⚡️ Quick list
Red Maeng Da
- Relieves pain without putting you to sleep
- Boosts energy & sociability
- Most popular strain for pain
- Great shopping experience (shop by effect)
- Great customer service & shipping
- Vegetarian capsules
- Incredible price to value
- Starter packs, bundles, and free samples
Learn more
On vendor’s website
Signature Reserve
- Perfect balance of benefits
- High quality and super potent strain
- Website is easy to use
- Super transparent and reputable company
- Reward points scheme on website
- Reliable and consistent effects
Learn more
On vendor’s website
Golden Bali
- Relaxes mind & body
- Trusted & reputable
- Vegetarian capsules
- Easy shopping & great customer service
- Good for every budget
- Starter packs, bundles and free samples
- Rare yellow strains
Learn more
On vendor’s website
Red Vein Borneo
- Very relaxing & a great relief from aches and pains
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Third-party lab-tested
- Subscribe & save and loyalty program
- Free shipping over $49.99
- Discrete packaging
- Price is great!
Learn more
On vendor’s website
Vietnam Kratom
- Perfect blend of the powers of red & green vein
- Great discomfort & anxiety relief
- Daily deals & loyalty points
- Fast delivery & same day shipping
- Easy website with various categories
- Variety packs available so you can sample a few different strains and colors
Learn more
On vendor’s website
I have tried all Kratom strains
Like cannabis, kratom comes in a variety of strains. Over the years I’ve tried them all and selected my top five strains that really pack a punch in the pain relief department. And because I know the internet is a wild (and sometimes unreliable) place, I will also steer you toward the best spots to buy them online.
So, keep reading to find the most potent, safe, and wallet-friendly kratom available online.
Does kratom work for pain?
Kratom has been used to relieve pain, boost mood, and increase energy levels in indigenous communities for several hundred years.
It contains a complex mix of over 40 alkaloids, many of which interact with opioid receptors in our bodies, thereby producing opiate-like effects. This interaction is considered to be one of the main reasons that kratom is such an effective painkiller, but as research continues into this fascinating plant, it’s becoming clear that there’s a lot more to kratom’s pain-relieving properties than meets the eye.
Kratom also affects other pathways in the brain that help control pain. For example, it can block certain signals that are involved in feeling pain (by inhibiting calcium channels) and has properties that may reduce inflammation (by suppressing COX-2 enzymes and prostaglandin E2 production), which can also help alleviate pain.
The variety of ways in which kratom is able to block pain is proving it to be crucial in ongoing research for better pain management.
Although still in its early stages, human trial research demonstrates that kratom significantly increases tolerance to pain and is an effective tool for opiate withdrawal.
There is also a mountain of anecdotal evidence available on forums and blogs (like Reddit) of people reporting how much kratom has improved the quality of their lives, by relieving their pain and helping them come off prescription meds.
In my personal opinion, kratom works wonders for pain. It helps relieve my persistent neck and back pain and makes it easier for me to manage mental stress, which can often be the cause of other physical symptoms. It also really helped me when I sprained my ankle recently. I feel like it reduced the pain and swelling significantly and helped me get back on my feet quickly.
What color kratom works best for pain?
There are over fifty known strains of kratom (Mytragyna Speciosa) which are often differentiated based on vein color and geographical location in which they are grown. Different strains of kratom can have varied effects and some are generally considered to be more effective at pain management than others.
Red, green and white are the original vein colors or categories, but more recently it is possible to get yellow or gold strains as well, which often combine the powers of the OG colors.
Generally-speaking, red is considered to be the best at alleviating pain and can provide a more relaxing and stress-relieving effect, inducing a good night’s sleep. This, however, is not exclusive and many people favor other strains for self-management of pain and alleviating symptoms of all kinds.
Kratom is also highly dose dependent. Lower doses are generally more associated with increased energy, focus and mood enhancement, whereas higher doses have a more relaxing and sedative effect, achieving pain relief that is likened to opiate-based painkillers.
Top #5 kratom strains for pain (and where to get them)
Here are our top 5 recommendations on the best kratom strains for pain, based on popular opinion and personal experience.
1. Best overall – Red Maeng Da
My overall favorite kratom strain for pain is Red Maeng Da. I tried it on a recommendation from a friend and have since connected with many other people who also find the best daytime pain relief from this particular strain.
