Kanna: a natural miracle for your good mood

Have you ever felt like life is dragging you down, leaving you feeling unmotivated and emotionally drained? Before reaching for synthetic drugs, consider a natural remedy derived from the pristine landscapes of Africa—Kanna.

Kanna, scientifically known as Sceletium tortuosum, is a plant native to southern Africa, prized for its mood-enhancing and antidepressant properties. Often referred to as the "African miracle," Kanna can help break down emotional barriers, alleviate negative thoughts, and boost your energy levels.

What sets Kanna apart? This plant contains active compounds that interact with your brain chemistry to promote emotional stability and a sense of well-being. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Kanna offers a gentler, more natural alternative without the harsh side effects commonly associated with pharmaceuticals.

For centuries, nature has provided us with countless treasures, and Kanna is one of them. Its ability to uplift mood and improve mental clarity has been celebrated by communities across southern Africa. Whether you choose Kanna tea, extract, or capsules, it’s crucial to select a high-quality product and adhere to recommended dosages.

Before incorporating Kanna or any other natural supplement into your routine, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider, particularly if you’re already taking medications or dealing with underlying health conditions.

Join the growing number of people who’ve embraced this natural pathway to improved mental health. Experience the transformative power of Kanna—a simple yet effective way to brighten your days.

 

 

A small shrub from southern Africa carries a legacy steeped in cultural tradition and exploration.

Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a small shrub native to southern Africa, whose historical significance and uses are as captivating as the plant itself. While there’s speculation about its use dating back to prehistoric times, concrete evidence remains elusive. Therefore, we’ll focus on well-documented historical events that trace its journey from African tribes to global awareness.

The Hottentots and Khoikhoi tribes revered Kanna for both its practical and spiritual applications. During long hunting excursions, they chewed on Kanna to suppress hunger and thirst. Additionally, the plant heightened their alertness, making it invaluable for successful hunts. Beyond its practicality, Kanna played a central role in ceremonial practices and traditional healing rituals.

In 1662, Dutch explorer Jan van Riebeeck documented the plant after observing local tribes chewing Kanna and noting their cheerful demeanor. His findings introduced Kanna to Western civilization. By the 19th century, scientists began isolating active compounds from Kanna, and throughout the 20th century, the plant became a subject of scientific study. Today, Kanna is sold in South Africa under the name Zembrin, though its future availability in Europe and other regions remains uncertain. Nonetheless, its rich history and ongoing research continue to make it a fascinating chapter in the annals of herbal medicine.

What Does Kanna Look Like?

Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a distinctive South African shrub that rarely grows taller than 30 centimeters. Its flowers come in various colors, ranging from creamy white and yellow to orange and pink. The leaves are broad, green, and typically measure up to five centimeters wide.

One of the most striking features of Kanna is its dried appearance, which resembles a human skeleton, reflected in its Latin name Sceletium. Locals refer to the plant as channa or kougoed, meaning "chew" or "chewing gum," reflecting its traditional consumption method.

Kanna thrives in specific environments, mostly found in the Republic of South Africa, particularly around Cape Town, earning the region the nickname "kannaland." Efforts to cultivate Kanna outside its native habitat have met with limited success due to its sensitivity to environmental changes. To ensure its availability, nurseries and plantations have been established near Cape Town, where Kanna is grown artificially.

What Are the Effects of Kanna?

Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a natural plant that delivers a variety of positive impacts on the human body, particularly on mental health and the nervous system. Its effects include:

• Improved Mood: Kanna effectively enhances overall mental well-being, fostering a sense of happiness and helping combat symptoms of depression.
• Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Taking Kanna helps decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and tension, contributing to greater mental balance.
• Nervous System Support: Kanna aids in managing excessive mental and physical stress and supports the recovery of the nervous system post-exhaustion.
• Enhanced Social Interaction: Users often report feeling less socially inhibited and more open to communication. At lower doses, Kanna promotes sociability and friendliness, while higher doses can induce euphoria. However, excessive use may lead to fatigue and sleepiness.

