Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum): Detailed Guide & FAQ

Kanna, a plant for mental well-being: Everything you need to know

The information in this article is for ethnobotanical, historical and educational purposes only. The Kanna products offered are intended solely for collection, decorative or botanical purposes. They are not intended for consumption, inhalation or any other use.

Meet Kanna, the plant that brings peace 🧘‍♂️

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a low succulent plant with fleshy leaves and small yellow-white flowers that look like small daisies 🌼. At first glance, it seems inconspicuous, but it hides a good dose of "good vibes".

The plant originates from southern Africa, where it grows in dry, rocky areas, practically among desert stones 🏜️. The natives have known it for centuries – they traditionally chewed or smoked the dried leaves and stems to calm the mind and lift the mood.

Today, kanna is also cultivated outside Africa, mainly because of its unique effects on the psyche.

💬 Dr Vincenzo Sinisi, a clinical psychologist from South Africa, said: "When it works, it definitely works. About two hours after taking it, people feel significantly calmer, more content and happier. Suddenly, the world seems as it should be, and life is worth living."

💬 Czech toxicologist Prof. Jiří Patočka, author of the popular science website Toxicology.cz, wrote in 2015: "Do you want to be friendly and communicative? Chew Kanna!"

History: It all started with the indigenous tribes of South Africa

Historical sources show that khanna has been used for centuries. Since time immemorial, it has been used by the indigenous tribes of southern Africa, mainly the Khoisan (i.e. the San and Khoikhoi tribes). They used it as a stimulant and medicinal plant.

The first written mention of kanna dates back to 1662, when it was recorded by the Dutch governor of the Cape, Jan van Riebeeck.

A hundred years later, German explorer Peter Kolben also wrote about it. Some secondary sources state that Kolben described it in the English edition of Kolben's book from 1738 as "the greatest cheerer of the spirits, and the noblest restorative in the world."

📜 Interesting fact: The Khoikhoi tribes (the term "Hottentots" used at the time is now considered inappropriate) used it not only for relaxation and to improve their mood, but also as a mild intoxicant and visionary agent during rituals, known as an entheogen.

Traditionally, the indigenous tribes produced a fermented dried material from the canna, called "kougoed", which in Afrikaans means "chewing goodie" or "something to chew on".

The natives chewed the processed parts of the plant (leaves, stems and roots) in a similar way to coca leaves or tobacco. They swallowed the juice and spat out the rest, allowing the active substances to be slowly absorbed through the mucous membrane and digestive tract, thus prolonging the effect. In addition, kanna was also snorted as a powder, smoked in pipes or brewed as a tea infusion.

And why fermentation? 👉 Because raw kanna is bitter and full of oxalates, whereas after fermentation it is milder, tastier and more easily absorbed.

📜 Interesting fact: Fermentation causes chemical changes, for example, part of the alkaloid mesembrine is converted to Δ⁷-mesembrenone, which also affects the resulting effects. Local experts were thus able to "capture" the ideal strength and vibe of "kougoedu" as needed.

Origin of canna (Sceletium tortuosum) from South Africa – map of Africa and flowering plant, black BudsForBuddies logo at bottom right

The spread of kanna from indigenous peoples to the whole world

During the colonisation of South Africa, knowledge of kanna quickly spread among European settlers. The Dutch used it to make alcoholic tinctures, which they used as a natural sedative and nerve calming agent.

In the 19th century, kanna became a common commodity sold in markets in Cape Town and surrounding settlements.

It was not until the 20th and 21st centuries, with the development of ethnobotany and growing interest in natural remedies, that kanna made its way into the wider world.

Today, it is renowned as a "natural antidepressant" that helps induce inner peace.

How does kanna affect the psyche? 🧠

Kanna affects the psyche in a rather interesting and sophisticated way; it is not just a "herb for a good mood".

The main active ingredients include mesembrine alkaloids (mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol and mesembranol), which mainly affect the serotonin system in the brain 🧠. Serotonin, or the "happiness hormone", regulates mood, emotions and overall well-being.

How it works 👇:

Alkaloids from kanna block the serotonin transporter, preventing its reabsorption into nerve cells. As a result, more serotonin remains in the brain, which can improve mood and relieve anxiety.

It works similarly to modern SSRI antidepressants, but without the typical side effects associated with these drugs.

Research also shows that Sceletium tortuosum extract selectively inhibits the enzyme PDE4 (phosphodiesterase type 4), which is involved in regulating processes in the brain that affect memory, emotions and stress response.

When activity is reduced, brain cells "communicate" better and overall mental balance improves. The combination of higher serotonin levels and PDE4 blockade can thus create a synergistic effect (better mood, less tension and possibly a sharper mind).

Some sources also suggest that kanna may have nootropic effects, i.e. improving concentration, attention and mental flexibility. Experts link this to its anti-stress properties and influence on the aforementioned brain pathways.