Pros
- Relieves pain without putting you to sleep
- Also boosts energy and sociability
- Most popular strain for pain
- Great shopping experience (shop by effect)
- Great customer service & shipping
- Vegetarian capsules (no gelatin)
- Incredible prices (especially given the quality)
- Starter packs, bundles, and free samples available
Cons
- Have to spend $100 to qualify for free shipping
Red Maeng Da is one of the most popular and renowned strains on the market, and for good reason; the leaves are picked at the peak of maturity and from the trees that provide the highest alkaloid content, making it highly potent. Its origins lay deep in the jungles of Thailand. In Thai, “Maeng Da ” roughly translates as “Pimp Grade” paying homage to its reputation as a high quality strain that packs a punch.
I tend to experience the majority of my pain during the day, probably from being sat in front of a computer most days… Not only is Red Maeng Da great for alleviating my discomfort, but it also gives me a fantastic boost of energy, despite being a red strain (most reds are too sedating for me to use in the daytime).
Red Maeng Da is great for working and socializing, giving me a positive mindset and providing me real enthusiasm on days when I just don’t feel like doing anything.
I find that it’s also a great replacement for coffee throughout the day as it gives me the lift I am looking for, but doesn’t make me feel on edge or jittery.
Recommended for use in the morning or afternoon due to its natural ability to boost your energy and mood.
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Why Happy Hippo?
The Red Hot Hippo strain from Happy Hippo is the best Red Maeng Da that I’ve tried. It makes me feel happy and energized and I find you need less of it to get the same effects of many other brands. I also use Magic Hippo (Red Vein Sumatra) in the evenings, for when I want relief and a deep sleep.
Since finding (and falling in love with) Red Hot Hippo, Happy Hippo has become my go-to for all things kratom and botanical. They provide fresh, high quality kratom that is 100% natural, additive and pesticide-free, as well as an awesome shopping experience and amazing deals.
Happy Hippo pre-sterilize their kratom at 170 degrees to kill pathogens, whilst maintaining the ideal alkaloid profile. They harvest in small batches to ensure quality throughout the process.
Happy Hippo products are all lab tested independently by a 3rd party. They are also certified by the American Kratom Association, as well as abiding by GMP practices.
On top of all this they provide a 100% money-back guarantee on all their products, fantastic customer service and super fast shipping.
Which products?
For the cost efficiency and fast-acting effects, I would recommend the Red Hot Hippo powder, although I personally do find it a hassle to measure out, so I always keep capsules on hand for when I can’t be bothered. The capsules are also more convenient for when you’re out and about or dislike the somewhat bitter taste of the powder.
Happy Hippo also offers taffy, gummies, and shots which, although not strain specific, make taking kratom a lot more discreet and accessible when you’re out and about. They’re also a great way for kratom newbies to try out the benefits of kratom for themselves.
2. Best for balance – Signature Reserve
Signature Reserve kratom has a particularly high Mitragynine content (1.5% or higher) making it top notch quality and a popular choice for alleviating all types of pain and tension, as well as giving a boost no matter what you are getting up to.
Pros
- Perfect balance of benefits
- High quality and super potent strain
- Website is easy to use
- Super transparent and reputable company
- Reward points scheme on website
- Reliable and consistent effects
Cons
- No info provided about strain origin/color
- They don’t offer many bundles or discounts compared to some other brands
- Not suitable for vegetarians
I find it has the perfect balance of benefits that any strain can offer; it makes me feel a little euphoric, energetic, and reduces aches and inflammation from head-to-toe.
I like to take this strain when heading out for a hike with friends, one scoop beforehand and then taking a couple of capsules along with me usually does the trick. I find it alleviates the pain in my back and healing ankle, enabling me to enjoy the company instead of quietly checking the time and wondering when I can get home to put my feet up.
Recommended for use anytime of day due to its delicate balance.
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Why Super Speciosa?
The Signature Reserve kratom by Super Speciosa is one of the strongest on the market and is exclusive and limited, so I would suggest getting in there fast if you want to give it a try.
Super Speciosa put a huge focus on the quality of all their products, and it really shows! They are transparent in their approach and use only the highest quality ingredients. Their products are finely milled and handled with care, from farm to your kitchen table.
The packaging is great and each pouch is heat-sealed to ensure freshness and minimal human contact or risk of contamination.
They are so confident in the quality of their products that they attach a QR code to every package which enables you to directly access lab certificates. They were one of the first GMP qualified retailers in the US and all products are 3rd party lab tested.
Their website allows you to shop by best sellers, form, benefits, color and strain, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.
Which products?
I just bought the Signature Reserve capsules as they are more convenient but they do also offer powder if you’re on more of a budget.
