Sadness is a normal emotion for humans to feel. There are moments in all of our lives where we may feel a sense of despair or malaise over the death of a loved one or a change in lifestyle, for instance.
However, an ongoing sense of sadness that’s prevalent for months or years at a time may be symptomatic of larger, deeper mental health concerns. Psychologists and those in the medical community often refer to this state of overwhelming, often debilitating sadness as depression.
Depression is a widespread phenomenon. In the United States alone, nearly one in twelve US adults reported feeling depressed between 2013-2016.
But, the good news is, there is a myriad of treatment options for those suffering from depression. While factors like diet, lifestyle, and exercise can all play key roles in staving off depression, some people have found relief with kratom.
Kratom – the ground leaves of the Southeast Asian plant, mitragyna speciosa – has been shown to possess mood-elevating properties when ingested. In fact, one study found that mitragynine, one of kratom’s primary alkaloids, is “able to produce an anti-depressant-like-effect” and therefore, possesses “psychotherapeutic value in management of depression disorder.”
Because kratom is currently legal to possess and sell in many countries – including Canada and most of the United States – its popularity as an alternative medicine has soared.
That said, there exist dozens of kratom types or strains. This staggering diversity of choice can be intimidating to new kratom users – especially those specifically seeking relief from depressive symptoms.
So, with that in mind – what are the best kratom strains for depression?
At Kratomaton, we’ve analyzed and aggregated the user reviews of over fifty unique kratom strains – and based on our findings, we just might have some answers for you! From us to you, here are six of the best kratom strains for fighting depression!
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. Kratomaton does not claim, state, or support the notion that kratom can be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
In addition, the information provided herein is not a replacement for the advice of a registered doctor or physician. You should consult a doctor or request medical assistance if your symptoms are severe or worsening.
What Makes A Kratom Strain Ideal For Treating Depressive Symptoms?
Unlike the other “best of” kratom blog posts we’ve written in the past, identifying what makes a certain kratom strain ideal for warding off depressive symptoms is a little more complex.
We know that kratom’s mood-lifting potential could play a valuable, instrumental role, as a central component of depression involves feeling “down” or “low.” In addition, we also looked for strains that displayed a medium-to-high level of stimulation, as this can combat the lethargy and fatigue that often accompanies depression.
Finally, the last thing we looked for was a low sedation score. Because kratom is primarily a sedative in some respects, a heavily sedating strain might actually worsen depression by reducing energy levels even further. So instead, we looked specifically for strains that would do the opposite and put a little “pep” in your step.
That said, it’s important to note that a small amount of sedation could be beneficial for some suffering from depression. That’s because depressive symptoms often go hand-in-hand with chronic anxiety, which can cause one to feel restless and unable to relax.
Obviously, the subjective nature of depression makes it impossible for kratom solutions to be “one size fits all,” but at the very least, we hope our findings will help point you in the right direction!
White Borneo – “White Lightning”
Thought to be both highly euphoric and stimulating, White Borneo purportedly packs quite a punch. However, unlike other white-veined strains, White Borneo’s energizing nature seems to be somewhat balanced by its sedative potential.
As a result, users have praised the strain’s ostensible ability to elevate mood and alleviate feelings of depression without increasing or exacerbating their anxiety.
However, to get the most out of White Borneo, a low to moderate dosage seems to be optimal (1-2.5g). At higher doses, the strain’s benefits may become less pronounced, and dizziness and nausea may occur.
White Borneo may increase energy and mood without overstimulating the user.
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White Malay – Balanced Revitalization
Supposedly grown and harvested in Malaysia, White Malay is often favoured amongst users for its seemingly well-rounded blend of stimulation and euphoria. In addition to these qualities, the strain appears to be only minimally sedating, making it ideal for relieving depressive feelings without increasing fatigue or drowsiness.
However, White Malay’s somewhat subdued nature may make it less appealing than other strains, such as White Borneo or even its cousin, Green Malay. In addition, White Malay’s seemingly short duration of effects may disappoint others.
That said, for those desiring a mild, balanced elevation in mood, White Malay just might be a winner!
White Malay could be ideal for those seeking a potent mood and energy boost that's less stimulating than other white strains.