Simply put, kanna can help the brain function calmly and at full capacity 🧠.

The effects of kanna according to scientific research

Kanna extracts exhibit anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant properties. Kanna can bring about a feeling of relaxation, improve mood and help to better manage stress.

📜 Interesting fact: in South Africa, kanna has even been officially registered as an antidepressant and spasmolytic (anti-spasmodic).

Published cases and expert reports by psychologists suggest that kanna may have therapeutic benefits, for example, in milder forms of depression, anxiety, social phobia, or addiction recovery. Some sources also mention libido enhancement.

However, more extensive clinical research is needed to confirm these effects, as most of this knowledge comes from smaller studies or individual observations.

Even now, kanna is gaining a reputation as a natural mood booster that can calm the mind and induce a good mood without unpleasant side effects.

Other possible benefits of kanna

Pain and inflammation relief 👇

  • Traditionally, South African tribes used kanna for toothache, stomach ache and cramps.
  • Current research shows that mesembrin alkaloids act on pain receptors and have a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Antioxidant and natural shield 👇

  •  In laboratory in vitro experiments, kanna has also demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, so it may help protect cells from stress and microbes.
  • However, it is not yet clear how strong these effects are in humans.

Calmer evenings and better sleep 👇

  • Many users report that kanna calms the mind and improves sleep quality, especially when taken in the evening. This is probably because it suppresses anxious thoughts and helps the body switch to "chill mode".

Systematic reviews from 2023 indicate that the results are promising but still inconclusive. More studies are needed to confirm all effects.

Nevertheless, the currently available evidence suggests that kanna is definitely not a placebo, but rather an herb with measurable bioactive effects.

📜 Interesting fact: Kanna is also nicknamed "South African natural Prozac" and "happy plant".

Kanna and user experiences from discussion forums 💬

💬 On the DMT-Nexus forum, one user wrote: "When I chew about 1 g, I feel a certain serotonin high, a gentle euphoria, openness, a desire to share, and music sounds better to me. Later, when I took 1.5 g, I got a slight stomach discomfort, but the effect was stronger. When combined with cannabis, the experience was almost psychedelic. However, at 3–4 g, I felt very nauseous."

💬 A user on the BlueLight forum described feeling "light serotonin waves, better colours and a pleasant calm, but no strong changes in perception" after drinking tea made from about 500 mg of kanna. He added that the effect was "more like a mood filter than a trip".

💬 Further experiences can also be found on Drugs-Forum. For example, one user reported that after taking about 250 mg of kanna, he felt mild euphoria, relaxation and improved mood, which lasted for about two hours. At a higher dose (around 300 mg), he described the effect as stronger but also more sedative, with slight pressure behind the eyes. He also added that kanna helps him reduce stress and suppress his appetite, with the positive feeling "lingering" for several hours after the main effect has worn off.

💬 Another user, on the other hand, shared a negative experience with a very strong 50× extract, which he applied by snorting. The effect was immediate, but it was accompanied by intense anxiety and restlessness that lasted for several hours. He concluded his experience by saying that next time he would choose a much milder dose or sublingual use (under the tongue), which is gentler and easier to control.

Kanna experience: online sharing, supplement container and powder measuring spoon, black BudsForBuddies logo in the bottom right corner

User experiences can offer insight into subjective experiences, but they do not replace scientific knowledge about the effects and risks.

Forms of kanna

There are several forms of kanna products on the market, which differ in the degree of processing and concentration of active ingredients. Each form has its advantages and disadvantages 👇.

Kanna flower (dried herb)

This form is closest to the traditional use by indigenous peoples. It consists of dried and fermented parts of the plant (a mixture of leaves, stems and flowers – "kougoed"). It has a brownish colour, an herbal aroma and contains a full spectrum of natural substances, including the main alkaloids (mesembrine and others).

The main advantage? 👉  A natural and balanced effect that comes on gradually, without overdoing it. The disadvantage is possibly a larger dose and variable strength depending on the quality of the plant or fermentation.

Kanna powder

Kanna powder is essentially a crushed version of the dried herb, a fermented "flower" (a mixture of above-ground parts) ground into a fine powder. It is sometimes made from unfermented plants, but these usually have weaker effects and taste.

👉 The advantage of this form is easy dosing and a full-spectrum effect, similar to dried herb. The effect is usually mild, natural and slow-onset. Depending on fermentation, the colour ranges from light to dark brown.

The disadvantage is that the potency of kanna can vary considerably. It commonly contains 0.05-2% active alkaloids, so each batch may have a different effect. For this reason, some manufacturers also list the standardised content of active substances.

Kanna extract

The extract is a concentrated form of kanna produced by modern extraction. The plant material is leached in a solvent and, after evaporation, the most important part remains, i.e. the active substances. The result can be a fine powder, resin or tincture (drops).

