How To Take Kanna? Explore 6 Ways To Ingest Kanna Effectively

Kanna, also known as Sceletium tortuosum, is a well-known herb originating from South Africa, prized for its ability to enhance mood and reduce stress. With a long history of use, kanna has become an appealing choice for those seeking to improve their mood naturally. If you're looking for effective ways to use kanna and how to take kanna, let's explore the six methods below to help you maximize the benefits this herb has to offer.

Kanna: Indigenous Community Opinion

For the San and Khoikhoi communities in South Africa, kanna is not just a medicinal plant; it is also a cultural and spiritual symbol. For centuries, these communities have harnessed kanna's ability to relieve stress and alleviate fatigue, especially in harsh environments like Namaqualand and Karoo [1].

Kanna is used in various ways: chewed to elevate spirits, quench thirst, and enhance endurance during long hunts, or utilized in healing and spiritual ceremonies. For them, kanna is not merely an herb; it is an essential part of rituals, fostering a profound connection between body and soul.

Today, even though modern science has validated many benefits of kanna, indigenous communities still preserve traditional methods of use. They view this as a way to maintain a balance between physical and mental health, a crucial aspect of their daily lives.

How To Take Kanna Effectively?

Taking Kanna Capsules

Capsules are one of the most convenient and popular ways to use kanna.

Capsules typically contain 15-25 mg of kanna, making it easy to control the dosage. The safe dosage of kanna also falls within the range of 25 mg, which can be divided into multiple doses throughout the day [2].

Capsules take about 30-60 minutes to take effect, and their effects can last for several hours. This method is particularly suitable for those who are busy and want a quick way to use kanna without needing to prepare or process anything complicated.

Chewing Kanna

Chewing kanna is a traditional method favored by many people. Even today, many still use this method.

When you chew kanna, the active compounds in the plant are absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth, providing a more powerful and longer-lasting effect compared to other methods. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the natural bitterness of kanna may not be suitable for everyone, which could diminish their experience. Therefore, make sure you can tolerate its bitterness.

Smoking Kanna

Another way to use kanna is by smoking it. Smoking kanna provide immediate effects that can last from 1 to 2 hours. This method is usually performed using powdered or concentrated products, allowing the active compounds to enter the body quickly.

However, caution is necessary because smoking can irritate the lungs, especially for those with respiratory issues or pre-existing lung conditions. To ensure safety, you should start with a small amount and monitor your body's reaction before deciding to increase the dosage.

Drinking Kanna Tea

If you enjoy brewing, you can use kanna to make tea.

Drinking kanna tea is a gentle and easy way to relax. To brew tea, simply add kanna to hot water, but be careful not to boil the water too hot to avoid destroying the valuable active compounds in the plant.

This method allows the body to absorb kanna gradually, providing a mild effect that is ideal for those looking for a more relaxing experience without an immediate strong impact.

Taking Kanna Sublingually

Sublingual administration of kanna is a very effective method, allowing kanna to enter the bloodstream through the mucous membranes under the tongue.

This method provides quick effects without going through the digestive process, allowing you to feel the effects of kanna within just a few minutes. It is also a great option for those who want to control smaller dosages and do not want to feel overwhelmed.

Insufflating Kanna

One of the most potent ways to use kanna is by sniffing it. This will provide immediate effects.

If you choose this method, be aware that it can easily irritate the nasal and respiratory mucous membranes, so avoid overusing it. Additionally, inhaling too much kanna can lead to serotonin overload, resulting in unwanted side effects. Therefore, if you decide to use this method, make sure to control the dosage and listen to your body.

What Is The Best Way To Ingest Kanna?

There is no single best way to use kanna. The optimal method of use depends on your personal preferences and goals when using kanna. Below is a summary table of the advantages and disadvantages of different kanna usage methods:

Kanna Dosage And Side Effects

The dosage of kanna has not yet been specifically established. However, some studies have used a dose of 25 mg, which can be taken once or daily, over treatment periods ranging from 8 days to 9 weeks, based on a standardized extract containing 0.4% alkaloids [2]. The results of these studies indicate that this dosage is extremely safe.

Furthermore, kanna is commonly available in forms such as tinctures, tablets, or capsules, with dosages ranging from 50 to 200 mg of dried herbal material [2].

It is important to note that using kanna may cause some side effects, including weight gain (14%), increased appetite (10%), and fatigue (10%). Other potential symptoms include headaches, nausea, constipation, muscle stiffness, and difficulty concentrating. While kanna can induce a sense of euphoria, it does not cause hallucinations or impair motor function.

Users should exercise caution when combining kanna with psychotropic medications, such as sedatives and antidepressants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using kanna due to a lack of safety information. Data on toxicity in humans is limited, but animal studies have shown no harmful effects at certain dosages.

Kanna Using Intention

Kanna is often used for various intentions, primarily to enhance mood and promote relaxation. The alkaloids in kanna help reduce anxiety and create a feeling of euphoria, which is why many people use it to improve their mood and manage feelings of sadness.

In addition, kanna helps relax and reduce stress after a long day, creating a more comfortable atmosphere in social interactions. It also supports meditation practices, aiding concentration and achieving a deeper state of relaxation.

Many people explore kanna for its uplifting psychological effects, making it an intriguing option for enhancing mood, reducing stress, and improving social experiences.

Conclusion

In summary, kanna is a natural herb that offers numerous benefits for mood and mental health. Exploring different methods of use—ranging from chewing directly, making tea, to using powder or capsules—helps you find the most suitable way to enjoy its positive effects and understand how to take kanna effectively. Each method not only provides a unique experience but also contributes to improving mood, reducing stress, and creating a sense of comfort. Let's explore which way of using kanna works best for you.