Kratom strains can be confusing and overwhelming to novice kratom users. With names like Green Indo, White Borneo, and Red Maeng Da, you might find yourself wondering what these colors and names really mean.

Like many plant species, kratom can come in various strains depending on where the plant is grown, when it’s harvested, and how it’s processed. These factors can affect the color of the leaves, the alkaloid level, and, ultimately, the possible effects on the human body. 

To better help consumers choose the right product for the desired effects, kratom vendors name their products according to a somewhat loose guideline of strain names and “vein” colors. Vein colors represent the time of harvesting and the different methods of processing the plant undergoes (drying and/or fermenting), while strain names can be representative of a variety of characteristics and are typically subjective to the vendor. 

Some of the possible characteristics associated with different strain names include the alkaloid content (high or low), when the leaves were harvested (early to peak maturity), the location the plant originated from or is grown (Thai, Bali, Malay, Indo etc.), and even the size of the leaves (i.e., Elephant for large leaves). Due to this subjectivity in naming strains, the same strain may vary across vendors, so it is recommended that consumers do their research on vendors and choose one that lab-tests their products and is transparent with harvesting, processing, and packaging information.

Now that you have a simple understanding of how kratom vendors come up with the names of their strains, we can break down one of the most popular strains —Red Maeng Da kratom. 

Red, Green, and White Vein Kratom

Kratom comes in three different color “veins.” The veins refer to the color of the veins of the leaf when harvested, with white being the youngest and earliest harvested, green veins being harvested between white and red, and red veins harvested at peak maturity. 

Each vein color will have different levels of alkaloids and thus, different effects on the body when consumed. To create more distinct alkaloid profiles, each vein color is dried and processed differently. After kratom leaves are harvested, the leaves are dried out, the veins (or bones) are removed, and the plant matter is crushed into a powder. 

White vein kratom leaves are dried indoors without exposure to natural light or sunlight. Red vein kratom leaves are dried in the sun, or under UV lights, and sometimes left in bags to undergo fermentation. Green vein kratom leaves are typically processed through a combination of white and red vein techniques, starting with indoor drying in an airconditioned room and then dried in sunlight or under UV lights. 

Red Vein Kratom Reported Effects

Many kratom users report that red vein varieties are most effective for relaxation, sleep aid, pain relief, and anxiety reduction. Consequently, many vendors recommend red strains for evening use. Keep in mind that kratom has not been approved by the FDA for any of these uses, and consumers should conduct their own research and consult a medical professional when taking kratom.  

Maeng Da Kratom

Maeng Da translates to “pimp grade” in Thai, and thus, most strains labeled as such are considered to be more potent and with a higher alkaloid content than other strains. Most vendors attribute the higher potency level of Maeng Da to the leaves being dried longer than other varieties. There is no definitive research confirming that Maeng Da kratom has any higher alkaloid levels than other stains, so be sure to check vendor’s listed lab test results for specific alkaloid levels. 

Maeng Da kratom is the result of grafting two different red vein strains together, taking properties of each strain to produce a new variety. Maeng Da strains can come in red, green, or white varieties, each of which has slightly different reported effects.

Maeng Da Reported Effects

Users note that Maeng Da kratom provides benefits comparable to red vein varieties in terms of comfort and relief, but with fewer calming effects.

Red Maeng Da Kratom Effects

Red Maeng Da kratom could be described as a happy medium between the reported calming and comfort-enhancing attributes of red vein kratom and the reported uplifting and mood boosting attributes of Maeng Da kratom. In comparison to other strains, because of its higher potency, Red Maeng Da kratom is recommended for more experienced kratom users and should be taken at the lowest dosage possible. 

As we’ve mentioned previously, any reported effects of kratom usage are just that—user reported, and not based on scientific evidence. The FDA has not approved kratom usage for use in aiding any health concerns, and thus, we recommend consulting a health professional before using kratom as a health supplement. 

Where to Find Quality Red Maeng Da Kratom?

Not all kratom vendors are the same, and consumers should be cautious about buying kratom from untrustworthy sources. Our best advice when it comes to finding the right source for your kratom is as follows:

  • Trust your instinct: If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. 
  • Look for transparency: Good kratom vendors will provide as much information as possible regarding kratom farming, harvesting, processing, lab-testing, packaging, and more. Avoid vendors if there is a lack of information about the product or source.
  • Follow customer reviews: If your kratom vendor has a trusted fan-base, this is a good sign they are a reputable vendor where customers feel secure in their purchase.
  • Source vendors from American Kratom Association’s Good Manufacturing Practice Standards Program (GMP): These vendors have gone through a rigorous third-party evaluation adhering to strict manufacturing, lab testing, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, and label and labeling standards.
  • Do your own research: Try out different vendors’ Red Maeng Da strains to see which works best for you.

The Kratom Store Promise

Here at the Kratom Store, you can rest assured that the kratom products you receive are as described, affordable, and safely sourced. If you have any questions about our Red Maeng Da kratom, or any other strain, let us know!