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If you are interested in natural products, the word kanna has surely crossed your path. Kanna is a plant that indigenous tribes have used for centuries for its effects. What is kanna and why should you be interested?
What is kanna?
Kanna or by its Latin name Sceletium tortuosum is a plant that naturally grows in the dry areas of South Africa. The leaves and stems were traditionally chewed or smoked after fermentation. However, today its use is more flexible, and it is most commonly sold in the form of powder, extract, capsules, or tincture.
The active substances in kanna are primarily alkaloids, which include mesembrenone, mesembrine, and mesembrenol. These affect the serotonin system, i.e., our mood, anxiety, and motivation.
History of use
If we take a look back at the history of kanna, it is quite long. Kanna has a long history of use in traditional African culture. The indigenous people of southern Africa, specifically the San and Khoikhoi, used kanna not only as a means for relaxation but also during rituals and gatherings.
The plant was often chewed during travels or after hunting because it helped maintain mental stability and calmness. During the colonial era, kanna came to the attention of Europeans, but wider interest arose only in the 21st century, with the development of natural medicine and alternative therapies.
Effects of kanna
The effects of kanna can vary depending on the dose and form of use. At lower doses, kanna tends to have a more stimulating effect. Conversely, at higher doses, it tends to be more calming and euphoric.
The main effects of kanna include:
- improvement of mood and feeling of well-being
- reduction of stress and anxiety
- increased empathy and openness in conversation
- mild euphoria and relaxation
- support for concentration
- mild aphrodisiac effects
It should be added that kanna does not have hallucinogenic properties, as some mistakenly believe. Therefore, it is not a psychedelic.
Kanna dosing
Kanna dosing depends on the form and individual sensitivity. Let's roughly outline the dose overview for different forms:
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Kanna powder: Starting at about 100 mg, the usual dose is around 200–400 mg. Higher doses (over 600 mg) can be sedative.
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10:1 extract: The ideal dose for kanna extract is considered approximately 50–100 mg.
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Stronger extract: Be careful with stronger extracts, as the dosing can differ from the regular extract. Start with a smaller amount, e.g., 25 mg, and wait for the effect onset. This type of extract is significantly more concentrated and should not be underestimated.
Warning: Do not combine kanna with alcohol or antidepressants (especially SSRIs) as it may affect serotonin levels. If you take medication, consult a doctor.
How does kanna work?
We have already mentioned that kanna affects serotonin. More technically, kanna primarily affects serotonin reuptake, thereby increasing its level in the brain. Thanks to this, it has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Some people describe its effect as a combination of mild stimulation and calming at the same time, but also without dullness or “clouding” of the mind.
Effects begin within 30–60 minutes after oral use and last approximately 2 to 4 hours.
Is kanna safe?
When used reasonably, kanna is considered relatively safe. Possible side effects include:
- mild nausea at higher doses
- headache
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
Kanna should not be combined with antidepressants because of the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition caused by excessive serotonin in the brain. If you are taking psychiatric medication, consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Kanna is a fascinating plant with a long tradition and an interesting effect profile. It offers a natural way to calm down, improve mood, and mild stimulation without significant side effects. The key, however, is responsibility. Always start with a low dose and always observe how it affects you. As with every natural substance, less can be more.