An intriguing aspect of Kanna is that, despite its mood-enhancing effects, it is not classified as a drug in the traditional sense. It does not cause addiction or hallucinations, making it a safe and gentle alternative to some pharmaceutical treatments.

Kanna offers a holistic approach to mental health support and is an excellent option for those looking to improve their mental state naturally without the risk of dependency or severe side effects.

What Does Kanna Contain?

The primary reason Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) has such profound effects on the human body lies in its rich alkaloid composition. Key alkaloids found in Kanna include:

Mesembrine and its derivatives: These compounds are known for boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and feelings of well-being. Elevated serotonin levels promote calmness and can significantly reduce stress. Other alkaloids, such as mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and tortuosamine, also play a role in Kanna's therapeutic effects. Scientific studies suggest that these alkaloids may be more effective than some conventional chemical antidepressants like Imipramine or Serex. Thus, Kanna appears to be a promising natural alternative for treating depression and anxiety.

Will the South African Shrub Reach Our Pharmacies?

Kanna is gaining recognition beyond its native borders in South Africa. Significant milestones in Kanna’s journey include:

Recognition and Distribution in South Africa: Following research by botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk, which confirmed Kanna’s safety and efficacy, HGH Pharmaceuticals obtained a license in 2012 to sell Kanna under the brand name Zembrin. Expansion into the U.S. Market: Collaborating with HGH Pharmaceuticals, the American company P.L. Thomas & Co. has indicated that Kanna could soon become available in the U.S. market. It’s only a matter of time before Kanna becomes a widely accessible supplement globally, including potential entry into European markets.

How Should Kanna Be Used Properly?

Kanna offers flexible usage options depending on individual preferences and needs. Always adhere to recommended dosages and be mindful of possible interactions and contraindications.

Recommended Methods of Use:

Powder

Dosage: For a mild euphoric effect and stress relief, the optimal dose is 0.5 grams once daily. Experienced users can increase the dose to 1 gram. Preparation: Mix the powder in a glass of water and consume it.

Crushed Herb

Dosage: Similar to the powder, the recommended dose is 0.5 to 1 gram once daily. Preparation: Place the herb in hot water, bring it to a boil, and strain it afterward.

Extract

Dosage: For a mild euphoric effect and stress reduction, a suitable dose is 0.3 grams once daily. After prolonged use, the dose can be increased but should not exceed 1 gram per day.

Preparation: Mix the extract in water and consume it. Important Note:

Kanna is an MAOI inhibitor, so avoid combining it with alcohol, certain antidepressants, and specific plants like Peganum harmala, Passiflora incarnata, and Yohimbe. It is unsuitable for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, and individuals with cardiovascular issues. Failing to follow recommended dosages may result in adverse effects such as increased heart rate, sweating, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Always consider personal health conditions and consult a healthcare professional before beginning Kanna use.

What to Keep in Mind While Using Kanna?

When using Kanna, it’s essential to be aware of several critical safety aspects and potential risks:

Substance Interactions

MAOI Inhibitor: Since Kanna acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), it’s vital to avoid combining it with alcohol, certain antidepressants, and specific plants like Peganum harmala, Passiflora incarnata, and Yohimbe. These combinations can lead to dangerous interactions.

Contraindications

Certain Groups: Kanna should not be consumed by children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, or individuals with cardiovascular problems. For these groups, taking Kanna may pose a higher risk of adverse effects or complications.

Adverse Effects

Overdose Reaction: Not adhering to the recommended dosage may lead to adverse effects such as increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or rapid breathing. These symptoms indicate an overdose or inappropriate body response.

Usage Recommendations

Course Interruption: After using Kanna regularly for at least one month, it’s advisable to pause the regimen to prevent potential dependence on the plant and evaluate its long-term impact on the body. Before starting Kanna, consult a healthcare provider regarding your plan and potential risks, especially if you’re on other medications or have existing health issues. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and knowledge to avoid adverse complications.