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Red vein Kratom is a **big deal** in the world of Kratom, right up there with green vein and white vein varieties. The **color** of the veins and stems of the Kratom leaf at harvest time gives it its **classification**.
As is often the case with other plants, the stem and veins on the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree will change color as they mature along their growth cycle. During these different developmental stages, the alkaloid content of the leaf will vary, so the color of the stem and leaves are important.
In this straightforward guide, we will explain everything you should know about red vein Kratom, including why people choose this type of Kratom, what benefits it offers, what you should know about dosage control for red Kratom, and an introduction to some of the most popular red vein strains.
What is Red Vein Kratom?
As mentioned, the “color” or “vein” of a Kratom strain is determined by what stage along the growth lifecycle the leaves of the Kratom tree are picked and harvested. In the case of red vein Kratom, the leaves are picked and harvested late in the growth cycle, at the height of their maturity.
As the name suggests, the leaves will have dark red colored veins and stems. Once the leaves have been dried and milled, the resulting powder will even have a slightly reddish hue. The reason for the red color the leaves display is because they have a high concentration of the alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine, one of the most important active alkaloids in Kratom.
This high alkaloid content is why red vein Kratom tends to have fast-acting and potent effects. Of its effects, the most beneficial and sought after is probably its ability to effectively relieve physical pain, rapidly. But red vein Kratom strains can offer a variety of effects beyond just pain relief.
Typical Red Vein Kratom Effects & What It Is Used For
As mentioned, red vein Kratom is known for its ability to reduce the sensation of physical pain, which explains why this particular variety is popular amongst those that suffer from chronic pain. It can also help relax muscles, so you can use it to relieve body aches and muscle fatigue.
Other common effects associated with the ingestion of red strains are the relief of anxiety, a general sense of relaxation and even mild euphoria. For these reasons, it is also popular with people with stressful lives and those who suffer from bouts of anxiety. At higher doses, the sense of relaxation and calmness it induces can be useful for treating insomnia, with the soothing properties bringing about restful sleep.
At lower doses, certain red vein strains are also known to act as a mild stimulant, an effect more commonly associated with white and green vein strains. Many people claim they feel more alert when taking red vein Kratom, but this is generally not one of the main reasons for choosing a strain in this category.
Red Vein Kratom Dosage
How Much Should You Take?
No matter what type of Kratom you plan to buy and consume, it is important to practice proper dose control. Taking too much of any strain can result in negative side effects including nausea, dizziness and insomnia.
Many factors will determine how the Kratom will interact with your mind and body. When you last ate, your weight, gender, and tolerance will all play a role. Knowing how much Kratom is right for you, and how much is too much will largely depend upon the individual and will typically require some experimentation.
For any red vein strain, we recommend starting with a dose of no more than 1 to 2 grams, especially if you are new to Kratom or trying a particular strain for the first time. This will allow you to get a feel for the strain and adjust as appropriate, without risking any negative effects associated with taking too much at once.
If you cannot feel any effects at your starting dose, you can increase the dose by 0.5 grams until you have found an amount that works for you and delivers all of the desirable benefits you are looking for.
Dose-Dependent Effects
As you will find with any variety and strain, the amount you consume will determine how it will impact your body and mental state. In regards to red vein Kratom, the following can act as basic guidelines for dose-related effects:
- Low Doses of Red Vein Kratom – (2 to 5 grams of powder) – Lower doses of red vein Kratom tend to be associated with improved energy and focus, as well as encouraging feelings of calmness and relaxation. Doses on the higher end of low can even help support sleep, so people tend to take them at night rather than at the start of the day.
- High Doses of Red Vein Kratom – (5 or more grams of powder) – Doses over 5 grams are generally classed as high doses. When dealing with red Kratom strains, these larger doses are commonly associated with pain relief, with anything over 7 grams being useful for treating more severe pain. Taking too much can reverse these beneficial effects, so you must work your way up to a larger dose.
Remember, the goal with Kratom is never to take the largest dose possible. The aim should be to achieve the beneficial effects that you are looking for from the lowest volume of Kratom possible. Not only is this more economical, but it will also help you avoid developing an unhealthy tolerance to Kratom and that specific strain.
Popular Red Vein Kratom Strains
Within the umbrella of red vein Kratom, there are numerous strains, as just about any strain can be harvested late in its growth cycle and be classed as a red vein strain.
