You’re looking for that extra edge to perform better, feel better, unblock creativity, and enter zones of attention, focus, and relaxation. In other words, you want to improve your productivity.
You want to enter that state of productivity where hours go by in your peak state, where time seems to both slow down and speed down, a euphoric period often called flow state.
Want to skip ahead? Here are the best kratom strains and products for productivity.
Green Maeng Da (Best Powder Option)
Hush Kratom Energy Shot (Best Option for Energy)
Of course, there are many ways to get there. But is kratom one of them?
What Is Kratom?
The kratom tree, mitragyna speciosa, is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, including nations like Thailand and Indonesia. Kratom leaves contain potent alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) as well as flavonoids that have been used by locals for generations to improve energy, induce euphoria, and heighten focus.
More recently, this herb has become popular in the United States and other countries thanks to its stimulating and euphoric effects.
Is Kratom an Effective Nootropic for Improving Your Productivity and Creativity?
Let’s begin with the history of this herb.
As outlined in this 2015 review, while kratom today has gained footing for recreational use, its historical and traditional use as a work and productivity agent.
The study writes, Kratom has been “used traditionally to combat fatigue and improve work productivity among farm populations.”
That gets us to the first way that kratom may support productivity
Delay Work Fatigue
Because kratom at lower doses often gives a boost of energy, you can follow along with the use of traditional culture and use a small amount of kratom to prolong your work, flow, and productivity session.
For similar reasons, kratom as a pre-workout has become more popular.
Heighten Creativity
The science of creativity is something we still don’t have a full grip on. However, recreational kratom users have shared at length about the euphoria and altered state of mind that kratom provides.
The alkaloids in kratom border on the properties of a psychoactive drug. While this property is partly what makes kratom so controversial, it’s also why some claim it’s so perfect for creativity.
Whether for that big business idea, the creative essay you’re working on, or any other creative endeavor, kratom may be able to give you fresh ideas and a fresh perspective.
A Rare Combination of Relaxation + Alertness
Another well-documented feeling among kratom users is a sense of relaxation along with being alert and focused.
Yes, both kratom and coffee (caffeine) seem to improve energy levels, but kratom user report the energy of kratom as much more smooth and less jittery.
If this is the type of energy boost you’re looking for, then kratom may be worth a try. If you’re looking to be wired to the moon, there’s this great drink called coffee which will get you there.
All of this makes kratom, when you choose the right strain, a product that may be ideal for certain zones of productivity.
For Physical Productivity: Pain Relief
Finally, if you’re looking for physical productivity like its original users, but chronic pain holds you back, then kratom will also support with that. However, for the most part, we’re focused on cognitive productivity.
What’s the Best Strain of Kratom for Productivity
Of course, not all kratom is created equal. First, most kratom out there doesn’t have much regulation, which means you should look for third-party tested, American Kratom Association-approved vendors.
On our list, we take this further and look at brands with some of the most transparent manufacturing on the market.
So first, the best strain of kratom is one that’s verified for purity. Choosing a high-quality strain from a proven vendor is a must with kratom because of its lack of regulation.
For Productivity, Choose Green and White Strains
White strains typically contain the highest levels of mitragynine compared to 7-HMG. Green tends to be in the middle, however many green strains contain a bit of white kratom as well. Red strains make the least sense for productivity. That’s because they have higher levels of 7-HMG, which, anecdotally, has more of a sedative effect. Typically, that’s not what you want when you’re trying to perform your best.
Kratom extracts also provide some of the best options for productivity, because, aside from the convenience, can contain other ingredients. We will highlight a few of these on our list.
While you’ll see tons of brands claim their specific strain is superior, the reality is it comes down to alkaloid content and percentage. This varies from batch to batch of the same strain, which is another reason why it’s important to select a product with transparency.
Best Kratom Products for Productivity
Now that we know we should look for green strains, white strains, and extracts, let’s get into the best kratom strains and extract products that you can try to do and improve your energy, focus, and output.
1) Green Maeng Da Powder (best powder option)
Maeng Da kratom strains are a favorite among veteran kratom users. It tends to be one of the strongest overall, with some of the highest concentration of alkaloids.
This one is a blend of Green Vein powder (80%) and White Vein powder (20%).
This particular Green Maeng Da strain from Viable stands out because of its strength. It’s sourced and imported directly from the southern part of Borneo, one of the largest islands in Indonesia.
