Buy Kanna

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Kanna 101

Botanical Classifications: Sceletium tortuosum, Aizoaceae, Mesembryanthemoideae

Properties: alkaloid: mesembrine, memembrenone, mesembrenol, antimicrobial

What is Kanna?

Kanna, also known as Sceletium tortuosum, is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices in Southern Africa. The plant has a long history of use in indigenous cultures for its mood-enhancing, calming, and uplifting effects. In recent years, kanna has gained popularity in the Western world for its potential medicinal properties, leading to increased research into its potential health benefits.

Kanna contains several active compounds, including mesembrine, mesembrenol, and mesembrenone, which have gained interest for their potential medicinal properties. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of kanna for these uses as well as its possible side effects.

Plant Biology:

Image: Accord H. Brisse

Kanna is a succulent plant native to Southern Africa. It grows in the harsh conditions of the semi-desert areas of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height and has thick, fleshy leaves that are green or gray in color. The plant produces small, white, or yellow flowers that bloom in the late afternoon.

Known Traditional Uses:

Kanna has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices by indigenous cultures in Southern Africa. A succulent native to South Africa and traced back to the San and Khoikhoi tribes. Also known as “something to chew,” Kanna has traditionally been prepared by crushing or fermenting the leaves which can then be brewed into tea, smoked, chewed, and snuffed. You can buy Kanna in dried or powdered form. Preparation is dependent on the purchased form.

Known Health Precautions:

Kanna is considered most safe to take when it is properly fermented as this process degrades the present oxalic acids which can cause irritation and be toxic when taken in large amounts. As such, avoid fresh Kanna. As an SSRI, Kanna should be avoided if taking antipsychotics and psychoactive drugs such as antidepressants, sedatives and anxiolytics and hypnotics.

Kanna use can have side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and headache. Kanna should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there is limited research on its safety for these populations. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All information, including but not limited to, text, images, or other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only.

Image: Tommi Nummelin

WARNING! Kanna is believed to act as a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI). In combination with common psychiatric medications including other SSRIs (such as Prozac) and MAO Inhibitors, it may cause injury if ingested.

As with most supplements, safety in pregnancy has not been established.

 

When ordering kanna, you agree to our disclaimer. When buying kanna products from Herb Stomp, you agree that you are at least 18 years old. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

We do not ship blue lotus, wild dagga, or kanna to Louisiana.