kratom Bible

Extract Guide

While typically not as well-rounded as the plain leaf in effects, kratom extracts can certainly serve a purpose for those with chronic pain or other debilitating conditions in which the plain leaf will not suffice.

There are a large variety of different types of extracts with varying effects, based upon both the method of extraction as well as the base plant material used to make them. Read below to learn about these different extract types.

Water-Based Extracts

Water-based kratom extracts are by far the most common variety. As the name implies, the extract is performed by:  dissolving a portion of alkaloids into water, straining the powder, and evaporating the water. This process leaves a  brownish, more alkaloid-concentrated version of the plain leaf behind.

Water extracts are commonly referred to with an ‘x’ (e.g. 10x, 25x), which implies how much plain leaf material was used to create the same weight of resulting extract. Sadly, these figures are nearly always incorrect due to vendor dishonesty.

Pros:

• More alkaloid-concentrated than plain leaf
• Can be used in addition to plain leaf to potentiate effects
• Relatively side-effect free in comparison to resin and full-spectrum extracts
• More stimulating than the plain-leaf base material
• Ability to dissolve in water

Cons:

• Must be taken in conjunction with some plain leaf for best effects
• Not a well-rounded extract in terms of effects (less pain-killing effect and sedation)
• High price per potency
• Can increase tolerance rapidly

Kratom Resin Extracts

In comparison to water-based extractions, kratom resin extractions have a much more well-rounded profile of effects. These extracts are typically performed by extracting kratom with both a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent; a simple example of this would be water and ethanol. Like the water extract, the powder is strained and the alkaloid saturated non-polar/polar solvent is left to dry.

Pros:

• Full-spectrum of effects
• Ease of use
• Easy storage
• High potency per weight

Cons:

• More expensive than plain leaf
• Side-effects to potency ratio comparable to plain leaf
• Temperature sensitive (melts in minor heat)

Vein Types: Effects & Analysis

Something unique to this plant, in comparison to many other medicinal plants, is the distinct differences of vein color which result from breeding and growth conditions. These different vein colors often correspond to very reliable differences in effects and can provide strong clues as to what to expect from a given strain.

However, there are some minor exceptions, especially when dealing with strains with a less balanced alkaloid profile such as Thai, or Borneo/Indo strains which on the whole provide a more polarized kratom experience (being more stimulating or sedating, respectively).

White Vein Kratom

Despite the lower amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine found in white vein strains, this vein type should not be treated lightly. White vein kratom has a very strong following, and many have found it very effective for conditions such as lack of focus/energy.

Of all the vein types, white vein shows the most potential as a nootropic (cognition enhancing) substance. Many have found that using this vein type first thing in the morning to be a great substitute for coffee due to it’s “clean” effects on alertness and focus.

Pain Relief: 1/3

Energy: 3/3

Vein Types: Effects & Analysis

Something unique to this plant, in comparison to many other medicinal plants, is the distinct differences of vein color which result from breeding and growth conditions. These different vein colors often correspond to very reliable differences in effects and can provide strong clues as to what to expect from a given strain.

However, there are some minor exceptions, especially when dealing with strains with a less balanced alkaloid profile such as Thai, or Borneo/Indo strains which on the whole provide a more polarized kratom experience (being more stimulating or sedating, respectively).

White Vein Kratom

Despite the lower amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine found in white vein strains, this vein type should not be treated lightly. White vein kratom has a very strong following, and many have found it very effective for conditions such as lack of focus/energy.

Of all the vein types, white vein shows the most potential as a nootropic (cognition enhancing) substance. Many have found that using this vein type first thing in the morning to be a great substitute for coffee due to it’s “clean” effects on alertness and focus.

Pain Relief: 1/3

Energy: 3/3

Moderate Strains

Many prefer a moderate strain as their daily go-to, due to its potent, yet smooth, effects. Currently, one of the most common moderate strains is Green Malaysian; however, it is good to remember that the interplay between strains, vein types, breeding and growing conditions can make an characteristically sedating or stimulating strain moderate.

Green Malaysian

Green Malaysian has long been known as one of the longest-lasting strains due to leaf cell-wall density.

Some have remarked on this strain’s unique nootropic effects, which many have found to increase mental endurance, allowing longer focus. Interestingly, due to the quality of these effects, they are often only noticed in retrospect due to the strain’s characteristically smooth and even-keel effects.