It usually tests between 1% to 1.4% Mitragynine, so you’ll get a strong kick from this proven potent strain. Since it’s mostly green though, you won’t get that full “wired” energy effect, but enough of white to give you a jolt.
Why Viable? First, let’s be clear that there are many great brands out there. However, Viable stands out because of their commitment to transparency and longevity. They’ve been around for over a decade, well before brands popped up everywhere to join the kratom cold rush.
Transparency is one of their core values, which is why every Viable Kratom product comes with a QR code you can scan to view the lab results.
Each batch is tested to meet the American Herbal Product Association Testing Requirements for Botanical Products. You can’t beat this commitment to quality.
Powders are a great place to start because they’re inexpensive. If you’re worried about stomaching the not-so-great tasting kratom powder, then Viable also has their strains in capsules.
For its purity, simplicity, and effectiveness, Viable Green Maeng Da Kratom is our #1 pick.
2) Hush Kratom Energy Shot
For #2 on our list, we turn to a clean extract product that includes 65mg of mitragynine along with 80mg of caffeine.
If you’re entering a workflow session, the benefit of the caffeine is obvious: you’ll get an extra kick of energy and jolt of focus.
Keep in mind, you won’t get too wired with this. 80mg of all-natural caffeine is about two-thirds of a typical cup of coffee.
Another benefit of extracts is you get a consistent dose every time. In contrast, powders will give a slightly different experience, which is why top brands display the results of every batch. Because this is an extract, you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of consuming dry leaves. It’s a shot that comes in a smooth orange flavor and is easy to get down.
Hush Kratom is one of top extract brands out there. It’s another proven company with a long track record that’s GMP-certified and third-party tested. Hush uses a cold-extraction process to get the most out of the alkaloids without damaging the delicate chemical structure.
3) OPMS Gold Capsules
Kratom capsules obviously have the added convenience. However, this extract capsule from OPMS gives you a stronger kratom experience in just a single capsule. In fact, every capsule contains 84mg of mitragynine.
This product is NOT for beginners or first-time users. However, if you’re an experienced kratom user looking to get a good euphoria boost to send off into a deep zone of thinking and brainstorming, this is a great option.
If you’re working through more menial tasks, or using it for physical creativity, go with an option that isn’t as strong.
Again, OPMS has a long track record and strict third-party lab testing. They’re GMP-certified.
4) White Maeng Da Powder
If you’re looking for a more energizing strain, then White Maeng Da from Viable is a great option. As mentioned, white strains tend to give more of an energy boost than green and red strains. This one might send your energy through the roof of your workspace.
This strain contains both White Vein (70%) and Green Vein (30%). Just like all of Viable’s strains, each batch reaches 1% to 1.4% Mitragynine.
Transparency is one of their core values, which is why every Viable Kratom product comes with a QR code you can scan to view the lab results.
Each batch is tested to meet the American Herbal Product Association Testing Requirements for Botanical Products. You can’t beat this commitment to quality.
Again, powders aren’t as convenient as extracts, but they tend to be less expensive, which is the case with this product. If you’re looking for convenience with this strain, it’s also available in capsules.
5) Hush Kratom Ultra Shot (best for beginners)
For those who want a simple, smooth extract shot without the extra caffeine, Hush’s Ultra Shot is a great option.
In contrast to powders and many stronger extracts, we recommend this to beginners because it has a more modest strength and better taste. Its lemon-lime flavor is among the best you’ll find for kratom products.
Also remember that for productivity and alertness, you don’t want a mega dose of kratom. If you’re a beginner, something like the OPMS capsules might be too much.
Hush Kratom is one of top extract brands out there. It’s another proven company with a long track record that’s GMP-certified and third-party tested. Hush uses a cold-extraction process to get the most out of the alkaloids without damaging the delicate chemical structure.
If you’re a beginner, you can split this up into 2 or 3 doses.
Key Considerations When Using Kratom for Productivity
Regardless of what product you choose, if you want to use kratom to maximize your productivity and get more stuff done, you’ll want to follow a few guidelines.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Kratom causes you to lose fluids. This is one of the negative side effects. The good news is the solution is really simple. You just need to drink a lot of water when you take kratom. Ideally, hydrate before you take kratom and after.
You’ll also want to include electrolytes, like sodium and potassium in some of your water. This could be a pitch of sea salt or an electrolyte supplement. Regardless, make sure you’re checking your hydration box.
