The world of kratom can feel overwhelming when you’re first exploring, especially with so many strains offering a potential for differing effects. How do you know which one suits your needs best as a beginner or even a novice user?
In this post, we’ll look at two red vein varieties – Red Dragon and Red Borneo. Our goal is to uncover the details about these two, such as their potential benefits, origins, potential risks, cons, and dosage guidelines. This info might help determine which one jives better with your preferences and goals.
Red Dragon is a newly popular red vein blend praised for its distinctive effects among kratom fans. Dragon varieties are not actually a specific strain but rather a blend of two strains – Maeng Da and Elephant. In the case of Red Dragon, the blend consists of Red Maeng Da and Elephant leaves.
Both Red Maeng Da and Red Elephant are both popular varieties that have gained lots of traction in recent years. Red Maeng Da originated from Thailand and was born through a process called grafting (a specific breeding method of combining the clippings of two strains to make a new one). Red Elephant gets its name from the large-shaped leaves (which some say resemble elephant ears.
As a blend, Red Dragon contains a mix of alkaloids from both Red Maeng Da and Elephant. It is believed that the red variety contains over 3 dozen alkaloids – namely, the two primary one, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as well as a number of secondary alkaloids like speciociliatine, speciogynine and paynantheine.
In terms of effects, Red Dragon is said to offer a potential for calming energy, relaxation and mood boosts.
Red Borneo is another top red vein strain, deeply loved for its potential soothing and tranquil abilities. This one hails from Borneo Island in the lush Indonesian landscape. Thanks to the tropical climate, rich soil, high rainfall and humidity there, kratom trees thrive. Red Borneo and other Borneo color varieties are classic strains, and carry a popularity and dependability known by many.
Red Borneo differs from Green and White Borneo, even though they come from the same strains. The color variety is determined by the feint color in the veins of the leaves, which are a result of when the leaves are harvested. White Borneo is harvested when the leaves are least mature, and Red Borneo is picked at the latest stage while the leaves are very mature, and Green Borneo leaves are harvested between White and Red. The color of the leaf veins and the time in which they are picked is believed to influence the alkaloid profile.
These alkaloids include mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and dozens of other alkaloids, together responsible for this potential strain’s mellowing reputation.
Red Borneo is most popular for potentially relaxing the mind and body. It is also known to be a potentially longer-acting strain with more dependable and less intense effects. In addition to its calming qualities, some say Red Borneo potentially uplifts mood. Others mention this strain’s potential to potentially enhance attention, focus and clarity.
Red Dragon and Red Borneo each offer potential upsides. However, specific benefits can differ from person to person and may not be guaranteed. Here’s what many users have reported experiencing:
Before considering possible upsides, it’s essential to understand the common side effects to watch for:
It’s vital to be aware of potential reactions with kratom use. Some might experience other side effects, including rare and severe side effects, so it is essential to review with your doctor before using either strain. Additionally, the FDA has issued warnings for the public to avoid using any kratom product based on possible adverse effects, regardless of dosage. Consulting a doctor before trying kratom is essential, especially if taking medications or having health conditions that could increase the risk of severe adverse effects or interactions.
In addition to the above, one should consider that Red Dragon and Borneo could be habit-forming and could lead to dependency and withdrawal if used over the long term. This should also be discussed with a medical professional.
| Beginner Dose | Moderate Dose | Not Recommended |
| 1 to 2 grams - May offer subtle effects. It may provide a gentle introduction to the strain. | 2 to 3 grams - It may provide a balanced experience. Possibility to increase relaxation and calm. | 3 to 5 grams - It may increase relaxation and possible sedative effects. This range may increase risk of adverse effects. |
| Beginner Dose | Moderate Dose | Not Recommended |
| 1 to 2 grams - It may offer a mild experience. Possibility for calming and relaxation | 2 to 3 grams - It may produce a moderate experience. Possible increase in relaxing and calming effects | 3 to 5 grams - It might induce relaxation with some possible sedation. Higher dosages might increase the risk of adverse effects. |
Starting slowly with any new kratom strain allows for properly evaluating your body’s response before gradually increasing if desired. A good rule of thumb is to start under 1 gram of Red Borneo or Dragon to asses this before increasing.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed nor intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.
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