The Best Kratom for Anxiety Relief

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves have been used for centuries to relieve pain and boost mood; its main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to opioid receptors and can be sedative, analgesic and mood enhancing.

Products are sold by vein color and origin: reds and many greens are more relaxing (reds for anxiety and sleep), whites are more stimulating and greens are balanced and jitter free. There’s no one “best” strain for anxiety but calming, mood supporting options like Green Malay and Red Bali are popular; the full article then profiles 9 popular strains with their benefits, dosing and popularity.

1. Red Bali Kratom

Red Bali kratom comes from mature Mitragyna leaves in Bali, Indonesia. It is one of the most widely known red vein strains. Historically, local healers used Red Bali to ease physical discomfort and stress. Its leaves are dried to a deep red color, concentrating alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. The high alkaloid content makes Red Bali a potent relaxant.

2. Red Maeng Da Kratom

Red Maeng Da is a high-potency red strain originally from Thailand (also grown in Indonesia/Malaysia). “Maeng Da” means “pimp grade” in Thai, indicating its strength. It is considered one of the strongest red kratom strains available. Red Maeng Da leaves are harvested carefully to maximize alkaloids.

3. Red Borneo Kratom

Red Borneo kratom comes from Borneo’s red-veined leaves. It is known for its very gentle and mellow relaxation. Unlike some aggressive reds, Red Borneo eases tension without heavy sedation, making it a favorite for stress reduction without total tiredness.

4. Red Thai Kratom

Red Thai kratom originates from Thailand and is another widely used red strain. It is known for providing mild relaxation and a gentle mood lift without being overly sedating.

5. Green Malay Kratom

Green Malay is a green vein strain from Malaysia. It is prized for its long-lasting balanced effects. Green Malay’s alkaloid profile provides a mild energy boost along with mood enhancement, making it stand out among green strains.

6. Green Maeng Da Kratom

Green Maeng Da is a potent green strain (produced mainly in Indonesia). It is essentially the green-vened counterpart to Red Maeng Da, known for strong, long-lasting effects.

7. Green Borneo Kratom

Green Borneo comes from Malaysian/Indonesian Borneo leaves. It’s known for offering a balanced mix of energy and relaxation. Green Borneo is popular for its reliability and consistent effects.

8. White Maeng Da Kratom

White Maeng Da is a powerful white-vein strain, similar in lineage to the red and green Maeng Da varieties. White strains are harvested from young leaves and offer strong stimulating effects. White Maeng Da, in particular, is famous for its long-lasting energy boost and mental clarity

9. Yellow Bali (Gold Bali) Kratom

Yellow kratom strains (sometimes called Gold) are processed leaves (often Bali) that undergo a special drying/fermentation. Yellow Bali is essentially Bali kratom that is dried slowly and sometimes fermented, giving it a unique profile. Many consumers report it feels somewhere between red and green veins

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for kratom to relieve anxiety?

Kratom usually acts fast: on an empty stomach it can kick in within 5–15 minutes, peak at 30–60 minutes, and last about 2–5 hours. Anxiety relief often starts 10–30 minutes after a typical dose and lingers for several hours; always wait at least 1 hour before considering another dose, as timing varies by person and amount.

What works better for anxiety: kratom or kava?

Kava and kratom both promote relaxation but work through different pathways and are used for different goals. Kava’s kavalactones act on GABA receptors, creating a gentle, calming sedation that makes it better suited for pure anxiety relief. Kratom’s alkaloids act on opioid receptors and can be stimulating or sedating depending on dose; it’s more often used for pain relief, energy, and mood enhancement rather than targeted anxiety reduction.

What kratom is best for anxiety?

• Red Bali — deeply calming/sedating; great for evening anxiety. Dose: ~1–2 g (beginners), 2–4 g relax, 4–6 g strong.
• Red Maeng Da — clear-headed calm at low–moderate doses; good when pain + anxiety overlap. Dose: 1–2 g low, 3–5 g deeper.
• Green Malay — calm focus + mood lift; indirect anxiety relief without sedation. Dose: 1–2 g start, 3–5 g balanced.
• Green Maeng Da — energizing; for anxiety keep it conservative to avoid jitters. Dose: 1–2 g low, 2–4 g common.
• White Maeng Da — very stimulating; only micro-doses for anxiety (may worsen at higher). Dose: ≤1 g cautious, 2–4 g energizing.

Which kratom strain is most euphoric?

Among kratom varieties, white-vein strains (like White Maeng Da, White Malay) are commonly regarded as the most energizing and euphoric. They boost dopamine and adrenaline, often inducing a strong sense of well-being and alertness at low doses.

Red and Green Maeng Da can also be quite euphoric in moderate doses. As one source notes, low doses of kratom in general can produce euphoric effects comparable to mild stimulants. However, “euphoria” varies by person. In any case, if someone’s focus is solely on euphoria or energy (rather than sedation), a potent white or “maeng da” strain is often chosen.

Does kratom help mood in addition to anxiety?

Many users report that kratom can temporarily boost mood and motivation, with anecdotes attributing this to effects on serotonin and dopamine. Strains praised for both anxiety relief and mood enhancement—notably Green Malay—are often cited as top picks. That said, responses vary widely, evidence is largely anecdotal, and kratom shouldn’t replace professional treatment for mood disorders.