To make things easy, we are going to quickly describe some of the most popular red Kratom strains and their most prominent effects:
1. Red Bali Kratom
Red Bali Kratom is one of the most popular and common strains you can buy. Thanks to the lush growing conditions found in Indonesia, Kratom sourced from Bali tends to be rich in alkaloids. This high alkaloid content makes it an extremely versatile red strain of Kratom that can offer people a wide range of benefits
Most people find that taking Red Bali leaves them feeling relaxed but not drained because it has a calming effect but also a slight energizing effect. This combination makes it perfect for those with busy schedules that want a natural way to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety during the daytime. It is also used to treat physical pain and discomfort.
2. Red Thai Kratom
Red Thai Kratom is another popular red vein variety, and for good reason. It tends to offer a range of strong effects, but those related to relaxation tend to be the most pronounced. It is probably not a good option if you are looking for a Kratom strain that can help you be productive and focused.
Part of the reason why Red Vein Thai tends to have such relaxing effects is the fact that it has a particularly high concentration of 5-HO-mitragynine, an active alkaloid that interacts with receptors in the brain in a way that results in anxiety relief and sedation. This explains why many people consume Red Thai Kratom to help them unwind after a long day, or fall asleep if they are feeling restless. Higher doses can induce sensations of euphoria, but this can be a little too intense for some, so start slow.
3. Red Borneo Kratom
Red Borneo Kratom is known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety. Like many other red vein strains, it can also offer consistent pain relief. Where it differs from other red vein strains is its sedating properties.
If you are suffering from ongoing physical pain and feelings of stress and anxiety, taking Red Borneo Kratom can help; it treats your symptoms and helps you wind down and prepare for sleep when taken at night in moderate to higher doses.
4. Red Horn Kratom
Red Horn Kratom offers very powerful relaxation effects that can help with pain relief, but it can be unpredictable. This strain is grown in Borneo and gets its name from the unique spikes, or horns, that grow on the tips of the leaves.
Aside from the unique appearance of the leaves, it offers similar effects to any other red strain and it is fairly potent. If you are looking for pain relief as well as something that will help you relax without tiring you out too much, Red Horn Kratom is a great option… probably.
5. Red Sumatra Kratom
Lower doses of Red Sumatra Kratom tend to help with mental stimulation, focus and energy, while higher doses are more relaxing and sedative. This makes it a versatile strain as you can achieve a wide spectrum of beneficial effects by slowly increasing the size of the dose you take.
Many Kratom users rely on Red Sumatra to act as a sleep aid. It can powerfully reduce the sensation of anxiety during the day and the restlessness that keeps many people tossing and turning in their beds at night.
6. Red Maeng Da Kratom
For most Kratom enthusiasts, Red Maeng Da is one of the strongest strains they will ever come across. Maeng Da is cultivated specifically to contain an extremely high alkaloid content and since red vein Kratom is picked at peak maturity, you’re getting the maximum potency with Red Maeng Da. This explains why it can sometimes be one of the more expensive varieties.
For most, it is an extremely effective energy booster whilst simultaneously reducing physical pain, and without the sedative qualities of some other red veins. Many also find that it can help them achieve mental calmness, which makes it great for handling ongoing stress during the day.
Other examples of red vein Kratom strains are:
Red Vein Kratom in Review
In summary, red vein Kratom strains are achieved when the leaves of the Kratom tree are picked late in the growth cycle, at peak maturity, when the stem and veins have turned red in color. This results in the strains typically having higher levels of alkaloid content in comparison to white and green strains, which are picked earlier in the cycle.
Like all strains of Kratom, effects are dose dependent, but the higher levels of alkaloid content found in red strains usually means they have strong and fast-acting effects on the mind and body. At low doses, red veins can provide energy, focus and an increase in mood, however, what these strains are more commonly sought after for is their ability to reduce symptoms of stress, chronic pain and sleep issues. These effects are usually achieved with medium to high doses, but since red vein Kratom is so potent, you should always start off low and work your way up.
As is the case with any Kratom variety, make sure you buy red vein Kratom from a reputable and trustworthy vendor that can ensure their Kratom powder and capsules are pure, lab-tested and fresh. Along with the correct dosage, this is what will ensure you experience the full effects that red vein Kratom is known for.
