Health & Beauty

A Beginner’s Guide to Kratom

You may be familiar with kratom if you’ve researched herbs rich in soothing and therapeutic properties. With a high concentration of alkaloids, kratom has gained fame for its powerful sedative effect when taking in the right dose. However, that dose varies depending on the variant of kratom you use. Here’s a closer look at the three strains of kratom — red, green and white — and their benefits.

Red Vein

Red vein kratom is the most popular variant of the three. Within the red vein species, you find strains that create feelings of happiness and others that produce a sedative effect. Some are muscle relaxants, while others are better at treating insomnia. On the whole, people use red vein kratom to support feelings of peace and tranquility, but age and health can influence each individual’s reaction to it.

Green Vein

Green vein kratom is more subtle than the red or white vein. Many people blend it with either of the other versions to create a smoother experience — green kratom tones down the soporific effect of red and the stimulating response from white. People who have burned it on its own report feelings of gentle mood elevation. It helps ease social anxiety, making them chattier and less inclined to feel shy or uncomfortable.

White Vein

White vein kratom is a stimulant. It helps enhance mood and feelings of euphoria, and many people burn it when trying to reduce their caffeine intake because it increases their levels of concentration and alertness. It also boosts stamina and motivation. Be cautious about how much you take — people respond to it in different ways depending on their lifestyle and tolerance level — and remember to take it early in the day as it can interfere with your sleep if taken too late.

Whether you need to feel uplifted and energized or calm and zen-like, there’s a kratom for you. Remember to start with a small dose so you can gauge how your body reacts to get precisely the results you’re looking for.