Why Different Colors?

So why are different types of kratom called different colors? There's green kratom, red kratom, and white kratom — but they all look pretty much the same in the bag. What gives?

Well, the colors of kratom are actually referring to the color of the veins on the kratom leaves before they are processed into powder. Before kratom powder makes it into your daily routine, it starts its life out as a growing tree, probably somewhere in Southeast Asia.

When the leaves on the tree are young, they have white, almost translucent veins. Kratom powder made from leaves harvested at this time is called white kratom powder.

If the white-veined leaves of the tree are not harvested and allowed to continue growing, they turn green — leaves harvested and dried during this stage are destined to be green kratom powder.

And finally, if left to fully mature on the tree, the veins of the kratom leaf will turn a bright red color. Mature kratom leaves are used to create red kratom powder, though the powder itself is still the green/brown color of dried leaves.

Why Do Colors Matter?

The different colors of kratom are more important than just pretty vein colors, though — the differences in the effects of each of these kratom colors are tremendous. The different kratom colors have these effects because of something called alkaloids.

What are alkaloids?

Alkaloids are the parts of plants that have an effect on the human brain and functioning. There are over 40 alkaloids in kratom, but the main alkaloids present are Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Mitragynine

Mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid present in kratom — accounting for up to 66% of the plant's alkaloid makeup. This alkaloid is responsible for the general pain relief properties of kratom, as well as its ability to ease the mind and boost your mood.

7-Hydroxymitragynine

7-Hydroxymitragynine is not nearly as abundant as mitragynine — in fact, it's only present at up to 2% of the plant's total alkaloid content. However, even in these low amounts, this alkaloid is not messing around. This alkaloid is effective on the brain's opioid receptors 17 times more than morphine.

How Do the Kratom Colors Compare?

White vein kratom

White vein kratom is harvested at the earliest stage of the kratom leaf's life cycle and has a higher mitragynine to 7-hydroxymitragynine ratio than other kratom colors. This color vein is characterized by its effects of increasing mood, focus, productivity, and alertness. If you're looking for an alternative to your morning coffee, many have happily and successfully made the switch to kratom as their morning pick-me-up.

Green vein kratom

Green vein kratom has the most balanced levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, having been picked in the middle of its maturity. Although, the levels of these alkaloids will vary based on the season, soil quality, and many other factors.

This color vein is characterized by an increased sense of overall wellbeing. Many customers tout green vein kratom as the solution to social anxieties, using it to feel calm and collected in public situations. This color vein generally won't make you drowsy, either — so you won't have to worry about waking up with a foggy head the next morning.

Red vein kratom

Red vein kratom is the most mature of the kratom colors and also has the highest concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine. This means that red vein kratom is packing a whopping amount of pain relief capabilities in comparison to the other colors. If you're in need of relief from chronic pain symptoms, red vein kratom could be the one for you.

In addition, red vein kratom can also have sedative properties in higher doses. So for those suffering from restlessness and insomnia, this kratom color could be your solution to getting a restful night's sleep.

Kratom Colors — A Final Word

Now that you're armed with information about what kratom colors are, it's time to find the perfect kratom for you. It can take a little trial and error to find the type of kratom that works in all the ways you need it to. If you're just getting started, we recommend keeping notes on the type of kratom you take, how much you're taking, and what its effects are. This way, you can track what exactly is and isn't working for you until you find the right fit.