What is kanna? Well, simply put, kanna is an amazing herb that can boost your mood. That’s right, a supplement that makes you happy… ready to learn more?
Keep reading to explore the origins of kanna, its traditional uses, modern research, safety, and practical tips for consumption. We'll cover important questions like:
- What is kanna?
- What are the effects of kanna?
- How has kanna been used traditionally?
- What does modern research say about kanna?
- Is kanna safe?
- How much kanna should you consume?
- Where can you buy kanna?
Are you ready to begin? Let’s get started!
What is Kanna?
Kanna is a fascinating, flowering succulent with amazing benefits. Native to South Africa, this plant has been an essential part of traditional medicine for the indigenous San and Khoikhoi tribes. Kanna is known for its ability to elevate mood, relieve stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and reduce pain. In short, kanna is an herb that has been used for generations to bring happiness and well-being.
Kanna Definition
The word "kanna" itself is quite telling. It means something like "to chew" or "is chewable," reflecting the traditional way this plant has been consumed in South Africa.
Kanna is also known as channa or kougoed. Kougoed refers to the fermented form of the herb, rather than the dried form. (We'll discuss kanna preparation in more detail later on.)
The Latin name, Sceletium tortuosum, gives us some more insight into the plant. When the leaves are dried, they take on a skeleton-like structure. The botanical name comes from the Latin word sceletus, referring to the prominent veins in the leaves.
What are the Effects of Kanna?
Kanna offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your well-being. Here are some of the effects you can expect from kanna:
- Elevated mood
- Reduced stress and tension
- Anti-anxiety properties
- Pain relief (especially for headaches, toothaches, and abdominal pain)
- Energizing effects
- Local anesthesia
- Respiratory support
- Spiritual benefits
Traditional Uses of Kanna
Kanna has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It's a cornerstone of traditional South African herbalism, especially for the San hunter-gatherers and Khoi people. They used kanna not only for physical healing but also for emotional and spiritual well-being.
In everyday life, the dried or fermented herb was used to quench thirst and give a boost of energy. Socially, kanna was the equivalent of coffee or alcohol in today’s Western culture.
Medicinally, kanna was traditionally used to treat toothaches, headaches, and abdominal pain. It was believed to work as a painkiller and even a local anesthetic.
However, the most treasured quality of kanna is its ability to elevate mood, ease anxiety, and create a sense of peace and contentment. Today, we see these properties through a clinical lens, recognizing kanna as a potential treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Traditionally, kanna is viewed as a potent spiritual healer.
Modern Research on Kanna
If the magical powers of kanna sound a bit too outlandish for your skeptical, 21st-century mind, you'll be interested to know what modern science has to say.
Kanna is currently being studied as a potential treatment for various psycho-emotional conditions, including clinical anxiety and depression, as well as other psychological and psychiatric disorders.
Kanna and its Active Ingredients
Kanna is packed with important plant compounds called alkaloids. These naturally occurring compounds in plants can have various physiological effects on humans. Some of the key alkaloids in kanna include mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembrenol, tortuosamine, and chennaine. These compounds can target the central nervous system, acting on receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which may explain why kanna is known to boost the mood of its users.
For instance, in a double-blind study, it was found that alkaloids in kanna seem to inhibit serotonin reuptake. This is similar to how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common type of antidepressant, work.
In addition to alkaloids, kanna is rich in other beneficial phytochemicals like anthraquinones, polyphenols, terpenes, anthocyanins, tannins, glycosides, coumarins, and carbohydrates. These compounds add to kanna's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some studies also suggest that kanna may aid in managing diabetes and obesity by targeting enzymes that reduce glucocorticoid synthesis.
Keep in mind that research on kanna is still in the early stages, often involving small sample sizes or animal models. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits of this ancient plant remedy.
The Properties of Kanna
Did you know that modern research has uncovered some amazing properties of kanna that contribute to its therapeutic value? Check out these cool findings:
- Antimicrobial: Helps fight off harmful microbes.
- Anti-inflammatory: Soothes inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Antidepressant: Lifts mood and promotes feelings of well-being.
- Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety): Relieves stress and anxiety.
- Anti-HIV: Shows potential in fighting against HIV.
- Radical scavenging: Clears out harmful radicals from the body.
This gives us a great idea of just how versatile and beneficial kanna can be!
How Safe Is Kanna?
Studies suggest that kanna is generally safe for most people. In a three-month trial involving 37 healthy volunteers, those taking kanna extract reported no significant changes in vital signs or health markers. Interestingly, participants in the kanna group even reported feeling better overall, with improved sleep and reduced stress compared to those in the placebo group.
Although some participants experienced minor side effects like headaches and abdominal pain, these were more common in the placebo group. Despite these promising results, more research is needed to fully understand kanna's safety profile, especially in terms of long-term use and potential interactions with other substances.
How to Consume Kanna
In South African tradition, kanna was often prepared through fermentation, resulting in a product called “kougoed.” This fermented form is believed to contain higher levels of alkaloids than the dried plant material.
Traditionally, kanna was consumed by chewing the dried or fermented plant. Today, you have various options to enjoy kanna, including as an extract, in powdered form, as a tea, or even infused into chocolates and candies.
Kanna Dosing Guide
Based on current studies, it appears that kanna is generally safe when taken at doses of up to 25 mg, once daily, for a period of up to three months – especially for healthy individuals. However, it's always wise to check with your doctor if you have any concerns about your specific situation. Keep an eye out for any potential side effects, and it's best to avoid combining multiple herbal supplements without professional guidance.
Regular use of kanna over the long term may lead to tolerance, and in some cases, it could potentially heighten anxiety… similar to how prolonged cannabis use might affect some individuals. To minimize these risks, it's recommended to use kanna only as needed and to take breaks after using it for up to three months. As with any new supplement, it's a good idea to start with a low dose to gauge how your body responds.
Kick It With Kanna
Ready to experience the wonders of kanna for yourself? Whether you prefer it as an extract, in powdered form, as a soothing tea, or even infused into your favorite treats like chocolates and candies, there's a perfect option waiting for you.
The Gold Dragon Kratom offers a selection of high-quality kanna products. Explore the many ways you can incorporate this remarkable herb into your wellness routine. Shop our trusted brands now and embark on your journey to enhanced mood, relaxation, and well-being!