Stimulation: 4-6 / 10

Pain Relief: 6 – 8 / 10

Mood: 7 – 8.5 / 10

Sedating Strains

As a whole, sedating strains are lacking in the more stimulating alkaloids contained in the Thai/Maeng Da strains of kratom; however, they pack a very large punch as far as pain relief is concerned due to their large concentrations of  7-hydroxymitragynine. These strains have been traditionally used for chronic pain and mood-lifting.

Bali Kratom

Bali kratom is one of the most economical strains due to large leaves and quick growth. Proper dosage for some Bali strains can be difficult, as they are known for their fairly low “wobble” threshold. Though many have found one can minimize this negative by mixing it with another strain.

Stimulation: 2-4 / 10

Pain Relief: 7 – 9.5 / 10

Mood:  7 – 9.5 / 10

Stimulating Strains

Stimulating strains are some of the most desirable strains for those with fatigue or lethargy, as well as for those who need to sustain energy and focus for long periods of time.

Maeng Da Kratom

Maeng Da has been widely renowned as one of the most potent strains of kratom, and for good reason — it can provide both high levels of pain relief and stimulation. This strain has been ideal for those with pain who don’t want to sacrifice energy levels, as well as those who are looking for a mood-boost.

Stimulation: 7 – 8.5 / 10

Pain Relief – 7.5 – 10 / 10

Mood: 7.5 – 10 / 10

Stimulating Strains

Stimulating strains are some of the most desirable strains for those with fatigue or lethargy, as well as for those who need to sustain energy and focus for long periods of time.

Thai Kratom

Thai kratom is well-known for its powerful energetic effects. The unique alkaloid profile of Thai kratom often provokes different reactions between different users, and may not be for everyone. However, this strain has a very dedicated following, unlike anything we have seen with other varieties of kratom.

The pain-killing effects of Thai are variable; typically, red vein thai (commonly called RVT) is the most effective in regards to analgesia, whereas white and green vein thai strains, while stimulating, are lacking in this area.

Stimulation: 8 to 9.5 / 10

Pain Relief: 4 – 8 / 10 

Mood: 6 – 9 / 10

Due to different growth regions and breeding, kratom has evolved into a variety of different strains, which can be very different in effects. There are three primary effect categories one can divide strains into: stimulating, sedating and moderate.

It should be noted that every plant within a strain can vary, so in no way are these analyses set in stone; rather we have taken a more statistical approach, based upon large amounts of individual user experience reports to provide a guide to the general strain characteristics.

Nootropic substances are a relatively new field of interest which shows much promise. Interestingly, some have reported good results by using kratom as a nootropic in areas such as focus, motivation and memory.

Unlike traditional medications for focus (e.g. ADHD medication), the subjective experience of kratom for many is that it doesn’t make your focus “stick” psychologically, rather it seems to dampen psychological background noise resulting from stress, anxiety or excessive excitement/restlessness, promoting natural focus ability. In this way it tends to lend itself to a more meditative quality of focus.

Because strain differences can vary, there is typically no set dose for peak cognition boosting effects — though it typically ranges from low/medium to medium.

Strains

1. Green Malaysian (Focus)
2. Thai (Focus/Energy)
3. Maeng Da (Focus/Energy)

Preferred Vein Color

• White
• Green

Dosage

• Low – Moderate

If you choose to try a green vein strain, we would suggest a more stimulating variety, such as those mentioned above, at a low dosage, as large doses can sometimes be counterproductive.

Due to the immunostimulant alkaloids found in kratom:

• Isopteropodine
• Isorhynchophylline
• Isomitraphylline
• Mitraphylline

Kratom can be effective for boosting the immune system, which can be effective for conditions ranging from the common cold to the flu, and it may have potential to help many more conditions (although little research in this regard has yet been done)[4]. Because of this, many have started to take it at the onset of a sickness to reduce its duration (as well as negate some of its symptoms).

Strains

1. Green Malaysian
2. Borneo

Preferred Vein Color

• Green Vein

Dosage 

• – Moderate – Low

Because the research in this regard is lacking, the strain choices above are only defined by the limited regions that were studied, and so many other varieties of kratom may have similar immunostimulant properties.