Let’s Talk About it: Same Strain Syndrome Edition

What Makes a Strain?

Strains all come from the same tree. What makes them different, are the different drying processes used to prepare the leaves and powder. Through drying processes, some alkaloids will show higher counts, and some lower. This gives us a wide variety of strains to choose from. Another thing that changes the alkaloid count is the region where the kratom is grown. For instance, if you try a green from one country, and a green from another, even if they are both labeled green maeng da, you will likely notice a few key differences. Even from different areas in the same country. Most kratom in the United States comes from Indonesia. If you were to buy a red from Indonesia and a red from Borneo (an island that’s part of Indonesia), there would be a noticeable difference in the two.  That’s because there are different climates, soil, nutrients, and environments that affect the trees and alkaloid content in different ways. 

Alkaloids- What Alkaloids?

Do you know how many alkaloids are in kratom? It’s not just one or two, but MORE than 40! The mitragynine alkaloid is generally between 1 to 2 percent on average. The drying method that creates the different strains is what causes certain alkaloids to become more dominant or at a higher percentage than others. There are so many different alkaloids that affect the consumer in alternative ways that one or two alkaloids do not alone determine the strength of the product. 

So, What’s Same Strain Syndrome? (stagnant strain syndrome)

Same strain syndrome, sometimes called stagnant strain syndrome, is a common issue a lot of consumers experience. When you find a strain you enjoy and fits you perfectly, it seems like a match made in heaven. Finding two strains you can switch around (one in the day, and one at night) seems even better. Suddenly, one day, you notice it’s not working anymore, so you up your serving size, then you look for potentiators and keep trying to make it work like it used to. The problem you’re experiencing is same strain syndrome. What’s happened is that your body has gotten used to the certain alkaloid contents of the strains you’re taking. 

What do you do now?

The only way to fix this is to switch your strains around or create blends and rotate regularly. Once you find yourself in the syndrome hole, it’s hard to switch it up, because you’ll find that you may experience some discomfort from just going to completely new strains without taking the old. The best way to make an easy transition is to slowly over a week’s time, taper from one set of strains to the next by blending. For instance, starting with 75% or more of your original stains and mixing 25% of the new. The next day, a little more of the new and less of the old. Once the week is up, and you’re completely switched to your new strains, you’ll find your product is working much more smoothly. This is where you have to remember to COMPLETELY switch your strains up or create blends with different strains regularly to avoid same strain syndrome. 

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**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.**