It has been growing and helping people in South Africa for thousands of years… which is why it has earned the nickname „African helper.“ However, the modern world has only recently discovered its miraculous abilities. What makes kanna so special and how can it help you?
Kanna can grow in very harsh conditions
Kanna (Latin: Sceletium tortuosum) is a hardy medicinal plant from South Africa, where it has been growing for thousands of years and continues to grow today. Indigenous tribes in South Africa have relied on this herb since time immemorial. What has changed during the time this herb has been growing in Africa? Mainly the fact that the whole world has learned about it. Its ability to relieve stress, calm anxiety, and generally improve mood is tailor-made for today’s hectic times. Who wouldn’t want to feel better in today’s chaotic times? The herb, which today mainly comes in the form of capsules, powder, or tea, is unique in that, unlike other available stimulants, it is not addictive.
In South Africa, Kanna grows in very harsh conditions. It is a succulent plant that blooms with light yellow flowers. It has small fleshy leaves and survives in places where other plants are sure to die. Its superpower is to take care of itself, for example, by sacrificing older leaves. When the drought is so severe that even this plant cannot survive, its older, larger leaves dry up on the younger, smaller ones, providing them with shade and protecting them from the destructive rays of the sun. It is a true helper because, although it needs its strength itself, it can pass it on to those who use it. Indigenous tribes in southern Africa have always turned to this herb when they needed it.
Use by indigenous tribes
You may think that this plant, which reduces stress and anxiety, had little effect on indigenous tribes. Of course, they did not know the stress we know today. But that does not mean that their time was not stressful. The opposite is true. Hunters also experienced stress from hunting and the risk of being attacked and injured by animals. They were tormented by hunger and thirst. Indigenous tribes also lived in groups, and people had to maintain healthy social bonds within their tribe. They used the herb for various bonding rituals, tribal meetings, to relieve tension, and to improve communication.
They most often used the herb by chewing it like gum. In fact, Kanna can be translated as „something to chew“ according to their language. The fact that the indigenous tribes of South Africa were always chewing something was discovered in 1662 by a traveler and explorer who brought back exotic fruits and plants from his travels. However, the natives also smoked, dried, and fermented the plant, using it similarly to snuff. They used it not only internally but also externally. The herb became one of the most commonly used plants, literally the queen of their traditional medicine. They used it:
– for illnesses (where they utilized its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties),
– it worked great for toothaches,
– for stomachaches,
– it accelerated wound healing,
– the herb increased the endurance of hunters,
– overall, the herb helped them survive harsh conditions.
What is the history of the kanna?
The African herb kanna carries with it the wisdom of thousands of years. The first mentions of its effects were discovered as early as 1685, when a 435-year-old drawing by botanist Simon van der Stel was found. Next to the drawing of the plant was a description stating that it was a creeping and perennial plant. Another early reference to this plant was a preserved record from 1662, which mentioned that Dutch merchant Jan van Riebeeck obtained this plant from indigenous tribes in exchange for goats. These references to the superpowers of this herb did not fade away. On the contrary, they gradually spread throughout the world. When the plant arrived in Europe, people described it as an herb similar to ginseng. Once the active ingredients were isolated from the plant, a series of studies began, which have continued to this day.
What substances does kanna contain?
What makes kanna capable of helping with illnesses, pain, and anxiety? Primarily, it is the cocktail of substances it contains. Among its most important substances are the alkaloids mesembrin, mesembrenone, and mesembrol. These substances:
– support cognitive functions,
– act on serotonin receptors and improve mood,
– have mild euphoric effects.
The plant also contains other valuable substances such as saponins, tannins, antioxidants, and so on.
What effects does kanna have on the human body?
Although kanna is used in traditional African medicine as a broad-spectrum remedy for a range of health problems, in our country, kanna is mainly discussed in connection with its ability to positively influence mood and alleviate stress and anxiety. Kanna:
– can eliminate stress, especially reducing its impact on our health, which in itself prevents a number of diseases caused by stress, such as:
– high blood pressure,
– diabetes,
– stomach ulcers.
Kanna:
– improves mood,
– relieves anxiety,
– strengthens mental resilience,
– relieves muscle tension (caused by stress),
– promotes sexual energy,
– can suppress thirst,
– can prevent overeating,
– promotes restful sleep,
– can be helpful in treating addiction (to cigarettes, alcohol, etc.),
– is not addictive in itself.
In what forms is kanna available today?
Kanna is available in various forms, most commonly as a powder (which has a weaker effect and is added to food or drinks, for example) or as a tea or extract (which is more concentrated and therefore has a stronger effect).
Who is kanna suitable for?
Thanks to its effects, kanna is suitable:
– for anyone who wants to lift their spirits and improve their mood,
– it is ideal for students and people in mental work, as it promotes concentration,
– it is suitable for people with anxiety and stress,
– kanna can help people struggling with addiction because it relieves withdrawal symptoms, reduces nervousness, and improves mental well-being,
– kanna can be tried by people who want to boost their creativity,
– The African plant can help people with stage fright because it breaks down communication barriers.
– For users who want to strengthen their resilience.
– For all those who prefer natural dietary supplements and do not want to burden their bodies with chemicals.
Is kanna safe?
This African helper is a safe herb when used in reasonable amounts and within the recommended dosage. However, the dosage is very individual. In general, beginners should start with a smaller dose. The dosage depends, of course, on the form of kanna used. The effects of kanna should be felt within about an hour of ingestion. Taking it on an empty stomach speeds up the onset of effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should at least consult their doctor before using kanna, as there are not yet sufficient studies to confirm its safety.
Kanna must not be used together with alcohol or antidepressants, as these substances may interact with each other and cause health complications. If you have taken more kanna than you can tolerate, you may experience:
– dizziness,
– headaches,
– general weakness,
– excessive sweating,
– rapid heartbeat.
In this case, it is necessary to stop using kanna or at least adjust its dosage.
It is no exaggeration to refer to kanna as an African treasure. The plant combines a long history with modern times, when its effects are highly sought after. What the inhabitants of South Africa have passed down from generation to generation is now being unraveled by numerous studies in an effort not to waste the medicinal potential of this plant. Dried powder from this plant is the most common form you can get. The plant is safe, and its main advantage is that it is not addictive. This makes it an ideal natural aid not only for low moods.