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Yellow Horn – The Yellow Option
Like White Malay, Yellow Horn appears to be primarily mood-elevating and energizing, which may make the strain optimal for easing depressive moods. It also seems to possess little-to-no sedative potential when consumed in small-to-moderate doses (1-2.5g), making it ideal for combating sour moods without lowering energy levels further.
Being a yellow strain, Yellow Horn also seems to demonstrate moderate pain relief – a bonus that some users will undoubtedly appreciate.
That said, Yellow Horn currently holds a 7/10 score for stimulation, which may make it too stimulating for some. At this level, Yellow Horn might actually worsen the sense of anxiety that can often accompany depression.
However, although Yellow Horn may be effective, its effects may be short-lived. Users have reported that Yellow Horn’s duration is only average – lasting about ~2.5 hours for a medium 2-3g dose.
Green Thai – Amplify Your Mood
Most of the strains we’ve selected for this list seem to have generally low sedative scores. Green Thai, however, appears to set itself apart from the rest.
Much like the other strains on this list, Green Thai seems to offer a competent blend of mood elevation and stimulation. However, for those seeking a mood lift that’s more relaxing and even-keeled, Green Thai just might fit the bill.
That’s because, at higher doses, Green Thai’s energetic nature seems to become more subdued, taking a backseat to feelings of relaxation and contentment. That said, it’s important to note that a higher dose doesn’t necessarily equate to a more pleasant experience overall, and may result in fatigue (not to mention nausea and dizziness!).
As a nice bonus, the strain also appears to possess an above-average duration of effects – ensuring that you get plenty of “bang” for your buck.
Potentially energetic and euphoric at lower doses and sedating in higher quantities, Green Thai is likely a versatile and balanced strain with something to offer to everyone.
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Green Elephant – Mighty Energy
Ostensibly the most stimulating strain on this list, Green Elephant may excel at stampeding its way through any depressive feelings you might be harbouring.
Boasting an impressive 7.8/10 score for stimulation, Green Elephant is sure to turn some heads. It also helps that Green Elephant appears to have an above-average duration and doesn’t seem to incite feelings of nervousness or anxiety.
However, Green Elephant’s powerful effects don’t come without consequence. Unfortunately, users have reported that Green Elephant may be more nauseating than other kratom strains, especially at higher doses.
Green Elephant may offer the energizing and mood-elevating effects of white strains without being potentially overstimulating, although it may not excel in any other area.
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Green Malay – A Good Day With Malay
If you’ve come this far into this list, good – we just may have saved the best for last!
That’s because, judging by our standards, Green Malay appears to be the ideal strain for easing depression.
Based on our findings, the strain is highly euphoric (the most euphoric on this list), moderately stimulating, and only minimally sedating – equating to a whole lot of depression-fighting plant-power! Not only does Green Malay satisfy all three of our criteria, but it’s also purportedly long-lasting as well.
That said, Green Malay’s well-rounded nature may make it less energizing than other strains on this list like Yellow Horn and Green Elephant. So, depending on your preferences, you might be better off with one of the alternatives we’ve mentioned.
Potentially mood-boosting and energetic, Green Malay's potency could be unmatched when compared to other strains of its kind.
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Wrapping Up
While kratom undoubtedly demonstrates some mood-elevating properties, not every strain will be well-suited to every user. Regardless, we hope this post has been helpful in some way – here’s to your happiness!
Works Cited
Farah Idayu, N., Taufik Hidayat, M., Mohd Moklas, M. A., Fakurazi, S., R Nurul Raudzah, A., abdul rahman, S., & Apryani, E. (2011). Antidepressant-like effect of mitragynine isolated from Mitragyna speciosa Korth in mice model of depression. Phytomedicine, 18.
Prozialeck, W. C., Jivan, J. K., & Andurkar, S. V. (2012). Pharmacology of kratom: an emerging botanical agent with stimulant, analgesicable to relieve physical pain (link to Wikipedia) and opioid-like effects. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 112(12), 792–799. https://kratomaton.com/citations/Pharmacology_of_Kratom_An_Emerging_Botanical_Agent.pdf