Top 5 Best Kratom Strains For Pain | Kratom For Opiate Withdrawal
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As a natural, safe, and effective form of pain management, kratom is becoming an increasingly popular way to treat chronic pain with relaxing, energizing, and even blissful side effects.
With all of the kratom options on the market, however, it can be challenging to determine which kratom strains to use, especially when figuring out which kratom is best for pain. This article will help navigate through the best kratom strains for pain management, discussing its different types, dosages, and effects. It will also provide recommendations on where to purchase the freshest, most potent kratom available.
Kratom for Pain Management
As an ancient Asian herbal remedy and traditional spiritual substance, kratom is a powerful, mystical plant known by many names including Biak, Ketum, Kakuam, Ithang, Thom, Ketum, or simply Herbal, to name a few. Today, however, the herb is coming into the spotlight for a different reason and is gaining traction for an increasingly important role: kratom for pain management.
Kratom is effective in managing pain ranging from muscle aches and lower back pain to pain associated with chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Chronic pain is also one of the driving factors of the worldwide opioid epidemic, an epidemic that is now a full-scale public health crisis.
This crisis has seen tens of millions of people around the world abusing opiate prescriptions, often with deadly consequences. With more than 130 people per day in the United States alone dying from opioid overdoses from drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone, this herbal miracle is more important than ever.
Kratom offers a solution to the opioid crisis, both as a natural pain and symptom reliever of severe withdrawals.
How it Works
Kratom is unique in that it causes reactions in the body and nervous system similar to stimulants and opioids but without the devastating, highly addictive effects. The two main organic compounds in kratom leaves are called mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine.
These are potent alkaloids which, like opioids, bind to proteins called opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. However, they are entirely natural and not classified as opioids due to their unique structures.
Kratom’s mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine alkaloids are known as partial agonists. This means that when they bind with the body’s so-called mu, delta, and kappa pain receptors, a physiological response is initiated.
This response serves to reduce the perception of pain while simultaneously producing pleasant side effects of sedation, contentment, and relaxation, similar to opioids.
The mitragynine alkaloid, in particular, has a double function, as it also interacts with other receptor systems in the brain to induce stimulant effects. These sensations are quite mild with small amounts of kratom but increase with higher doses.
Effects of Kratom
Kratom has been consumed for centuries in Southeast Asia to combat fatigue and help farmers working in harsh conditions under the hot and humid Asian sun.
Kratom tinctures and teas have also been a source of spiritual transcendence for thousands of years. When ingested, all kratom strains give you a little energy boost, improve your focus, improve your mood, and provide a bit of pain relief.
They also bring calmness and a soothing feeling of euphoria, increased talkativeness, and increased social behavior. Some users and scientists have even compared the effects of taking small amounts of kratom with taking small quantities of cocaine or amphetamine, albeit in a much healthier, far less dangerous form.
Higher doses of kratom can lead to side effects more typically associated with opioids. These include mild sedation – the feeling of immense relaxation, lowered irritability and anxiety – and what is scientifically termed ‘analgesia,’ meaning the inability to feel pain.
Taking an abundant amount of kratom, however, can cause uncomfortable side effects similar to pain-relieving opioids, including mild nausea, itching, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and in some extreme circumstances, hallucinations.
When used in excessive amounts, kratom can cause intense sedation and even stupor, which can be dangerous. That being said, you will never experience respiratory depression, which is commonly seen in opioid overdoses. Like with any supplement, even vitamins, it is essential to avoid taking too much.
With its ability to effectively reduce pain and boost energy, spirit, focus, and mood, kratom is becoming an invaluable herbal alternative to medical treatment for addiction and withdrawal. It is side-effect free, lasts for hours, and is not excessively sedating.
Thus, it can be used daily. Using kratom for opiate withdrawal is a natural way to provide relief from the iron grip of substances such as drugs and alcohol, as it serves to minimize withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Its energy-boosting and euphoric side effects make kratom for opiate withdrawal a no-brainer.
Different Kratom Strains
Experienced but want to gain further kratom knowledge? Inexperienced but intrigued after reading about kratom’s effects, and want to know about the best kratom strain for opiate highs or which one is the best kratom for pain, read on!
Kratom enthusiasts and regular users will know that kratom generally comes in three different forms: red vein, white vein, and green vein.
The names refer to both the color of the plant’s leaves, as well as the color of the leaf’s veins. Each strain/color is reflective of the plant’s differing chemical compositions and balances of alkaloids and thus, their differing effects. Most users agree that white vein kratoms (commonly referred to as white vein) are energizing, uplifting, and help with focus while red veins are more analgesic and sedative. The green vein is somewhere in the middle, known in particular for its uplifting effect on an individual’s mood.