You Build a Tolerance, So Plan on Cycling
Like many substances, including caffeine, you can build a tolerance to kratom. This means, in order to get the same effect as you did the first time, you’ll need to take more and more.
This is a well-documented aspect and risk of kratom. Kratom has addictive properties, so you want to make sure you’re not always increasing your dose. Not only will it make it less effective, it could also lead to side effects and withdrawals if you stop.
For productivity, plan on taking once or twice a week as a rule of thumb. On the other days, maybe you’ll lean on caffeine, or a nootropic, or maybe you’ll find you don’t need anything.
Kratom sparks you into a different frame of mind, but will be less powerful if you always try to enter it.
You may also use kratom if you’re trying to cycle off of caffeine. Caffeine withdrawals can be brutal, and the energy boost of kratom can help you out.
What’s The Best Dose of Kratom For Productivity?
If productivity is your goal, you’ll want to start with a modest dose. At higher doses, kratom can have sedative effects. Especially if you’re newer to kratom, you’ll want to start with a moderate dose.
For plain leaf kratom, start with 1-3 grams. If you’re an experienced user, you may be able to go up to 5 grams. Beyond that, you might get a sedative, loopy effect. If you’re unsure, start with low doses.
If you’re taking an extract, start with half or even a third of the bottle if you’re new to kratom.
This went into consideration when selecting products for this list. With the exception of the OPMS capsules, it’s easy to take a lighter dose.
FAQ
Can I use White Vein Kratom for Productivity?
Yes, but you’ll get more of an energy kick than a green vein kratom. It’s on our list, but not our top choice.
You know yourself best. If for your work sessions and creative flow you prefer more of an upper, go with a white strain.
Can I Use Red Vein Kratom for Productivity?
This makes less sense because red kratom tends to have more of a sedative effect. Given that there’s not a clear upside of red vein kratom for productivity over other strains, we recommend others.
That said, if you want to use kratom for sleep, red strains are the most popular option.
What Is The Mechanism for Kratom?
Both the incredible potential and heightened controversy of kratom comes from its mechanism. The alkaloids attach to receptors called the opioid receptors, named so because opioids also also to these receptors.
This explains why thousands have used kratom to get rid of an opioid addiction. It also explains, however, why we can’t use kratom without a plan. While clearly no where near as strong as opioids, and with seemingly many different effects, kratom can be addicting. Many have reported about the challenges of kratom withdrawals.
What Else is Kratom Used For? What Are Other Common Effects of Kratom?
The most common uses include pain relief and dealing with chronic pain (again, thanks to the fact that it attaches to the opioid receptors.)
Some claim it supports their mental health and well-being as well, however this hasn’t been documented extensively in the literature. It does seem to support mood enhancement and induce euphoria. That said, there are some case studies that acutely support it.
For red strains and at higher doses, it can help people sleep. This is a common use case for those with chronic pain, since pain wakes people up at night.
Green and white strains are used to improve energy and focus.
Can I Use Any Variety of Kratom?
Yes! Lots of kratom users will vary between different color strains, as well as plain leaf and extracts. As mentioned, some types of kratom are better for different types of productivity sessions, or just use cases in general.
Lots of quality kratom brands offer sample packs, including Viable, so you can try a bunch.
What Are The Common Side Effects of Kratom?
We already mentioned that you might lose water, so you’ll need to hydrate. Another common side effect is constipation and GI distress. This is partially because of the alkaloids, and partially because it’s a dried leaf that isn’t easy on the stomach. If you have a weak stomach, extracts will be the better choice for you.
What’s The Best Kratom Brand?
There are lots of reputable brands out there, so choose one that has lab testing and AKA-certification. On our list, we’ve highlighted three great options in Viable, Hush, and OPMS.
Where Do the Names of Kratom Strains Come From?
Many of the names of kratom strains you see is just clever marketing on behalf of kratom companies. In theory, it refers to the country the kratom is from. However, nearly all commercial kratom comes from the Indonesian islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Strains like maeng da and green malay are more generic names.
You can’t get bali kratom commercially, and you’ll rarely get it from Malaysia or Thailand, even though kratom grows natively in these places. So if you see it advertised as such, that’s most likely just marketing. “Thai kratom” and “red bali” you won’t truly find. Borneo kratom or sumatra kratom are more likely to be an accurate reflection of the sourcing.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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