used it many times before. 

Vietnam Kratom Effects: Natives claim Vietnam Kratom gives the user a vibrant enthusiasm for life after taking the leaf. 

Sundanese Kratom Strains

Sundanese Kratom originates from Java, which is one of the Greater Sunda Islands of Indonesia, making it the most populous island in the world. Its history boasts of an era that housed Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms. This spiritual connection seems to have taken root in its Kratom trees. 

Sundanese Kratom Effects: The pleasant sensations from Sundanese kratom allow a mellow yet happy experience to occur. If you need a connection with the world around you, Sundanese Kratom can help.

Hulu Kapuas Kratom Strains

Hulu Kapuas Kratom takes its name from the Kapuas River that flows alongside the dense forests of West Kalimantan. This province of Indonesia straddles the equator. The tropical conditions produce a climate perfect for growing Kratom, and the finished product is phenomenal. 

Hulu Kratom Effects: Plenty of people state that taking Hulu kratom products can generate a calming feeling. The laid-back and calm vibes from a Hulu strain make it the perfect choice for chilling around the home and regaining composure. 

Sumatra Kratom Strains

Sumatra is a large Indonesian island that houses a prolific farming community. The island is the largest coffee producer out of all the Indonesian islands. The island’s lush rainforests have fallen victim to deforestation efforts in the region. Still, Kratom farmers are busy planting more of the evergreens on their properties.

Sumatra Kratom Effects: A Sumatra kratom strain is known to relax the user’s mind and body. And it can ease away a troubled spirit. 

What Are Other Characteristics of Kratom Strains?

Most of the names of the Kratom varieties on the market are a combination of color and region. Yet, there are a few more that defy those norms. 

Some names of Kratom are specific to a vendor selling it: companies label their products with names as a branding strategy. Nevertheless, three more Kratom products exist on the market that focus on the variety of Kratom used to make them.

Those last three Kratom varieties are Horned, Maeng Da, and Stem and Vein Kratom. 

Horned Kratom Strains

The Horned Kratom varieties sold on the market come from a particular shape of Kratom leaf. You see, the majority of Kratom leaves grown are ovate shaped and end with a narrow point. But there’s a more rare shape that occurs once in a while called a horned leaf. Like the usual Kratom leaves, it also has an ovate shape at the bottom. However, as it gets closer to the protruding point at the end, jagged spikes form along its edges.

Horned Kratom doesn’t grow on separate trees. Instead, these leaves materialize on regular trees next to all the others. Some speculate the rare leaves are mutations, trying to adapt to the climate outside of the rainforests.

Whatever the reason, horned Kratom leaves are separated from the rest to create an original product,  and some people prefer it over the others.   

Horned Kratom Effects: Horned Kratom varieties usually aren’t considered an energetic strain; they are better off used as a chill out strain. 

Maeng Da Kratom Strains

Kratom suppliers use this slang term to describe only the most potent Kratom as Maeng Da. Back in the day, Thai workers would gather these leaves from Kratom trees that grew deep in the wild jungles of the rainforests. However, today, farmers designate the title to the leaves picked from trees that provide the most abundant alkaloid content. 

Maeng Da Kratom Effects: Kratom connoisseurs rave about the potency of Maeng Da, making this a great strain to use before a laborious task or a long workout. 

Stems and Vein Kratom

When a Kratom farmer picks the Kratom leaves off the tree, they discard the stems before performing the grinding stage, but a few small batches allow the stalks to remain. The supplier then commences with the grinding process as they ordinarily would, creating a product called Stem and Vein Kratom.

These products are not made from any specific variety of Kratom, either, so it can use any of the previously mentioned Kratom types. People buy and take this variety to work on a Kratom tolerance issue. Other consumers take it because they’re too sensitive to the effects of the regular Kratom powder.

However, customers can also control the Kratom effects by managing the measurement of the Kratom serving size they take.  

Stem and Vein Kratom Effects: Stem and Vein Kratom is said to offer more mild benefits than regular leaves, making this a great option for users sensitive to other strains or those who are trying to lower their tolerance. 

How Much Kratom Should You Take?

For the most part, the serving size of Kratom a person needs will fall under three categories: a low serving size, moderate serving size, or high serving size. Determining which amount works best in a specific case takes a bit of trial and error, and a new Kratom consumer should always start with the smallest amount possible. If that measurement is ineffective, they should slowly increase the weight of the Kratom used. 

Still, the amount of Kratom needed in a serving is dependent on several factors. 

• A person’s body type.
• The metabolism of the consumer. 
• The strength of the Kratom.
• Other things such as fatty foods or citrus drinks can interact with the serving size.
• The consumer’s tolerance.

You can find the typical Kratom serving estimates listed on the chart below.

Kratom Use	Serving Size
Low to moderate	1-5 grams
Moderate to high	5-15 grams
Very high	15+ grams

When buying from a high quality Kratom vendor, AKA Happy Hippo, your serving size will be much less. Many people claim they take 10 grams of Kratom and feel nothing, specifically after purchasing Kratom from a low quality vendor or gas station. 

However in comparison, 10 grams of Happy Hippo Kratom would be way too much for the average user. Most customers with a mild tolerance use around 0.5-4 grams a day. 

Where Can I Buy Kratom Near Me?

To find a nearby Kratom company, you would only need to use a search engine to locate one. However, most of the places that sell Kratom locally aren’t typical Kratom shops. Instead, those businesses are usually tobacco, vape, or head shops. Like mentioned above, the products from those types of companies might not be the most potent Kratom, meaning you have to buy a lot more and use a lot more to reach your desired effects. It’s always best to buy Kratom from a quality Kratom vendor.

You can find a trustworthy online Kratom company to purchase Kratom products. Numerous Kratom companies have online Kratom stores, but according to customer testimonials, none of them can compare to Happy Hippo Herbals. The customer support team is always willing to help and Kratom selection makes it hard for other vendors to compare. Happy Hippo carries Kratom powder in a variety of sizes, Kratom capsules, bundles, extracts, energy shots, alternative herbs, and more! 

Happy Hippo Herbals is also certified through the American Kratom Association for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), so its manufacturing facility ensures that all Kratom products follow the guidelines to maintain quality standards. All it takes is one purchase from Happy Hippo, and I’m sure you’ll be a customer for life.

* Disclaimer: Because Kratom remains unregulated by the FDA, the authors of this text would like to note that although this article contains many points regarding the use of Kratom, they should only serve as a piece of information, not medical advice.

Kratom is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. 

Make sure to speak to a physician if you have questions before using Kratom.

SOURCES

Billy, KratomGeek 2021

Credithealth Team, Kratom vs. Coffee Crediblog 2020

T., Poramet. Campaign for legal kratom use nears goal. Bangkok Post 2021