In 1662, an intrepid Dutch explorer and tradesman named Van Riebeeck trekked through the wilds of South Africa (Kannaland) where he encountered a succulent herb called kanna, aka Sceletium tortuosum, that the local tribes incessantly chewed on. Before colonization, this area was inhabited by two tribes, the Khoikhoi and the San. Both were hunter-gatherers. Both used this unique herb to relieve thirst and hunger, combat fatigue, alter moods, and perform spiritual ceremonies. The Dutchman observed in his journal:

They chew mostly a certain plant which they call kanna and which they bruise, roots as well as the stem, between the stones and store and preserve in sewn-up sheepskins. When we arrived in October, it was being gathered from the surrounding hills by everybody.”

However, after numerous conflicts with settlers, wars, loss of land, and the ravages of introduced diseases, kanna seemed to disappear. Yet in the mid-19th century, we find kanna being used as a mild intoxicant, and kanna trade centers emerged to treat insomnia and diarrhea. It was both chewed and smoked.

Fast-forward to the 20th century: The herb finally made its way to America and was hailed as a wonder elixir to help children sleep and mixed with milk to soothe teething babies. But once again, kanna seemed to mysteriously disappear. Lucky for us, it is now having another revival. Currently, kanna is gaining popularity as a recreational drug—and anti depressant. It’s sold by smart shops and online vendors all over the world. Kanna’s myriad effects are unique: mild euphoria, relaxation, and a powerful anxiety buster. Kanna contains mesembrine alkaloids, which act as serotonin (happiness inducer) reuptake inhibitors (SRI), modulating serotonin levels in the brain. Emerging research suggests kanna has nootropic benefits for improving mood and enhancing cognitive function. Besides its nootropic benefits, kanna also offers physiological benefits like pain relief, treatment of cough and fever, and appetite control.

Kanna is currently being marketed as nature’s MDMA, commonly used as a mood enhancer at parties and nightclubs. But is kanna really Mother Nature’s alternative to MDMA? Not exactly, says clinical psychologist Vincenzo Sinisi, SAPA, HPCSA, founder of Therapy Route. “Comparing kanna to MDMA is like comparing a high dose of caffeine to cocaine,” Sinisi says. “Many people who use MDMA as a party drug will be disappointed by the subtlety of kanna’s effect.”

So why has kanna had such a resurgence if it’s so subtle? This intersection of traditional use and contemporary scientific study showcases the enduring relevance of kanna as a natural remedy for mental health and emotional balance. The interaction with the brain’s serotonin system could explain the plant’s effectiveness in elevating mood and reducing anxiety, making it a unique tool for emotional management.

Kanna’s emergence in the wellness market is poised to expand as more research illuminates its potential health benefits. General practitioner Monika Wassermann, MD, who first came across kanna years ago and has studied it intensely, agrees. She believes that it has fewer side effects than many potential alternative drugs.

Additionally, as the alternative health and wellness sector continues to grow, the demand for innovative and natural solutions like kanna will only increase.

Kanna Extract Co. Cultivated in the lush, organic soils of South Africa and mixed with the finest chocolate on Earth, Kanna Extract Co. boasts that it makes the most pure, potent, tasty, and uplifting kanna goodies on the market. They also offer the Kanna Essential Oil Diffuser for a warm, blissful, and hug-filled journey. KannaExtract.com

PureLife Kanna Bliss Recharge your mind and body with this high-potency Sceletium tortuosum made with a myriad of herbs. Bliss is an all-natural, vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free supplement that may help with turning negative feelings into positive ones.
ThePureLifeStore.com

Vinatura Ashwagandha Korean Ginseng Kanna Zembrin Dubbed the “stress buster,” Vinatura has a unique blend of Korean Red Ginseng, derived from hand-selected roots, Ashwagandha, and high potency kanna that is at once relaxing while also improving brain function. Vinatura.Store

Amazing Botanicals Kanna Extract Tablets Using a singular patented extraction method, these tablets are made with all-natural kanna that can relieve joint pain, boost immune system, and help insomniacs fall asleep. Tablets contain one of the highest amounts of kanna on the market. AmazingBotanicals.net