Of the three strains of kratom available, red vein is the most well-known and the most potent, making it the best kratom for pain relief. Best of all, red vein kratoms are an effective, safe alternative to highly addictive opioids and synthetic painkillers, safe to use for long periods.
Different Types of Red Vein
Red vein kratom usually comes from the top of kratom trees, generally receiving the most sunlight. These leaves are also typically dried longer. However, within red vein kratoms, there is immense variety.
The differences in the herb and its effects can be attributed to the different conditions and regions in which they grow, varying drying processes, and mixing of the herb into different combinations. Overall, however, reds are the strongest and best kratom for pain management and treating opiate withdrawal.
Which Kratom Is The Best For Pain?
The best red kratom for opioid withdrawal is red Maeng Da. And okay, we’re cheating a little here right off the bat because red Maeng Da is not a regional kratom species like the other kratoms on the list.
However, it is highly useful to use red Maeng Da for pain. Interestingly, its name means “pimp grade,” conjuring up images of a super sexy and robust red. And robust it is. Maeng Da is one of the strongest kratoms on the market and has especially enhanced side effects, as it has been specially bred for its alkaloid properties.
As we learned above, alkaloids are instrumental in triggering the brain and body’s pain-blocking response. As such, Maeng Da has potent analgesic effects. However, since it is often mixed with white kratom, it is also an energizing strain. This makes it great for combating the depressive, fatiguing side effects of opiate withdrawal.
If you’ve tried regular red Maeng Da and still want something stronger, you can use Red Maeng Da kratom for pain management.
This strain is even more potent. With the ultra-enhanced version, more alkaloids are extracted from the additionally produced kratom resin, which is then grounded and added to the kratom powder to strengthen it. What this results in is a kratom that has up to twice the alkaloids and power of pain relief of regular Maeng Da.
Important note: because this strain has such high potency, it is essential to regulate its dosage more so than other reds.
While we love red Maeng Da, our favorite kratom for pain management is red Borneo. As its name suggests, this kratom originally hails from the tropical island of Borneo. We love it because out of all the red strains, it produces the most intense feelings of euphoria while providing increased focus and relief from pain.
It has been described as having undertones of a “slow” strain with its strong relaxing and pleasurable effects. Unlike super slow strains, however, red Borneo’s effects are not so overbearing as to cause sleepiness, drowsiness, or induce a total stupor.
This strain truly delivers a pleasurable high that strongly mimics toxic opioids without the danger. It’s also a great strain to choose if you want to help manage and treat anxiety.
Another popular red vein is Red Bali. Red Bali can be considered a ‘classic’ red vein, and it is often touted as “the standard to which all other kratoms are compared.” It is known for producing genuine opiate feelings of detachment and bliss while taking away pain and giving users a pleasing brain.
As with the other above reds, red Bali is known to be a very potent strain and has been effective in the management of pain and anxiety relief. It is also suitable for people who struggle to sleep well.
Red Thai kratom is an additional kratom worth mentioning. It has a high alkaloid count and is known for its mood-enhancing properties. The red Thai strain is said to be one of the most relaxing strains available to kratom enjoyers, providing feelings of joy and emotional well-being.
The only drawback to this strain is that it is not as energizing as others, like red Maeng Da. However, it is essential to mention the range of experiences users can have with red Thai kratom. While most experience pure relaxation, some report increased stimulation, focus, and uplifting feelings. This is one strain that varies based on dosage, so it is crucial to take the amount that will give you the effects you desire.
Worth a final mention is Green Malay. As its name states, it’s not a red vein but deserves a shout-out in our article about the best kratoms for pain management, as it excels in providing pain relief.
The Green Malay strain is quite potent, and its pain reduction side effects last a long time, meaning you won’t need to take painkillers every few hours. Green Malay kratom is also notable for its ability to effectively treat migraines and backaches.
In addition to pain management, it produces an opiate-like high feeling and can be used to manage opiate withdrawal symptoms successfully. For some suffering from withdrawal, however, Green Malay has been faulted for giving users who want to feel blissed out a tad too much energy, making it hard to achieve deep relaxation.
In Summary, The Best Kratom For Pain Is…
Taking the crown is red Maeng Da Kratom. However, for even more intensive relief, ultra-enhanced red Maeng Da is worth the try.
Red Borneo is the best kratom strain for opiate highs and blissed-out vibes. The red Thai strain of kratom is best for mellow relaxing, while red Bali is a great all-around kratom, especially helpful for managing stress and anxiety.
Lastly, Green Malay is notable to mention as an effective kratom for opiate withdrawals, keeping in mind that it can come with a side of extra energy!
Recommended Kratom Dosage For Pain Management
Getting the perfect dosage of kratom is an essential part of an excellent overall experience. This can be tricky though, as kratom comes in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules, and whole leaves, which can be brewed into a tea or baked/cooked into an edible form. Kratom can also be smoked. The major downside of ingesting kratom, whether in food or drink, is its strong taste.
