After some time scouring the kratom market, it’s easy to see that there’s a whole lot more that goes into choosing a variety than meets the eye. No, it’s not just some big-name game. All of those funky names mean something, and each choice is going to be different from the last. So if you just weren’t satisfied with the kratom strain you purchased last time, maybe you should really consider what those names mean. And today, we’re looking into two kratom varieties that are almost always pitted against each other — white Borneo vs. white Maeng Da. How are they similar, and what makes them different? Find out here.
What Makes Kratom Varieties Different?
Some people say that kratom strains and varieties are a mere ploy devised by big businesses to make a buck off of people’s inclination towards making choices. But understanding how botany works should tell you there’s a whole lot more to these kratom strains than just being some major money-making scheme. Consider an herb that’s grown in a pot on a windowsill, versus the same kind of herb growing in the open air and sunlight in the garden. No doubt, both plants stand the chance to survive. But the one growing outdoors might grow bigger leaves with a stronger flavor and aroma. It’s all a matter of location.
The same goes for kratom plants. Depending on where they’re grown, they tend to showcase slight changes in morphology and chemistry. So a kratom plant that’s cultivated in Thailand might be a little different from those that are grown and harvested in Indonesia. And that’s precisely how all of these strains come to exist.
The Borneo Kratom Strain
Native to the island of Borneo, the Borneo kratom strain is one of the most abundant in alkaloids. Borneo itself is home to rich biodiversity that makes it possible for the plant to absorb and obtain a bounty of micronutrients from the soil. And the location’s tropical climate ensures that the kratom plants growing on the island get sufficient humidity, moisture, and sunlight to support alkaloid production in their leaves.
There are different regions on the Borneo island, but usually, Borneo kratom comes from any part of the island outside of Kalimantan, which is home to its own kratom variety. Its effects may vary from person to person, but in general, it may be able to imbue your system with these benefits:
- Alleviate physical discomfort and soreness
- Reduce stress levels
- Longer attention span
- Increase motivation and drive
- General sense of well-being
According to some accounts, Borneo might also help to increase a person’s libido. However, these claims seem to be subjective. As for white Borneo, effects tend to be more elevated and energetic, laced with mood-enhancing effects due to the white vein’s more vigorous chemistry.
The Maeng Da Kratom Strain
Maeng Da (which literally translates to ‘pimp grade’) is considered the holy grail of kratom strains. This variety is an energy-giving variety that’s allegedly more powerful and potent than any other strain available. The reason for that is Maeng Da isn’t necessarily a ‘natural’ variety of kratom. Some experts surmise that the original Maeng Da Thailand where cultivators grafted together different varieties of kratom to produce a new strain. This Frankenstein’s kratom has since been naturalized in almost every part of Southeast Asia, making it quite a common commodity.
In terms of effects, Maeng Da is definitely a powerhouse of energy and sheer potency. And while the Maeng Da experience may vary from person to person, you might expect some of these effects when you give the variety a try:
- Increase energy levels
- Elevate and enhance mood
- Increase productivity and drive
- Heighten physical capabilities
- Improve sociability
White Maeng Da brings all of these effects to a much higher degree. That’s why if you were planning to give the herb a try, ensure to maintain a slow starting dose. This helps to moderate the variety’s strong effects, especially since its effects can quickly kick in.
Which One Should You Try: White Borneo vs. White Maeng Da
That really depends on what you’re looking for. Altogether, both of these herbs deliver similar effects in that they both invigorate and energize their users. But with slight tweaks to the overall experience they provide, it pays to know what you really need. So if you were hoping to get a more focused, targeted kick of energy that aids in productivity, definitely get yourself a dose of Borneo. But if you were looking to enjoy your time, max out your gains at the gym, or just get in a better mood than you usually do, then white Maeng Da should be the better choice.
Now, ready to go kratom shopping? Keep these tidbits of information in mind, and you should be able to find the best kratom strain every time you head out to find your next strain.