Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) Supplement

Kanna is a southern African plant also known as Channa, Kougoed, or Zembrin. It has been used traditionally in healing ceremonies as well as a common healing plant in tribes native to the region. It can reduce thirst and hunger, as well as help a person to overcome fear and stress. This plant increases serotonin levels in the brain, which can decrease irritability, pain, migraines, fibromyalgia symptoms, depression, and some withdrawal symptoms for recovering addicts. Traditionally, Kanna has been chewed and swallowed, but because a capsulized form is easier to manage and regularize, we've chosen to include this form of Kanna here as a recommendation. Take 1 capsule (25mg) one time per day as part of a regular supplementation protocol. Take care with using Kanna during pregnancy since the authors of this site have not yet researched it in depth. However, it should be noted that traditionally pregnant women would chew Kanna lightly to relieve aches and pains, nausea, and indigestion and would even give drops to crying babies to help them sleep. The research is not detailed on its use, so caution should be used if you are thinking about using Kanna during pregnancy or nursing. WARNING: DO NOT COMBINE KANNA WITH ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS, METHAMPHETAMINES, OR OTHER PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS OR STREET DRUGS. Because Kanna increases serotonin levels in the brain, combining this plant with certain drugs (specifically SSRI medications, MAOI’s or amphetamine drugs) can lead to Serotonin Syndrome. Wait at least 2 weeks after taking one of these drugs/medications before taking Kanna. If you feel like you may relapse, wait to take Kanna until you feel relatively confident about your control over your addiction.