# Kratom Strains: Understanding the Different Types

**By Kratom Herbs** · 2024-09-19

There are dozens of kratom strains on the market, and the names can be confusing. This guide explains what the names mean and how the kratom strains we carry differ from each other.

## How Kratom Strains Are Named

Most kratom strain names combine two parts:

-   **Vein color:** red, green, white or yellow. This reflects how mature the leaf is when it is harvested and how it is dried.
-   **Region:** Bali, Borneo, Malay, Thai, Indo and so on. This points to where the trees grow or where the strain was traded.

Some names describe a growing method or blend instead. Maeng Da refers to selectively grown kratom from carefully chosen trees. Trainwreck is a blend of several strains.

## Kratom Strains by Vein Color

### Red Vein Kratom

Red vein leaves are the most mature. They give a deeper colored powder. Popular red strains include [Red Bali](/products/red-bali-kratom-powder), [Red Borneo](/products/red-vein-borneo-kratom-rvb), [Red Maeng Da](/products/red-maeng-da-kratom-powder) and [Red Thai](/products/kratom-red-vein-thai-powder).

### Green Vein Kratom

Green vein leaves are harvested at a middle stage. Popular green strains include [Green Malay](/products/kratom-premium-malaysian-powdered), [Green Bali](/products/green-bali-kratom-powder) and [Green Maeng Da](/products/kratom-maeng-da-thai-powder).

### White Vein Kratom

White vein leaves are picked younger and give a lighter powder. Popular white strains include [White Bali (White Borneo)](/products/white-vein-borneo-kratom), [White Elephant](/products/white-elephant-kratom-powder) and [White Hulu Kapuas](/products/white-hulu-kapuas-kratom).

### Yellow and Gold Kratom

Yellow and gold kratom are usually made with a different drying process or a blend of vein colors. They are less common than red, green and white.

## Kratom Strains by Region

-   **Bali:** one of the most widely sold names. Despite the name, most Bali kratom grows elsewhere in Indonesia. See our [Bali kratom](/collections/bali-kratom).
-   **Borneo:** from the large island of Borneo, often from old-growth trees. See our [Borneo kratom](/collections/borneo-kratom).
-   **Malay:** associated with Malaysia. See our [Malay kratom](/collections/malaysian-kratom).
-   **Thai and Maeng Da:** associated with Thailand. See our [Thai kratom](/collections/thai-kratom).
-   **Indo:** a general name for Indonesian kratom, used in products like [UEI](/products/kratom-ultra-enhanced-indo-uei) (Ultra Enhanced Indo).

## Blends and Enhanced Kratom Strains

[Trainwreck kratom](/collections/trainwreck-kratom) combines several strains from different regions into one blend. [Enhanced kratom](/collections/enhanced-kratom) is leaf powder with added concentrated alkaloids, so it is far stronger than standard leaf and intended for experienced adults.

## How to Compare Kratom Strains

Effects vary from person to person, and research on kratom is ongoing. If you are new, start with one regular leaf strain, follow the product label and take regular breaks. For a side-by-side view, see our [kratom strain chart](/pages/kratom-strain-chart).

For independent background on kratom and current research, see the [NIH overview of kratom](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/kratom).

_Kratom is not approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. It can be habit-forming. Talk to your doctor before using kratom, especially if you take any medication. For adults 21 and over. Please check your local laws before ordering._

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> Source: [Kratom Herbs](https://kratomherbs.com/blogs/news/understanding-the-different-strains-of-kratom)