Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. Traditionally known as “kougoed” (meaning “something to chew”) by the indigenous San and Khoikhoi peoples, it has been used historically for mood support, stress reduction, and as a mild appetite suppressant. The plant’s effects are primarily attributed to mesembrine alkaloids, psychoactive compounds that interact with the central nervous system. Mesembrine is the most researched component, offering a natural means of modulating mood and promoting relaxed alertness. Kanna is becoming increasingly popular as a modern supplement for emotional balance.
Understanding Kanna Forms and Preparation
Kanna is available in several forms, which influence the method of intake and the overall experience.
The most traditional form is the raw or fermented plant material, consisting of the dried leaves and stems of the Sceletium tortuosum plant. This material often undergoes fermentation, a process traditionally used to enhance the alkaloid content and potency.
The plant material is also commonly ground into a fine powder, which can be used for various consumption methods or encapsulated for convenience. Modern commercial products often feature standardized extracts, such as Zembrin, which are concentrated to contain a specific percentage of active mesembrine alkaloids. These extracts allow for more consistent dosing compared to the raw plant material.
Liquid forms like tinctures are also available, created by soaking the plant material in a solvent like alcohol or glycerin. Tinctures are typically diluted in a small amount of water before consumption. If used as a tea, the raw or powdered herb is steeped in hot water, though this method usually results in a milder effect profile.
Primary Methods of Consumption
The method of consuming Kanna determines how quickly its effects are felt and how long they last.
Oral ingestion is a common method, involving swallowing capsules, consuming edibles, or drinking tea. When swallowed, the active compounds must pass through the digestive system and liver (first-pass metabolism), resulting in a slower onset and often a milder effect.
Sublingual or buccal administration involves holding a tincture or fine powder extract under the tongue or against the cheek. This allows the mesembrine alkaloids to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, bypassing digestion. Users typically hold the substance in place for several minutes before swallowing.
Insufflation, or nasal application, involves gently inhaling a small amount of very fine powder or a specialized nasal spray. This traditional method provides a rapid onset because the compounds are absorbed quickly through the nasal mucosa directly into the bloodstream. This route requires using a product specifically prepared as a fine, clean powder to prevent irritation and ensure proper absorption.
Users may also opt for vaporization or smoking the raw herb or specialized vape liquids. Smoking involves rolling the dried leaves or adding them to a pipe, while vaporization heats the material without combustion. Both inhalation methods result in a very fast onset, though the duration is typically the shortest.
Dosage Guidelines and Expected Effects
When starting Kanna, begin with the lowest effective amount to gauge individual sensitivity. Dosage varies depending on the form and the method of consumption chosen. For the raw, powdered herb used orally in a tea, a common starting dose is 200 to 400 milligrams; higher amounts may lead to more sedative effects.
Standardized extracts are much more concentrated and require smaller amounts, often starting in the range of 25 to 50 milligrams for sublingual or oral use. Onset time is influenced by the delivery method: oral consumption typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, while sublingual administration or tinctures are faster, providing effects within 15 to 30 minutes.
Inhalation methods, such as vaporization or insufflation, are the fastest, with effects appearing in 5 to 15 minutes. The duration of the experience generally lasts between one to three hours. Users typically report an initial rush of euphoria or stimulation, followed by a sustained period of calm focus, reduced anxiety, and a general lift in mood.
Safety Profile and Contraindications
Kanna is generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience mild side effects, particularly at higher dosages, including slight headache, temporary nausea, or mild sedation. The active alkaloids in Kanna, such as mesembrine, act as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs). This mechanism means they increase the availability of serotonin in the brain.
Because of its SRI action, Kanna has a severe contraindication with certain pharmaceutical medications. Combining Kanna with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can lead to an excessive accumulation of serotonin. This potentially dangerous condition is known as Serotonin Syndrome, which can cause symptoms like confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure.
Anyone taking psychiatric medications should consult a healthcare professional before considering Kanna supplementation. Due to a lack of sufficient safety research, Kanna should also be avoided by individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. When using fine powder for nasal application, selecting a high-purity product is advisable to minimize potential irritation.