Are you one of the 15 million Americans who have developed an interest in Kratom? If so, this article is for you! We are going to take you from being a novice in the world of Kratom to an expert with our simple guide to all of the various Kratom Strains.
The fact is, Kratom is a complex botanical, and there is much to learn about this unique plant. So, if you are ready to become an authority on Kratom…Let’s get started!
What Is Kratom?
So, in order for you to better understand the different Kratom Strains, you will first have to understand the plant itself. Many people think that Kratom is a synthetic material. However, that could not be further from the truth! Kratom is a 100% all-natural botanical that is made from the leaves of a tropical evergreen tree, Mitragyna Speciosa, or Kratom Tree.
Farmers all throughout Southeast Asia cultivate and harvest the leaves of the Kratom tree and then process and cure them. Once the leaves have been dried and processed, they are usually ground into a fine powder and sold wholesale. Kratom does not contain any synthetic material…Only pure and natural Kratom leaves!
Different Kratom Strains and Veins
There is a seemingly endless variety of Kratom on the market. Generally, Kratom is labeled with a Strain and Vein to help customers and sellers easily identify the variety of Kratom in the package.
The Strain is usually indicative of the country of origin (where the Kratom was grown) or the variety of Kratom. For example, Elephant Kratom is a Strain of Kratom characterized by the large elephant-ear-like leaves on the Kratom tree.
So, you might see Kratom labeled as White Elephant Kratom. This indicates that the Kratom is a White Vein Elephant Strain variety. So, where does the Vein come from?
Well, in nature, there are wild Kratom trees that have various colored Veins such as Red, White, or Green. However, modern cultivators rarely grow Green and White varieties. Instead, the Vein color is used as a way to classify the way the Kratom was grown, harvested, and cured.
For example, Red Vein Kratom is usually picked later in the harvest, and it is dried outdoors in the sunlight and is often lightly fermented. Green Vein Kratom is usually dried, half indoors under UV light and half outdoors under natural sunlight. White Vein Kratom is almost exclusively picked early in the season and dried entirely indoors under UV light.
The different harvest times and drying techniques, as well as the country of origin, all have a major effect on the Alkaloid content of a specific Kratom Strain.
The Alkaloids are what make Kratom such a special botanical. Let’s take a look at what they are and what they do!
The Alkaloids in Kratom
Alkaloids are chemical compounds that exist throughout nature in many different organic materials. Alkaloids have a profound effect on animals, including humans. Some of the characteristics of Alkaloids include the following:
- Anti-Cancer
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain Relieving
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
What makes Kratom so interesting is that the leaves of the plant contain over forty different Alkaloids, two of which, Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, do not exist anywhere else in nature, other than within the leaves of the Kratom plant.
Now, while we cannot discuss the effects of Kratom, we can tell you that studies have shown that Alkaloids produce strong effects in humans, and Kratom contains tons of Alkaloids…
Each of the Various Strains of Kratom contains Alkaloids, and some Strains contain higher levels of Alkaloids than others, which makes them stronger.
Deciphering Kratom Labels
As we said, there are a ton of varieties of Kratom. So, before you make a purchase, let’s go over what to look for on your Kratom label!
In general, the label should have both the Strain and Vein of Kratom listed. So, for example, you might see Kratom listed like this:
- Red Vein Thai
- Green Vein Maeng Da
- White Vein Bali
These labels indicate the Vein color and the country of origin or the style of Kratom. In addition to the Vein and Strain, you should also be aware of the different ways Kratom is available. For example, Kratom is often sold in the following ways:
- Loose Powder
- Kratom Extract
- Tinctures
- Leaf and Stem
- Kratom Capsules
These are a few of the common ways you will see Kratom sold. There is no one right or wrong way to purchase your Kratom. It just depends on your personal preferences.
Where to Buy Kratom
Kratom is becoming widely available across the Western Hemisphere. You can find the botanical in holistic boutiques, gas stations, wellness stores, online Kratom stores, and more. However, whether you are new to Kratom or a seasoned enthusiast, it is important to only buy your Kratom from a reputable source.
When you buy Kratom online, you have the convenience of an online store right at your fingertips. In addition, you can quickly access reviews about different Kratom Strains, as well as read blogs on the Kratom Strain you are interested in purchasing.
Reputable online purveyors will often offer free shipping and exclusive deals that you might not find at other in-store shops that sell Kratom. However, it is important to remember that you must purchase it from a trusted source no matter where you buy your Kratom.
Unfortunately, there is Kratom on the market that is tainted with harmful adulterants like binders, fillers, and other synthetic materials. Look for a Kratom purveyor that third-party lab-tests their Kratom or performs another on-site testing for their products. Testing is the only way to ensure the authenticity, safety, and quality of the product.
Finding the Perfect Kratom Strains
This simple guide to Kratom Strains will help you find the perfect Kratom for you! Just remember to only buy from a reputable source, and be sure to keep this guide close so you can consult it as needed!
We would love to connect further with you! At EZ Kratom, we pride ourselves on only sourced the highest-quality Kratom around. Visit our site to learn more about our Kratom and get your order started today!
