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Today, we explore two lesser-known red kratom strains – Red Dragon and Red Kali. The former is not an actual traditional strain but a blend of two popular red strains, and the latter is known for its mild, predictable, and relaxing effects. What each person finds desirous in a red variety may find each of these unique and more suited to their needs based on what those specific needs may be. So, without further ado, let’s explore the potential benefits, effects, and characteristics of each so you can hopefully factor these into your decision.
Quick Comparison of Red Dragon & Kali
| Red Dragon | Red Kali | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Parts of Indonesia & Thailand | West Kalimantan - Borneo, Indonesia |
| Alkaloid Composition | Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as the major alkaloids, with 45 others | More than 2 dozen alkaloids, the dominating ones being mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine |
| Potential Benefits & Effects | Calm Energy, Relaxation & Mental Clarity | Relaxation, Sedation & Reduced Tensions |
| Best For | Those who want a stronger red with less potential sedation for daytime of evenings | Those who want a reliable red strain with potential relaxing and sedating effects more suited for evenings and nights. |
Red Dragon: Characteristics & Effects
In contrast to other strains, Red Dragon isn’t an actual strain but rather a blend of two popular red strains, Red Maeng Da and Red Elephant. Because it’s a blend of two potent red varieties, it shares some of the potential effects of each and has a more broad alkaloid profile.
Red Maeng Da, known as an energetic red, has more potential energy benefits than some of the popular Red varieties like Bali and Borneo. People are often drawn to Red MD because it is often said to be suitable for daytime and evenings, whereas many of the other Reds are generally more suited for evening and nighttime. Those who don’t like to be too potentially sedated or overly relaxed to the point of wanting just to hit the couch may choose Red Maeng Da.
On the other hand, the Red Elephant, known visually for its large leaves (hence the name “Elephant”), is known to be more deeply relaxing and calming with less potential energy effects than Red Maeng Da. Although not as popular or well-known as strains like Bali, Maeng Da, and Borneo, Elephant varieties have grown in popularity recently due to their dependable yet prominent alkaloid profiles.
The combo of Red Maeng Da and Elephant sets the stage for Red Dragon to have both a robust and versatile range of potential effects. While mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the most dominant alakloids, composing 60% and 1.5%, respectively, the Red Dragon strain has a wide mix of up to 45 other alkaloids, including speciogynine, ajmalicine, corynantheidine, and mitraciliatine, all of which may contribute in part to the overall potential benefits for the Red Dragon strain.
Because Red Dragon is a blend of the two aforementioned strains, each vendor may mix it slightly differently. However, mixes of 50/50 are common, as well as 60/40, of either Maeng Da and Elephant or vice versa.
Exploring the Possible Benefits of Red Dragon
- Calm Energy: Due to the Red Maeng Da in Red Dragon, the strain might lead to a calm energy
- Relaxation: The Red Elephant in Red Dragon may help blend and enhance the potential relaxation effects of the strain
- Feelings of Well-being: The combo of the two strains may lead to a potential mood boost and temporary feelings of well-being
- Mental Clarity: Red Dragon’s combination of calm energy and relaxation enhancement might improve mental clarity in some ways.
Red Dragon Kratom Dosage
The dosage of Red Dragon, compared to Red Elephant, is pretty similar. This is because the dominant primary alkaloids are present in each of them and follow the same general guidelines. Start with a lower test dose of under 1 gram if it is your first time trying Red Dragon.
| Classification | Amount in Grams | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 1 to 2 grams | Potential increase in calm energy effects |
| Moderate | 3 to 4 grams | At this range one might feel a potential subtle energy with increases in relaxation |
| High | Above 5 grams | This range is generally not recommended due to increases in side effect risk and habit-formation |
Red Kali Kratom: Origins & Qualities
Red Kali takes its name from the West Kalimantan province, which is part of the large area of Borneo Island in Indonesia. Borneo Island is home to many kratom strains due to its favorable climate and kratom-tree-friendly plants. The Kali strain differs slightly in alkaloid composition and qualities from some of the other strains found naturally or cultivated on the Island.
In general, Red Kali is considered a milder strain, although one that many people have grown to love. It generally leans more towards relaxation and sedation when compared to Red Dragon, with less potential “in-your-face effects.” Users often like it for its predictable and mild potential effects, leaning towards relaxation and potentially being more suited for relaxing evening and nighttime routines.
There are over two dozen potential alkaloids in the Red Kali strain, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine leading the way in terms of main composition and driving the majority of the potential benefits. Some other alkaloids may include speciociliatine, mitraciliatine, and tetrahydroalstonine.
Possible Benefits & Effects of Red Kali
- Relaxation: Red Kali is known to offer potential relaxation at low and mid-range dosages
- Sedation: Some might experience some mild sedation in mid to high-range dosages
- Reduced Tension: Red Kali might temporarily reduce mental and physical tensions in some.
Red Kali Kratom Dosage
As with Red Dragon kratom, the dosage of this strain is similar, as well as the same recommendations. If new to the strain, make sure to try a test dose of under 1 gram first before proceeding to the higher ranges, and always stay below the recommended.
| Classification | Amount in grams | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 1 to 2 grams | This range might provide subtle relaxation |
| Moderate | 3 to 4 grams | The relaxation and calming effects along with sedation might appear in this range. Increased risk of side effects. |
| High | Above 5 grams | This range and above is not recommended due to the increase in side effect risk. |
Understanding The Risks & Side Effects of Kratom
Both Red Dragon and Kali have a range of side effects and risks to be aware of due to the two primary alkaloids, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Other alkaloids may also contribute to side effects and safety considerations. Below, we list some of the most common side effects of either strain and make sure to read on about some of the other important safety considerations to be aware of.
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea, vertigo and vomiting
- Stomach or GI discomfort
- Constipation
- Lethargy or feeling weak
- Excessive stimulation
- Eye wobbles
- Sweating
- Sudden Blood pressure changes
- Mood swings
- Tolerance & habit formation
Above is the list of the most common side effects, but the risk of rare but serious side effects needs to be considered and discussed with your doctor prior to using either. The majority of the severe side effects have involved mixing kratom strains or products with certain medications, drugs, or substances, and also in those with pre-existing health conditions; however, regardless, these risks should still be discussed with a knowledgeable medical professional.
The FDA has issued a warning to the public not to use kratom strains or products like Red Dragon or Red Kali due to concerns over safety as well as abuse. Both strains may be habit-forming due in large part to the presence of the primary alkaloids. Habit formation happens when a physical and mental dependence develops after repeated exposure to the primary alkaloids found within kratom. Therefore, discussing this risk with your doctor prior and avoiding daily as well as heavy dosages are all highly recommended.