It is one that needs to be acquired! While powered kratom offers the most variety in terms of consumption, many kratom users prefer taking it in a pill or capsule form. In capsule form, there are no concerns about spilling the powder when using it or carrying it around.
You also don’t have to worry about weighing it out for the correct dosage. In this regard, capsules are by far the most convenient option.
The average dose of kratom ranges from ½ – 3 teaspoons, or 1 to 7 grams, which is admittedly quite an extensive range. (Note: if you are taking a pill or capsule, most come in units of 500 mg).
It is vital to get the amount right because you don’t want any uncomfortable side effects, whether you are a new or experienced user. Most experienced kratom users recommend starting with 1 or 2 grams, waiting for 30 – 45 minutes before increasing the dosage if you wish for stronger effects.
Each time you try kratom and have a pleasurable experience, you can increase the dosage by a gram, but note that it is not recommended to exceed 7 grams. One helpful kratom advocate states that “As a beginner starting with new receptors, 3 to 5 grams total will probably see you right. If you’re [under] 68KG (150lbs) in weight, as a male or female, a lower dose of 1.5 grams may be enough.”
The effects of kratom, or kratom ‘aromas,’ typically last 3 – 5 hours so you can take small doses as the fragrance begins wearing off to spread the effects throughout the entire day evenly. It is recommended to try kratom on an empty stomach to get the full experience of its side effects, especially as a new user.
Buying Kratom
So now that you know a bit more about the different types of kratom and their effects, you’re probably wondering about the best places to purchase kratom. While this decision can be an overwhelming one, we are here to help with proven advice on the best sites for kratom whether your goal is to use kratom for opiate highs or use kratom for pain management.
First, however, are some critical factors to consider when buying kratom. As kratom is a plant-based substance, it works best when fresh.
Like all-natural products, when it gets old, it begins to deteriorate and lose its potency. As such, it’s crucial to choose a provider who can vouch for the freshness of their product, ensuring that it’s been handled with care along every step of the way, from cultivation to harvesting to packaging.
Another thing to look out for when purchasing kratom is pre-filled capsules from sellers that are not reputable. While providing a convenient solution for many, there is a danger that pre-filled pills can contain large amounts of filler substances, making it hard to determine just how much kratom one is taking.
Purchasing kratom from a reliable vendor- not just the headshop around the corner- is of the utmost importance if you want the best bang for your buck and the best experience. Most kratom users, including us, have bought kratom for gas stations or headshops and let us tell you, it was not a fun experience!
Lucky for you, we’ve done the hardest part for you- the research- and have come up with three tried and tested vendors with the freshest, most natural, trustworthy products on the market.
Where To Buy Kratom Online
The Evergreeentree offers products that are cultivated and harvested from their native areas by tribal people who have decades of practice finding and preparing the highest quality product. As a small family-run shop, the website offers a curated selection of kratom powders that vary according to availability.
The constants they do carry are a wide range of ultra- enhanced powders, perfect for the experienced kratom enjoyer. Their website usually offers Bali kratom (both red and white), Borneo kratom (red, green, and ultra- enhanced), Maeng da kratom (in red, white, and ultra-enhanced red), Malay kratom (green and ultra-enhanced green) and the unique horned kratom.
Horned kratom (available in enhanced red vein, regular red vein, and white) comes from trees with horned leaves, the result of a natural mutation. Interestingly, this mutation only occurs in small groupings of kratom trees in central to eastern Kalimantan, so with horned kratom, you know exactly what you are going to get.
Best of all, The Evergreen Tree also sells live kratom trees so you can buy your own for an endless supply (once the plant hits maturity, of course!).
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Coastline Kratom
TheEvergreentree houses an extensive selection of kratom imported directly from Southeast Asia, straight from the source.
Because of this, they have not only some of the more common varieties such as Red Vein, Premium Bali, and Red Malay; they also offer rarer options like Premium Green Malay, White Maeng Da, Green Vein Indo, and White Sumatra. In addition to powders, Coastline also provides pure capsules and extracts of almost all of their varieties of kratom.
Best of all, you needn’t be wary about purchasing pre-filled capsules from coastline Kratom.
Castline Kratom commitment to purity and quality is unmatched; they even have laboratory facilities that test all their products to ensure that they are the absolute best. We can get behind this!
UPDATE: Coastline Kratom has been ceased operation! We recommend The Evergreen Tree kratom for the best quality.
This tried and tested online retailer offers an unparalleled variety of kratom powders and multi-package mixes. It has also just added CBD oils to their repertoire. The shop’s offerings make it an excellent stop for all sorts of kratom users, from beginners to those who are keen on experimentation to serious kratom indulgers.
