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Kanna Sceletium Benefits

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Jul 16
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 17




Kanna Sceletium


Botanical Name

Sceletium tortuosum

Family

Aizoaceae

Common Names

Kanna, Channa, Kougoed, Sceletium

Parts Used

Dried leaves and stems

Native To

South Africa, particularly the Western Cape region

Harvesting Guidelines

Kanna is traditionally harvested by hand, typically during the dry season when the plant’s alkaloid content is highest. The leaves and stems are carefully sun-dried or fermented to enhance their psychoactive properties. Sustainable harvesting is important to protect wild populations, often supplemented by cultivated sources.

Introduction


Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant native to South Africa, long used by indigenous Khoisan peoples as a mood enhancer and stress reliever. Known for its calming and euphoric effects, Kanna has a rich history as a traditional botanical medicine. The dried plant material is typically chewed, smoked, or brewed into teas, offering a unique blend of mood-lifting and anxiety-reducing benefits.


Traditional and Indigenous Use

For centuries, the Khoisan people of South Africa have used Kanna as a natural remedy to reduce hunger, thirst, pain, and fatigue, while promoting relaxation and social ease. It was often used in rituals and social gatherings to improve mood, enhance communication, and ease tension.

Kanna was also traditionally employed as a natural antidepressant and anxiolytic, helping to alleviate stress and support emotional well-being in challenging environments.


Modern Uses - Kanna sceletium benefits

Today, Kanna is gaining popularity worldwide as a natural mood enhancer and adaptogen. It is used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, often in the form of capsules, tinctures, teas, or smoked herb. Kanna’s ability to promote calm focus and emotional balance makes it a favorite among those seeking natural alternatives to synthetic mood regulators.

It may also aid cognitive function, reduce feelings of social anxiety, and enhance overall mental clarity without heavy sedation.


Shop our Kanna:

kanna achula

Scientific Studies

Research on Kanna has identified several active alkaloids, including mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol, which act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors. These properties underlie its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.

Preliminary studies show Kanna may modulate mood by influencing serotonin pathways, supporting traditional claims of mood enhancement and anxiety reduction.

Adult Dose

  • Chewing: Small amounts (approx. 100–250 mg) of dried plant material are chewed slowly.

  • Tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons in hot water for 10 minutes; consume 1–2 cups daily.

  • Tincture: 1–3 mL 2–3 times daily.

Safety and Contraindications

Kanna is generally well-tolerated but should be used cautiously:

  • Avoid use with MAO inhibitors or other antidepressants due to potential interactions.

  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • May cause mild headaches or nausea in sensitive individuals.

  • Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have mental health conditions or are on medications.

Actions

  • Mood Enhancer

  • Anxiolytic

  • Mild Euphoriant

  • Stress Reliever

  • Cognitive Support

  • Adaptogen

Energy

Cooling, Bitter, Slightly Sweet

References

  • Smith, E. (2019). Sceletium tortuosum: Traditional and Modern Perspectives. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

  • Möller, M. et al. (2017). “Pharmacological Review of Kanna Alkaloids.” Phytomedicine.

  • van Wyk, B.E. & Wink, M. (2004). Medicinal Plants of the World. Briza Publications.


Kanna sceletium benefits


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