Best Kratom for ADHD: Top Strains, Effects, & Dosage

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Written by Nina Julia | Last updated: January 10, 2023

Kratom is fast becoming a popular supplement in the USA to help relieve people of a range of physical and mental health issues. Originating in Southeast Asia, this plant has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain and provide mood-enhancing effects.

But did you know it can potentially lessen symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

This alternative medicine has recently become even more popular in America because it can benefit people with attention disorders. Studies show that around 4% of American adults live with ADHD, meaning a vast portion of the population manages its symptoms daily.

Here, we take a look at using kratom for ADHD. We’ll break down the different types of kratom for ADHD, the benefits of each strain, and where to buy this alternative remedy.

Our Top Picks of the Best Kratom for ADHD

As there are so many kratom strains out there, we’ve done our research into which types are most useful for people managing ADHD.

In general, red-vein strains contain calming properties, green-vein plants are known to provide a boost of energy, and white options combine the two. You can choose between several strains of kratom for ADHD, and all have slightly different effects.

However, these strains have a few key traits in common:

  • Relaxing stimulation
  • Mood boost
  • Increased concentration

Read on to learn about the best strains of kratom for relieving the symptoms of ADHD.

1. Red Bali Kratom

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Red Bali is a unique strain from the red-veined family of plants. It’s known to be a potent natural sedative and has pain-relieving qualities.

This particular strain is a good choice for those with ADHD because it relieves anxiety, makes you feel relaxed, and can improve your mood. People with ADHD often suffer from sleep issues, which Red Bali can help with its calming effect.

It’s important to know that Red Bali is a slow-release strain, making it better suited to the evening or afternoon when you’re looking to unwind. It may make you feel sleepy when taken as a daytime strain.

2. Red Borneo Kratom

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Red Borneo is another red strain of kratom but is far more moderate than the Bali variety. Green strains of kratom offer a more calming experience, and Red Borneo is more akin to this than its neighboring red strains.

This strain can help with the relief of depression symptoms and can lessen your anxiety. It helps people with ADHD unwind and relax, enabling them to get a clear head. As a natural sedative, the side effects of taking Red Borneo for ADHD are far less severe than prescription medications.

3. Green Maeng Da Kratom

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If you want a strain of kratom to use in the daytime, Green Maeng Da could be the right strain for you. That’s because it won’t make you feel sedated like some red strains, so you can use it as you go about your day-to-day life.

It can offer improved clarity of mind, which is a real benefit to users with ADHD. This particular strain makes socializing easier and gives users a confidence boost. It works equally well for relaxation and focus.

Read more: Maeng Da Kratom Strain Review

4. White Horn Kratom

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ADHD often concurs with depression, so strains like White Horn, which lessen the symptoms of depression, can be of real benefit. White Horn offers anti-depressant effects as well as clarity of mind, focus, and mental vigilance.

5. Red Sumatra Kratom

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Red Sumatra works like a mild stimulant but without the problematic side effects commonly experienced with prescription medications. It offers relaxation and a sense of comfort without being too overbearing.

Red strains often have sedative effects and are not always best for people with ADHD, but Red Sumatra is different in that it does not act as a sedative. That means that if you like red strains but worry they might mellow you out too much, Red Sumatra is the perfect alternative. It will calm you down without putting you to sleep.

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a growing problem in both adults and children worldwide. In the United States alone, over 6.1 million children are diagnosed with ADHD every year. However, this disorder affects adults and children, and many adults realize that they may have ADHD later on in life.

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?

Here are some of the symptoms that people with ADHD experience throughout their lives:

  • Poor time management
  • Impulsiveness
  • Being distracted easily
  • Hyperactivity
  • Low tolerance for frustration
  • Difficulty staying on-topic in conversation
  • Forgetfulness and struggling to keep on top of daily tasks
  • Difficulty focusing

What Are the Common Treatments for ADHD?

There are several treatments available to help manage and lessen the symptoms of ADHD.

The most common medicinal treatments for controlling the symptoms of ADHD are prescription drugs Vyvanse and Adderall. These are long-acting amphetamine stimulants that affect the central nervous system, improving focus and concentration.

Medication is a common treatment choice, and around 62% of children diagnosed with ADHD take a stimulant. There are also therapeutic approaches to treating ADHD, as well as non-stimulant-based medicated management.

Vyvanse

Vyvanse is a slow-release stimulant containing lisdexamfetamine dimesylate that people take once a day. It can help with ADHD by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Vyvanse is used to improve focus and decrease hyperactive and impulsive behavior in those who have ADHD.

Adderall

Adderall is a stimulant, and its main active ingredients are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It’s commonly prescribed to adolescents with ADHD. It works by altering the balance of key natural substances in the brain that derail concentration.

Both Adderall and Vyvanse effectively control many of the symptoms of ADHD and have strong side effects, which can include (but are not limited to):

  • Decreased appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Stomach problems
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Addiction

Non-Stimulant Medication

Medications like atomoxetine and antidepressants such as nortriptyline (Pamelor) are sometimes used to treat ADHD. This is usually the case when stimulants do not work or cause too many adverse side effects. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which helps with memory and attention.

