Introducing Kanna: The Most Underrated Herb on the Planet!
By now you have may have guessed it: I love my herbs! However, there are a couple of plants that even the most dedicated of herbalites are sleeping on, underrating or flat out overlooking entirely. Enter a little known gem by the name of kanna.
Also known as Sceletium tortuosum, kanna is a succulent plant with a glorious history throughout its native land of South Africa. According to legend, the herb was used by locals long before settlers and new world explorers arrived. At the time it grew exclusively in a region of South Africa simply known as “Kannaland”. Even back then, kanna was used routinely in ritual practices as well as the everyday lives of the locals.
Today, kanna is perhaps best known for its reputation as a mood enhancer. In addition to helping one settle into a tranquil state of mind, it has shown the ability to relieve tension, stress, and anxiety. As a result, the herb is increasingly being studied for its medicinal potential as a natural alternative to anti-depressants and various other prescription medications. Kanna has also gained popularity for its euphoric properties, making so-called recreational usage more common.
Using Kanna
When it comes to usage, kanna is about as versatile as they come. It was traditionally chewed, which came in handy when hunting, traveling by foot, and performing other tedious and time-consuming tasks. While chewing is still an option, it is much less common than other dosing methods that were discovered over time. Kanna can be effectively used via smoking, insufflation (snorting), or brewed into a tea. While traditional usage called for fermentation of the dried herb, many users find the plant equally effective in its raw, unfermented form.
Potential Kanna Concerns
While kanna has long history of safe usage and is practically harmless used alone, it becomes somewhat dicey paired with other substances. Since its suspected to be a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), extreme caution should be taken when combining with SSRI medications such as Prozac and Zoloft and Mono Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s) such as Syrian Rue and Yohimbe. The biggest concern with these combinations is the potential to trigger Serotonin Syndrome, a serious condition that could result in increased heart rate, breathing difficulties, and even death.
The Last Word
Like any powerful herb, kanna should be respected and use responsibly. The fact that it’s an all natural solution doesn’t change that. Be smart, play it safe, and I think you will find that kanna is a worthy addition to your botanical toolbox.
Photo by Joozwa — usage license
Contel Bradford is a mystical and complex individual. You can attempt to unravel some of the mystery by visiting his freelance site at contelbradford.com.
