Kanna – Coarse

Kanna Coarse – Sceletium Tortuosum

Kanna Coarse known scientifically as Sceltium tortuosum is directly sent to us from a South African farm dedicated to growing Kanna and similar products.  Traditionally Kanna is used as a liquid, chewed or consumed as a tea. The major alkaloids found in Kanna are Aptenia and Mesembrine.

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.

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, the Kanna plant is highly regarded for its uplifting benefits.  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 also snuffed. The plant was traditionally used as a mood enhancer, as well as a tool to alleviate hunger and thirst, and increase energy and focus.

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 properties, leading to increased research into its potential health benefits. 

S. tortuosum contains about 1–1.5% total alkaloids. The alkaloids contained in S. tortuosum include mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol and tortuosamine.  Mesembrine is a major alkaloid present in S. tortuosum. There is about 0.3% mesembrine in the leaves and 0.86% in the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.

WARNING!

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