Therapeutic Treatments

Both psychotherapy and behavioral therapy are employed as treatments for this condition. While psychotherapy aims to help individuals understand their relationships and explore their behavior patterns, behavioral therapy helps those with ADHD monitor their actions and change them appropriately where required.

Combining these treatments is common to manage the condition, and regular reviews are needed to determine treatment plans.

How Does Kratom Work for ADHD?

Kratom can have a wide range of effects on the body. As there are many active components, the results differ depending on the dose and individual. This section outlines how kratom may prove to be a helpful natural alternative to standard ADHD management methods.

Kratom has been used by many to help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, including difficulty focusing and restlessness. Kratom users report enhanced mood and reduced anxiety due to taking the substance.

Here we take a look at some prominent benefits of kratom for ADHD management in more detail.

Mental Clarity

Many people report that kratom makes them feel clear-headed – which is highly beneficial to those with ADHD. Mental clarity can help with decision-making, concentration, and staying on topic.

The amount of mental clarity gained by taking kratom will depend on the strain used. For example:

  • White strains of kratom tend to provide the most mental clarity but do not offer substantial pain relief.
  • Green strains offer a balance of pain relief and mental clarity, providing a moderate amount of both.
  • Red strains of kratom can provide users with a high degree of ‘sedative’ pain relief, but they do not offer a great deal of mental clarity.

Therefore, white strains of kratom are best-suited to those with ADHD, as they provide the most mental clarity compared to others.

Which strain you need depends on what you are looking for and the nature of your symptoms. Many people living with ADHD find green and red strains equally useful as they offer other mental benefits and pain relief.

Reduced Anxiety

Many people find that kratom decreases anxiety. Reduced anxiety usually kicks in between 2 and 5 hours after consumption. One downside of taking prescription medications is that they can sometimes increase anxiety symptoms, depending on the person. Kratom decreases this risk by lowering anxiety in its users and boosting mood.

Improved Focus

One thing people with ADHD often struggle with is maintaining focus. Kratom, particularly green strain varieties, is thought to improve focus when taken in regular, small quantities. It can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

If you are looking for better focus and concentration, consider using a green strain of kratom.

Finding Your Dosage

Keep in mind that the amount of kratom you take will also impact your symptoms. Kratom has many active components. The main active ingredient in this plant is mitragynine, an alkaloid found in the plant’s leaves at varying intensity levels. At higher doses, this alkaloid substance can cause sedative effects, while lower doses are more stimulating.

This means that if you take too much of any of its strains, you risk sabotaging the focus and relaxed energy you were seeking. Always start low with your dose and work upwards to find the sweet spot that works best for you — 2.5 grams is a good place to start. If you feel no effects, wait a few hours before taking more, as the results can be slow to kick in.

Where to Buy the Best Kratom for ADHD?

If you think that kratom may help you manage the symptoms of ADHD, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many reliable sources to buy this product online.

It’s essential to get your products from reliable and trustworthy vendors when buying kratom for ADHD. You want to know where your product comes from and exactly what you’re buying.

You can spend time comparing vendor websites in detail and looking at online reviews before buying, but we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to buy kratom for ADHD below. Even better, we’ve included retailers that sell the strains of kratom thought to be most beneficial for ADHD.

1. Kona Kratom

Kona Kratom offers a massive range of products, including the Red Borneo strain that works incredibly well for ADHD. It sells high-quality products at a great price and even offers free shipping within the USA.

Take advantage of the money-back guarantee and try out one of the unique Southeast Asian variants it offers.

2. Star Kratom

Star Kratom provides products from eight different labels, meaning you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the right strain for you. This includes a range of strains known to be of benefit to those with ADHD.

This store specializes in liquid kratom products, so if you feel like something more niche than powders or capsules, try shopping here.

3. VIP Kratom

It’s easy to buy kratom for ADHD with VIP Kratom, as this vendor organizes its products according to strains rather than brands. This means that it’s easy to locate the exact kratom strain for your ADHD needs without getting bogged down with branding and marketing.

It offers free delivery in the U.S. for orders over $49.99.

Conclusion — Using Kratom for ADHD

Kratom is a powerful natural substance and has lots of merits when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. White strains, Red Sumatra, and Green Maeng Da are popular choices for helping with ADHD.

While kratom shows some beneficial effects for those with ADHD, more clinical research is needed to determine the side effects and long-term health implications of consuming it. From user reviews, there certainly seem to be strains of kratom that are highly effective in easing the symptoms of ADHD.

Many users report positive outcomes when self-medicating with kratom for ADHD. However, the success of using kratom in place of prescription medication differs widely from person to person, so you should always proceed with caution.

If kratom becomes approved and regulated in the USA, it could well prove to be a powerful solution for ADHD and other conditions. Start with a small dose to closely monitor the effects if you want to try out kratom to help with ADHD.

Nina created CFAH.org following the birth of her second child. She was a science and math teacher for 6 years prior to becoming a parent — teaching in schools in White Plains, New York and later in Paterson, New Jersey.