a South African Botanical Treasure
Discover Kanna
Experience the Power of Kanna:
Elevate Your Mood and Relax Naturally
Sceletium tortuosum, commonly known as Kanna, is a remarkable and sacred plant with a rich history of use by the San and Khoikhoi peoples of Southern Africa. Over the last two decades, extensive research and personal experience have highlighted the plant’s unique ability to promote emotional balance, mental clarity, and a deep sense of calm. Kanna’s potential benefits make it a valuable ally in addressing modern-day challenges such as anxiety, stress, and disconnection. We invite you to explore this comprehensive resource and discover the healing power of Kanna for yourself.
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Benefits & Usage
Kanna is often used for its adaptogenic properties that support emotional well-being. It is commonly chewed, used in tea, or as an extract or powdered supplement.
Its benefits include:
Kanna is available in a variety of forms, such as dried leaves and stems, tea, tinctures, extracts, and powdered supplements.
Dosage depends on the form and individual needs, but most people find a starting dosage of 30 – 50mg of powdered extract, taken orally, to be effective.
history
Ancient Knowledge
Kanna, a succulent plant native to South Africa, has a rich history spanning hundreds of years. It was first used by the San (Bushmen) and Khoikhoi (Hottentots) peoples, who chewed or brewed it as tea for its soothing and relaxing benefits. Dutch settlers in the 1600s brought Kanna to Europe, and gained recognition outside of South Africa in the 1800’s.
Although ethnobotanical evidence of its psychoactive consumption was not recorded until 1996, Kanna remains a culturally significant plant with medicinal and spiritual value to the Khoisan people. Its usage likely extends even further back in the history of these ancient tribes, who discovered Kanna’s unique properties and passed down their knowledge through generations, primarily in the regions of Namaqualand and Kannaland.
Kanna, scientifically known as Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family and Mesembryanthemoideae subfamily. The plant typically grows 20 – 30cm in diameter and features fleshy roots, triangular fleshy leaves and attractive pale flowers in various colours from white to light pink.
Although endemic to South Africa’s arid regions, its population has significantly declined. Due to natural diseases, climate change, and over-harvesting, Kanna is now rarely found in its natural habitat. Kanna’s unique adaptation to scarce water resources allows it to survive in low rainfall areas. The plant thrives in arid regions and is frost-resistant. Its fermented leaves and stems provide a concentrated form of alkaloids that offer its therapeutic effects.
botanical information
Chemistry
Sceletium tortuosum contains various alkaloids, notably mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, and tortuosamine. These alkaloids interact with the brain’s dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline systems, influencing mood, anxiety, and stress response. Research shows that mesembrine acts as a serotonin-releasing agent as well as acting as a slight serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, while mesembrenone and mesembrenol display monoamine-releasing properties as well as some cannabinoid receptor action also being indicated.
These alkaloids exhibit anti-depressant, anxiolytic, and cognitive-enhancing effects, with potential medicinal applications in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. The unique pharmacological profile of Sceletium tortuosum offers a promising approach to mental health and well-being.
botanical information
Fermentation & Oxalates
In traditional usage by the Khoisan, Sceletium is fermented to produce Kougoed. Freshly harvested Kanna is crushed and placed in a container to ferment in the sun for 5 – 8 days. This process was believed to enhance the plant’s potency, although research suggests it may not be entirely necessary. After fermentation, Kanna is dried in the sun, resulting in the traditional Kougoed.
Kanna contains oxalic acid, an organic compound found in various plants. Although high levels of oxalic acid may be harmful for individuals with certain health conditions, it is also necessary for colon health and linked to antioxidant-rich foods. Studies suggest that the traditional fermentation process of Sceletium reduces oxalic acid levels by introducing oxalate-degrading microbes. Additionally, the oxalic acid content in Sceletium is minimal compared to common foods, making its potential health risks negligible for most individuals.
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Sourcing & Cultivation
Kanna is sustainably sourced from South Africa, its native habitat. Farms are selected for maintaining strict environmental and ethical standards. This helps preserve the natural biodiversity while protecting the natural environment. The plants are grown on certified organic land and cultivated with strict control mechanisms in place.
additional resources
Reliable sites for further information and products:
• A solid overview of Sceletium information.
• A very good review of all the current scientific research on Sceletium.
• More about Mesembrine.
• A great comprehensive article on traditional Kanna usage.
• The oldest supplier of Sceletium products. Bulk fermented and unfermented Kanna herb who represent a cooperative of traditional Kanna growers in South Africa.