3. Best for a positive mindset – Golden Bali
Golden Bali kratom is a relaxing, optimistic and warming strain that many people find is ideal for relieving pain of all types, especially muscle tension.
Pros
- Relaxes mind and body, washing away aches and pains
- Trusted and reputable brand
- Vegetarian capsules (no gelatin)
- Easy shopping experience and great customer service
- Comes in number of weights to meet every budget
- Starter packs, bundles and even free samples available
- Rare yellow strains offer a tolerance break from more frequently used strains
Cons
- Seemed to take longer to kick in than other strains
Bali strains are the 2nd most popular on the market, praised for their ability to relax both mind and body, providing a sense of all-round peace. This yellow strain Bali is slightly rarer than other colors and is great if you’re an intermediate user looking to take a break from their usual vein colors.
I like to take this strain whilst trying to build up the motivation to get on with mundane household tasks. It relieves my back pain and leaves me feeling motivated and alert enough through the day with a little spring in my step.
Although categorized as slow and relaxing, it is pretty balanced and close to the edge of being a more moderate strain. I find it’s great at relieving tension all over my body and consistently leaves me in a great mood. I find it takes a little longer to kick in than some other strains I’ve sampled, but it did provide longevity.
Recommended for daytime use or for when you need to balance your mood. Ideal for intermediate kratom users who are looking for a positive mindset to go about their day.
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Why Happy Hippo?
The Royal Golden Bali from Happy Hippo offers the balanced and cozy high that is typically associated with yellow strains, but isn’t as slow as other Bali strains.
As mentioned previously, Happy Hippo is my trusted go-to for all things kratom (and they’ve got some top notch kava too). They provide fresh, high quality kratom that is 100% natural and additive and pesticide-free, as well as an awesome shopping experience and amazing deals.
It’s the drying and cultivation process, not the actual vein, that gives Royal Golden Bali a yellowy-golden hue and is said to alter the alkaloid content. It’s an added bonus that the yellow is rarer and therefore it enables a great hit every time, even when your receptors have built up a tolerance to green, red and white vein strains.
See first recommendation; Editors choice – Red Maeng Da, for more info on Happy Hippo.
Which products?
I would recommend the Royal Golden Bali powder if you’re short on cash, but the capsules for convenience. They also offer gummies and shots which are ideal to have on hand for when you’re out and about or in a rush, but they’re not strain specific like the powder and capsules.
4. Best for relaxing – Red Vein Borneo
Red Vein Borneo, like the name suggests, comes only from Borneo which has specific weather and soil conditions, making it unique from other strains which grow throughout asia.
Pros
- Very relaxing and a great relief from aches and pains of all kinds
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Third-party lab-tested
- Subscribe & save option as well as loyalty scheme
- Fast & free shipping over $49.99
- Discrete packaging
- Price is great, especially for the larger amounts
Cons
- Not suitable for vegetarians (gelatin capsules)
It is harvested when the leaves reach peak maturity giving it a particularly high alkaloid content, making it high quality and highly popular world wide.
Like most other red vein strains, Red Vein Borneo is deeply relaxing and popular for its benefits in relieving pain, anxiety and inducing a great night’s sleep. You may want to avoid using Red Vein Borneo if you have a lot to get on with as it can bring about such a relaxed state.
I find the Red Vein Borneo particularly great at relieving pain and lifting the weight of daily life. My Dad tried some a few times too, to help his back and joint pain, and he found it gave him immense relief. Many other reviews online praise this strain in particular for its ability to treat conditions like insomnia, chronic pain, digestive issues and anxiety.
Recommended for taking in the evening or for when your mind and body need to chill and enter a state of pure relaxation.
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Why Golden Monk?
I recommend the Red Vein Borneo from Golden Monk as I find it to be one of the most potent available and they ensure quality every time with their rigorous testing process.
Golden Monk runs 6 lab tests per ton to ensure there are no pathogens, additives and an accurate alkaloid content.
The company is audited and approved by the American Kratom Association and a platinum supporter of the organization, attempting to ensure high manufacturing standards across the board. Something which is essential to the kratom industry in general.
They also include batch numbers on each product which link to lab tests for great transparency.
There are so many positive reviews out there to back up Golden Monk, plus they offer a no-fuss money-back guarantee, in case you’re still skeptical.
Which products?
The Red Vein Borneo powder is my top choice here as it’s so smooth and once again good value for money, although they do also sell capsules for a more convenient option.
The powder is really finely ground, which makes it easy to mix into a variety of drinks. I like to get creative in my concoctions with this product – I make it in tea or mix with things like lime and soda for a more refreshing drink.
