Red Indo is one of those strains that almost every kratom vendor carries. With it so widely available, what does this mean in terms of popularity and potential benefits and effects? While the Indo strain is not mentioned as much as more popular strains like Maeng Da, Bali, Borneo, and Malay, it has some great subtleties, qualities, and features that have kept it a desirous strain for many fans.
In this guide, we’ll review just what Red Indo is all about, its nuances, alkaloids, and why people might choose this one over another red strain. So stay tuned as we explore everything that the famous Red Indo has to offer.
Red Indo kratom is one of the original and classical strains alongside Maeng Da, Bali, Borneo, Malay, and Sumatra. Although less popular than the first four in that list, Indo varieties have still found longstanding popularity due to their stable, predictable, and particular aroma.
As you may have guessed, the name “Indo” comes from Indonesia, from where the strain originated. While some strains like Borneo or Bali are named after Islands in Indonesia, and other strains are named after more specific areas (ex., Hulu Kapuas, Kali, etc.), the Indo strain adopted its name from the whole country of Indonesia. Like many of the strains found in Indonesia, they are now widely cultivated in various parts of Indonesia, and their names signify their original place of origin or certain physical features.
The Indo strain has three vein color varieties: red, green, and white. The vein colors of the Indo strain are determined by when the leaves are harvested off the trees, with White Indo being harvested the soonest, green in the middle, and Red Indo having the most mature leaves. The vein color and leaf harvest time of the Indo strain (and other kratom varieties) affect the resultant alkaloid profile and potential effects.
Red Indo, the most popular of the three color varieties, has effects that potentially stabilize calming and relaxation, well-being enhancement, and possible light to mild sedation in the larger ranges.
In terms of alkaloids, Red Indo contains the primary ones found in all kratom, with over half of the content containing 50% or more of mitragynine and around 1.5-2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is up to 30 times more potent than mitragynine. Over three dozen other alkaloids may exist and possibly combine to produce the total effects, including mitraciliatine, speciociliatine, and speciogynine, just to name a few.
Red Indo is certainly a milder strain than some of the more potentially potent ones, like Red Maeng Da, known for its calming energy, and Red Bali, known for its strong potential relaxation and sedation. Being slightly milder, Red Indo compares similarly to Red Borneo and Sumatra. One thing it also shares with the aforementioned two is its potential ability to have a slightly longer duration, possibly exceeding 5 hours or more in some cases compared to 4 hours or less for some of the stronger strains mentioned.
People have learned to appreciate Red Indo for its mildly inducing calming effects that help potentially melt physical and mental tensions away in the lower dosage ranges and may offer calming sedation at a higher range, akin to wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. For these reasons, Red Indo is considered more suitable as an evening or nighttime strain.
Red Indo might also lift your mood, although if you want something more potent in this area, it is recommended to stick with Indo’s brother, Green Indo, which might have more prominent effects.
Even though Red Indo is potentially milder and less potent than its neighboring strains, there are still side effects users should be aware of with this variety.
| Side Effect | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | It can range from mild discomfort to severe nausea, especially with higher doses or individual sensitivity. | Start with lower doses and adjust gradually based on tolerance and response. |
| Dizziness | Feeling unsteady or as if everything is spinning, potentially impacting daily activities. | Reduce dose or discontinue. Maintain proper hydration. |
| Changes in Bowel Movement | Alterations in frequency and comfort of bowel movements. | Maintain regular physical activity and hydration. |
| Headaches | It may occur in some individuals. | Lower dosage or discontinue and maintain proper hydration levels. |
| Drowsiness | It can impact alertness and energy levels. | Adjust dosage or discontinue. |
| Stomach Ache/GI Discomfort | Includes general discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. | Consider dietary adjustments and smaller, more frequent meals. |
| Constipation | A common issue with Mitragyna Speciosa. | Increase fiber intake and stay hydrated. |
| Sweating | Excessive sweating is not related to physical exertion. | Maintain a cool environment and adequate hydration. |
| Irritability/Mood Changes | Shifts in mood or increased irritability. | Be aware of changes and consider consulting a healthcare professional if severe. |
| Changes in Blood Pressure | May experience fluctuations in blood pressure. | Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially if pre-existing conditions are present. |
| “Eye Wobbles” | A specific sensation of difficulty focusing the eyes leads to discomfort. | Reduce dosage or discontinue use if persistent. |
| Vomiting | Severe nausea can lead to vomiting, especially at higher doses. | Start with lower doses and consider discontinuing if the issue persists. |
| Tolerance/Habit Formation | Increasing tolerance levels leads to higher consumption and potential habit formation. | Maintain periodic breaks in usage to prevent tolerance build-up. |
Above are the most common side effects listed; however, it is imperative that people who plan to use Red Indo read and understand the FDA warnings about kratom strains. Also, although the risk of more serious side effects is pretty rare and usually involves the mixing of kratom strains like Red Indo with other substances (prescriptions, drugs, etc), it is essential to be aware of this.
Those with certain health conditions could also be at a greater increased risk of serious side effects. For these reasons, it is important to discuss kratom with your doctor before deciding to add it to your regimen.
Kratom can also be habit-forming, which could lead to tolerance as well as mental and physical dependency. It is important to avoid daily use and higher doses to reduce the risk of habit formation.
Red Indo dosages are similar to other strains due to the levels of its primary alkaloids. One should always try to find the lowest effective dose and avoid using higher dosage ranges and daily use to help keep tolerance at bay. You should also be aware that a test dose of less than 1 gram is ideal for first-time users of Red Indo. A test dose will allow you to see how you react before going to a higher dose.
| Beginner Dose | Moderate Dose | Higher Dose (Not Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 grams | 3 to 6 grams | More than 6 grams |
| Might provide subtle calming effects | Might offer higher levels of relaxation and sedation. May boost feels of well-being and reduce tensions | More intense sedative effects, possibly increasing the risks, and therefore should be avoided |
If you are a beginner to red strains, then Red Indo is recommended more than a potentially stronger, more sedating strain like Red Bali. Red Indo is not as strong as the latter and could be a great entrance point. On the flip side, experienced users of red kratom strains have also come to appreciate this one due to its predictable, dependable, and longer-lasting effects.
It could perhaps be a good strain for just winding down in the evenings, kicking your feet up, and relaxing at day’s end. People who desire this experience but don’t want anything too intense may be drawn to Red Indo.
On the other hand if you are looking for something more energetic, then go for a white or green strain, and if you want a strain with a stronger mood boost, then Green Indo might be more suitable.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not 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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