“Kratom”: it’s a word that you might have come across recently, especially in health shops, Reddit threads, or in conversations between people who swear that it changed their lives. However, what is it, really? Why does it spark so much curiosity – and controversy? More importantly, is it something that you should be considering?
This article aims to break it all down for those who are curious about kratom but are too nervous to ask about it. Read on below for everything you wanted to know about this mysterious plant:
What Exactly Is Kratom?
Let’s get the definition of pertinent terms out of the way, first and foremost. Kratom (pronounced KRAY-tum or KRAH-tum, depending on who you ask) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia – primarily in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa. Fun fact: it’s part of the coffee family, which means that it’s distantly related to your morning cup of joe.
Instead of perking you up with caffeine, though, the leaves of the kratom plant contain certain compounds that interact with the body in totally different ways. The two main active chemicals in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine – these bind to opioid receptors in your brain, allowing it to act like a stimulant in low doses and a sedative in higher ones.
Meet the Kratom Strains
There are three main strains of kratom, each with its own personality: red, white, and green. They all come from the same plant, but the difference comes down to the drying process and when the leaves are harvested.
Red vein kratom is the chill one. It's the strain most people reach for when they’re dealing with pain, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. It’s known for its calming effects and tends to be a favorite for nighttime use. It’s soothing, steady, and just what you need to wind down.
White vein kratom is the opposite – this one’s the morning person. It's more stimulating and is often used to boost energy, mood, and focus. People say it helps them stay productive or push through long days. If red is your bedtime tea, white is your mental espresso shot.
Finally, there’s green kratom, the middle child. It blends the uplifting energy of white with the relaxing properties of red. Many users say green gives them a smooth, balanced effect without going too far in either direction. For this reason, it’s great for beginners or users who want a little bit of everything.
Why Are People Taking Kratom?
This is where things get interesting. People take kratom for all sorts of reasons, and it’s even gained a cult following in some circles. Some individuals use it to manage chronic pain, while others report that it helps them get through opioid withdrawal. Then there are the casual users, the ones who just want a natural boost of energy or a bit of mood support without turning to prescription medications.
In this way, kratom kind of has a bit of a “choose your own adventure” vibe, depending on how much and what variant of it you take.
How Do You Take Kratom?
Now that you know all about kratom, your next question might be: how do people actually use it? There are two main ways: kratom powder and kratom capsules. Each comes with its own pros and cons.
Kratom powder is the most traditional form. In it, dried kratom leaves are ground into a fine powder that can be brewed into a tea, mixed into juice or your favorite smoothie, or – brace yourself – tossed straight into your mouth and washed down with water in a method known as “toss and wash”.
The advantages of taking kratom powder are that it kicks in quickly and gives you more control over the dose. The taste, though… let’s just say it’s an acquired one. Kratom powder can be extremely bitter and earthy, and it’s not for everyone.
Capsules, on the other hand, are by far the more convenient way to take kratom: no mess, no measuring, and no taste. With capsules, you just pop a few and wait for the effects to kick in.
The trade-off, though, is that capsules take a little longer to kick in, and they can sometimes be pricier. If you’re new to kratom and want to skip its flavor, though, it might be the smoothest entry point.
As for which one is better, the answer is that it’s essentially neither – it really comes down to what works for you.
If you do decide to give kratom a shot, keep this adage in mind: “start low, and go slow”. Also, it’s important to make sure that you buy your kratom from a trusted source, like us here at Professor Whyte’s. We carry all three strains of kratom in both powder and capsule form, and all of our products are put through 3rd party laboratory testing for consistency, potency, and purity. View our entire selection of kratom products now by heading over to our homepage.