The main benefit? 👉  Strength and precision. Extracts are usually 10×, 20× or even 100× more concentrated than the original herb.

For an extract with a ratio of 20:1, this means that 20 g of dried herb was processed to produce 1 g of extract, making it ~ 20 times stronger than dried kanna.

The 100:1 extract is even more potent: 100 g of dried herb has been reduced to 1 g of extract, resulting in a 100-fold concentration in the same volume.

Various forms of cannabis: powder, capsules, and extract from Canntropy 20:1 and 100:1, black BudsForBuddies logo at bottom right

⚠️ Warning: Experts warn that concentrated extracts should not be snorted, as this could cause a sudden effect and the risk of serotonin overdose (serotonin syndrome).

In general, extracts are the most potent and can cause very strong side effects if dosed incorrectly.

‼️ Most EU countries do not consider kanna to be a controlled substance; it can be sold freely, but only as botanical or collector's material, not for consumption. ‼️

Conclusion

Although kanna is not a "miracle cure", it can be said to be a natural "mood booster" with a long tradition and growing support in research. It can bring balance, calm and a better mood to many people.

User experiences from discussion forums mostly describe mild euphoria, calmness and improved mood, but occasionally also discomfort when taken in high doses or when snorting concentrated extracts.

Kanna is available on the market in the form of flowers, powder or extract. However, products containing kanna are often sold for collection or botanical purposes only, not for consumption.

FAQ

1. Does kanna have similar effects to MDMA?

💬 "Comparing kanna to MDMA is like comparing a high dose of caffeine to cocaine," said Dr Sinisi.

Kanna can induce feelings of euphoria, calmness and openness towards others, which may seem like a milder version of the effects of MDMA (ecstasy) to some, but the key difference is that kanna does not deplete the body or have a toxic effect on the brain.

Experts warn that combining kanna with MAO inhibitors, MDMA, 5-HTP or SSRI antidepressants is dangerous because it can cause serotonin syndrome.

👨‍⚕️ They therefore recommend consulting a doctor, especially if someone is taking other medications or has a diagnosis that affects their mental health.

2. What dosage do experts recommend?

There is no official "standard" dosage – studies are still small and use different forms of the product.

👨‍⚕️ Experts advise users to start with a smaller amount and monitor how their body reacts.

3. Is kanna safe?

According to studies to date, kanna appears to be well tolerated. For example, in one 3-month study, volunteers received 8 mg or 25 mg of kanna extract daily and showed no negative changes in blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, or laboratory results. On the contrary, participants often reported better stress management, more restful sleep, and an overall better mood.

However, more high-quality, placebo-controlled clinical studies on different populations are needed to accurately determine the dosage range, evaluate long-term safety, and clearly describe possible drug interactions and contraindications.

4. What are the possible side effects of kanna?

Side effects are rare and usually very mild.

The most commonly reported side effects are 👇:

  • Mild headache (often not directly related to kanna, but rather to the withdrawal of other stimulants, such as caffeine)
  • Mild digestive problems or nausea
  • Occasional changes in digestion or stool

These symptoms usually subside quickly and are not a cause for concern. When taken in normal doses and with a high-quality product, kanna is very well tolerated.

5. Who should not use it?

Although kanna is considered a safe natural supplement, it is not suitable for everyone. Certain groups of people should avoid it or only use it after consulting a doctor.

Kanna is not suitable for 👇:

  • People taking antidepressants, especially SSRIs, MAOIs, or supplements such as 5-HTP. The combination can cause serotonin syndrome.
  • People with mental disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), where it could affect mood or exacerbate symptoms.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • People with heart disease or high blood pressure, although the risk is small, kanna affects the nervous system, so caution is advised.

6. Kanna vs. kratom: How do they differ?

  • Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) comes from South Africa and mainly affects the serotonin system (the centre of mood and emotions). The effect is more mental and emotional than physical, as it does not dull or "get you going". It helps calm the mind, improve mood and reduce stress.

  • Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) comes from Southeast Asia and acts on opioid receptors. In small doses, it stimulates, while in larger doses, it relaxes and relieves pain.
    The effect is therefore more physically noticeable, similar to weak opioids.

 The difference also lies in the risk of addiction 👇:

  • With kratom, there is a risk of addiction, especially with regular and long-term use, similar to other substances that act on opioid receptors. Tolerance or mild withdrawal symptoms (fatigue, irritability and muscle pain) may occur.

  • Kanna, on the other hand, is not addictive, does not act on the same brain receptors and does not create physical dependence. The effect is more about "tuning your mood".

7. What is kratom kanna liquid?

Kratom kanna liquid is a liquid extract that combines the effects of kratom and kanna. In practice, it is a concentrated drink or drops containing alkaloids from both plants.

 

Sources:

  

Author: Patricie Mikolášová

  

  

Photo: AI

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