It also appeals to kratom users to practice homeopathic medicinal care, as they offer a holistic approach to well-being with a variety of herbal remedies from around the world. They have the best selection by far of kratom variety packs so you can experiment with red, green, and white veins to see which strains work best with your body.
We hope this article has helped you discover the best kratom for pain (with some cheeky advice on the best kratom strain for opiate highs as well!). Whether for pain management or fun, kratom is an all-natural supplement that is sure to make you feel your best!
KRATOM FAQ
How long does it take for kratom to kick in?
How long it takes kratom to kick in depends on a few things. Firstly, it depends on how pure the kratom is, more pure is, the stronger it will be and the faster you will get the effects.
Secondly, if you have a full stomach it will slow down how quickly the kratom is processed. For the fastest results, the whole dose hitting you at once, it’s better to have a completely empty stomach.
Thirdly, if you have any kratom tolerance then you may not feel things as quickly either. But on empty stomach, with good kratom, you should feel the effects after about 15 minutes, and definitely have the full spectrum of effects at their strongest after one hour.
Is kratom bad for you?
There is very little evidence that kratom is bad for you as long as you don’t abuse it. If you are taking large doses to get high every single day, then it can trigger similar problems to opiate addiction.
However, if you have more days free from kratom than using it, or you use the lowest possible dose, to avoid tolerance or any other problems, then there is very little evidence currently that kratom has damaging long-term effects.
Is kratom good for sex?
Kratom shouldn’t be good for sex at higher doses because it’s a depressant, so it will make you just want to lay around and chill out.
However, at lower doses, kratom is a stimulant. Although there is no evidence that it directly affects the organs or has any direct interaction with hormones in the body which makes us hornier, the combination of feeling energetic and happy can obviously relax us and make things more pleasurable.
However, in terms of libido, a lot of people using kratom do state that libido is lower when they are using it, but that’s not the case for everyone, and it’s very much about how you individually react to kratom.
Which kratom is the best for pain?
Red kratom is undoubtedly the best kratom for pain relief. It has the highest concentration of the alkaloid which interacts with the opioid receptors in the body to block out pain signals.
Even a moderate dose of around 5 g of red kratom should be enough to significantly reduce pain, and a higher dose of around 7-8 grams of pure kratom should be enough to completely remove all pain from the body.
Can you use kratom for hangovers?
Kratom can help with hangovers. Even a small dose can be stimulating enough to lift you out of the lethargy. At slightly higher doses, kratom also acts as a pain reliever, especially red kratom, which can help with the pain.
However, on the flip side, alcohol can cause anxiety on the comedown. If you use white kratom that could create a jitteriness that it’s very much like a huge shot of caffeine. So you are better to use red kratom at slightly higher doses (5-7 grams) for this purpose as it will calm you down and relieve the pain symptoms.
Is kratom bad for your liver?
As an infrequent recreational user, you should have no problem with kratom affecting your organs. However, it has been noted in studies from countries where kratom is used all the time, that people with years and years of chronic use behind them have suffered liver and kidney damage.
In the USA though, only eight people have had liver damage attributed to kratom use, and they were incredibly heavy users over multiple years.
So yes, kratom could be bad for your liver and kidneys if you abuse it for the long term. But if you only use it when necessary and at the lowest dose possible, it should not present any problems unless you already have liver and kidney problems.
Using kratom for methadone withdrawal
There is plenty of evidence out there anecdotally that kratom can help with opiate withdrawal problems. It helps to keep you calm, offers great pain relief, and gives you the same rush at higher doses that opiates like heroin do.
So yes, it’s perfectly possible to use kratom to help deal with methadone withdrawal. You have to make sure that you use it at the lowest possible dose low, and that you are tapering down on methadone, and kratom, progressively.
Can you fail a drug test the kratom?
No standard drug testing looks for the presence of kratom metabolites. Even though it reacts in the body in a simple way to opiates like heroin, it does not produce metabolites that are detectable by standard testing.
However, there is an advanced type of test that looks for a multitude of substances including kratom. However, that is very rare and expensive, and you will certainly be unlucky if you are ever administered that sort of test.
In some rare instances, people who take chronic doses of kratom can mimic the effects of opiates in the body to the extent that they can show as a false positive for heroin.
Does the military test for kratom?
No, the military does not test the kratom use in any type of standard DoD drug test they administer. However, at high doses kratom can create a false positive for opiates.
Does the probation test for kratom?
Kratom is not tested for probation drug tests. However, for some of the more severe outpatient treatment programs a special type of test (Kratom10) that does include kratom is used, but this is rare.
One thing to take note of is that in rare instances high dosages of kratom can provoke a false positive on a drug test as opiate-like heroin or morphine because it shares a similar pharmacological structure. To learn how to pass a drug test, check out my synthetic urine and detox drink articles.
