Two of the most renowned natural psychoactive drugs are cannabis and mushrooms. But of late, there’s another substance that’s been gaining popularity across the world. Sceletium tortuosum plant, aka Kanna, is the latest name to make waves for its psychoactive properties.
With the increasing popularity of Kanna, we are going to break it down to you and see what this drug is all about.
What is Kanna?
Kanna is a succulent plant that has been in use in South Africa for millennia. It is not a controlled substance but a natural remedy that is getting hype for the mind-altering effects that it produces.
Natives have been using this plant for its mood-enhancing and stress-relieving effects. It has also been used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression.
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Kanna can be consumed in various forms such as powder, extract, or capsule. It can be smoked and chewed.
However, taking in sceletium tortuosum isn’t going to make you instantly “high”. Instead, it generates more soothing effects which help the mind relax and relieve stress. Those who suffer from anxiety and depression can benefit a great deal from Kanna. The active ingredients present in Kanna interact with the brain’s serotonin and dopamine receptors to produce effects that are cerebral in nature.
Kanna is considered safe when used in moderation. However, it can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headache when consumed in excessive amounts. Therefore, it is recommended to moderate its dosages and seek help from a healthcare professional.
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How does Kanna work?
Kanna’s active ingredients are alkaloids such as mesembrine, mesembrenone, and tortuosamine, which interacted with the brain’s serotonin and dopamine receptors, which produce claiming effects in the brain, thus, helping in stress relief.
Kanna, along with its effects on serotonin, also modulates the activity of other neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine, which are also indulged in regulating certain feelings such as motivation, pleasure, and alertness.
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What are the effects of Kanna?
Kanna is primarily used as a natural remedy. It does not produce effects that are usually associated with other psychoactive compounds such as THC and HHC. It is rather known for inducing calmer effects in the mind which help in dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Some of the well-known effects of Kanna are:
- Euphoria: Kanna produces a euphoric feeling, which can send you into an intense happy state of mind.
- Relaxation: One of the most commonly known effects of Kanna is relaxation which further helps in dealing with stress and anxiety. It helps in calming the mind and produces more cerebral feelings.
- Improved Cognitive Function: Kanna helps in improving concentration level. Those who have consumed Kanna have reported enhancement in attention, memory, and reaction time.
- Enhances Socialbiilt: Kanna is known to produce feelings of empathy, which may be helpful for those who are socially awkward.
- Appetite suppression: Kanna is known to suppress appetite, which can work for those who wish to lose weight without the hassle of working out.
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Kanna’s Potential Benefits
Kanna is known for its potential benefits which can help elevate human mood, treat chronic pain, and relieve anxiety. Below, we have defined the benefits of Kanna in detail.
Relives anxiety
Kanna’s most talked about benefit includes its ability to ease and reduce anxiety and stress. Kanna has been used by South African tribes to alleviate anxiety and induce a sense of clam. Some users have also talked opened up about experiencing a relaxed mindset after consuming Kanna.
Elevates mood
Kanna consists of alkaloids which can help enhcane mood by impacting he levels of the brain chemicals such as boost in serotonin, which helps in releasing stress and elevating mood.
Helps combating depression
Since Kanna helps in alleviating mood, it inhibits the ability of treat some symptoms of depression. A study has also showed that Kanna has some antidepressant properties.
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Kanna may treat chronic pain
Kanna has shown positive effects when used as an natural remedy for pain relied. Preliminary studied have also vouched for its pain-relieving properties.
Some reports have also claimed that Kanna helps in increasing congnitive function. However, more research is required to support these beliefs.
While Kanna’s effects are not well-studied yet, the little research work has suggested that this herbal remedy may be a promising option for those seeking natural remedies to obtain relaxing effects, while also healing their emotional well-being.
How to consume Kanna?
Kanna can be consumed in various ways, depending on what you want to gain from your experience. Below, we have mentioned few options in which Kanna can be consumed.
Chewing: Kanna is not a controlled substance. It’s leaves or roots can directly be chewed for few minutes and hen swallowed. Some also mix Kanna with honey and milkmaid to make it more palatable. This is one of the quickest method to intake Kanna as it is, directly absorbed through the mouth and into the bloodstream.
Tea: Kanan leaves are brewed into a tea by steeping them in hot water for brief 10-15 minutes. This is a less preferred method as some active compounds may be destroyed by heat. However, it is still known to induce potential benefits. Not to forget it is also one of th easiest methods to bring it into your system.
Smoking: Some people also like to smoke Kanna using a pipe or roll it like a joint. This allows the compound to be absorbed into the system through lungs and into the bloodstream. It is also a way to feel quick effects of Kanna.
Capsules: Kanna is gradually progressing into the mainstream. Its supplements are also available in the form of capsules. This method allows you to moderate your dosage.
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Conclusion:
Kanna is a natural herb which can do wonders if used with right directions. Despite Kanna not being a regulated substance, it is important to moderate its dosages.