5. Best for focus – Vietnam Kratom
Vietnam kratom strains are rare and potent, grown in the magical regions of the An Giang province along the Mekong river in mineral-rich, fertile soil which provides a fantastic alkaloid content. I think they have a slightly sweeter taste and aroma than other kratom strains.
Pros
- Perfect blend of the powers of red and green vein
- Great discomfort and anxiety relief
- Daily deals are available on a variety of products & reward points for loyal customers
- Fast delivery and same day shipping when ordered before 3pm
- Easy to navigate website with various categories
- Variety packs available so you can sample a few different strains and colors
Cons
- Closed on weekends so this can slow down process if you’re ordering then
- Uncertain if the capsules are vegetarian or not
I’ve only ever tried Vietnam kratom from one brand, which offers a blend of the red and green Vietnam strains. I find it a great natural way to soothe my nerves, boost my mood and relieve daily aches and pains. With lower doses I find it improves my creativity and focus. I like a smaller dose of this strain when sitting down with something artistic or crafty as it helps me remain focused and encourages my imagination.
Other online reviews highlight that it is great for digestive issues like IBS and is generally considered easier to digest than other strains out there. Many also report benefits in easing a variety of chronic pain issues and as a major increase of cognitive abilities.
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Why Kratom Country?
The Vietnam kratom from Kratom Country pulls together the benefits of red and green strains which makes it a popular choice for those looking to alleviate discomfort and boost their mood and energy levels.
Their products are 3rd party tested, and the five-step testing process ensures that Kratom Country products are pure and 100% contaminant free.
Their kratom leaves are ethically harvested from local Southeast Asian farmers, giving back to the communities from which kratom originates. And they have a fantastic relationship with their buyers which keeps their costs down whilst providing top-notch quality products.
There is a batch ID sticker on each product which provides great transparency and enables you to check the quality of your product and be sure of what you are taking.
Their website is easy to navigate and has helpful categories like; discomfort relief, energy and euphoria, and kratom for creativity.
Kratom Country offers variety packs which are great if you want to sample a number of different strains to find what works best for you.
Which products?
The Vietnam kratom capsules from Kratom Country contain 0.6g of powder making them a great option for more experienced consumers, but once again the powder provides slightly better value for money and was my top choice of product given the relative sweetness of the Vietnam kratom.
How did we choose our winners?
Real life testing
I always keep a journal when trying new products, to monitor my pain levels, mood, and to ensure that my reviews are as accurate and fair as possible
Premium quality suppliers
When buying and taking Kratom it’s important to check the quality which is why I put a lot of time into not only sampling these products, but also checking the credentials of each brand. I looked for companies that are transparent, use the finest ingredients, get third-party lab-tested, and are fully certified.
Customer reviews
I also spent a considerable amount of time reading previous customer reviews for anecdotal information and carefully checking for any concerning feedback and to evaluate how the brand deals with customer feedback.
How to use kratom for pain
Tolerance to kratom can increase over time and people often end up increasing their dose as their tolerance goes, but this comes with its own issues and isn’t always ideal, especially if you are strapped for cash or don’t want to up your dosage.
One way you can avoid doing this is by changing the strain color you’re using from time to time. Many of us are creatures of habit and have favorites that we stick to, but if you want to keep your tolerance down it is best to rotate and sample different varieties. Strain rotation is a good way to ensure that you are always reaping maximum benefits from kratom and many find this is the best way to minimize your discomfort.
You may find it is better to use certain strains in the day for a boost and then other strains in the evening to relax, or you may decide to rotate on a weekly or fortnightly basis. It really comes down to what works for you.
How to choose the best kratom to help manage your pain?
Unfortunately, what works really well for me might not have exactly the same effects for you, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the exact results you’re looking for on your first try. Everyone has a different chemical make-up and pain can manifest in many different ways so there may be an element of trial and error when it comes to finding the right strain to manage your pain.
When I was new to kratom, I stuck to buying smaller amounts of different strains and took advantage of bundled discounts when I could get them, so I could try as many different strains as possible. I still enjoy trying new strains and products today and continue learning more about how the different strains affect me, depending on my mood and disposition on any given day..
If you want to experience some of the many benefits that can be enjoyed in the natural powers of kratom, sourcing from a trusted buyer is essential. Our health is the most important thing we have, so don’t take chances by buying kratom from a brand that’s not fully certified and registered with the American Kratom Association. Stick with brands you know you can trust – like the ones I’ve recommended here!
