Kanna (scientifically known as Sceletium tortuosum) is a South African succulent plant that is traditionally used for relieving stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It has mood-enhancing and calming properties and is often used as a natural supplement to promote relaxation, improve focus, and overall emotional well-being by interacting with serotonin pathways in the brain.
For centuries, indigenous people chewed, smoked, or brewed kanna to experience its numerous benefits. Kanna is commonly found as a powder, capsule, or extract. This article explores the top 10 benefits, along with a list of important things you should know before consuming Kanna.
Common Kanna Products
Kanna is available in shots, which are liquid extracts for quick absorption in the bloodstream. Powder supplements and Kanna drinks are also available, which are often mixed with tea or juices. Traditionally, Kanna is chewed in a raw form.
Top 10 Benefits of Using Kanna
Kanna works as a natural serotonin reuptake inhibitor to promote euphoria and calmness in the body. Here are the top 10 benefits users report from using Kanna.
1. Lifts Your Mood
Kanna is a well-known mood changer. It works by affecting the brain chemistry to promote feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Kanna also brightens your outlook and uplifts your mood without being overly intense.
2. Helps Ease Stress
Kanna has a calming effect on the mind; it relieves daily worries and makes it easier for any individual to feel relaxed without sedation. Farmers in South African countries use it to unwind after a long day.
3. Reduces Anxiety
It also relieves nervousness and anxiety by promoting a sense of peace. Kanna is highly beneficial in social situations or stressful tasks. It makes you feel more manageable and handles stress very well.
4. Acts as a Natural Appetite Suppressant
People who are trying to manage their weight and avoid snacking out of boredom can consume karna as it slightly reduces hunger signals. You can use it as a natural appetite suppressant without any side effects.
5. Improves Focus
Kanna actually helps sharpen your focus. It has some substances that just calm you down and help you concentrate better on tasks without feeling jittery.
6. Boosts Energy in Small Doses
When consumed in smaller amounts, Kanna provides a gentle sense of being alert and engaged. It gives you a mild energy lift, which is not as strong as caffeine but is greatly helpful during the day.
7. Enhance Social Experiences
It is also called a “social herb” in Africa, as it reduces social anxiety and makes you feel more enjoyable during conversations. You can enhance your social experience in gatherings or time with friends after consuming kanna to feel more connected.
8. May Help with Pain Relief
Some consumers report that Kanna takes the edge off minor aches and pains. It is not a powerful painkiller; however, daily body aches can be reduced with Kanna, and it can also contribute to overall comfort.
9. Supports Better Sleep
Kanna has calming properties, which are highly beneficial if consumed in the evening. It helps quiet a racing mind and makes it easier to fall asleep and have a restful night.
10. Easy to Use
Kanna is available in many forms, which are pretty easy to use, such as powder, capsules, or extracts. Kanna powder can be consumed directly or mixed into hot water or smoothies. Capsules are an easy way to get a measured and consistent dose.
Kanna extract is a bit stronger and concentrated, which requires responsible consumption.
Important Things to Know Before Using Kanna
If you are new to Kanna, always start with a low dose to assess your tolerance and see how you feel. Quality matters a lot in all botanical products. Always buy from a reputable seller that provides detailed information on the strength and purity of the product.
For a safe and effective experience, you must speak with your doctor before trying Kanna. If you are on any medications, especially for mood disorders like SSRIs or antidepressants, it’s better to discuss with your doctor first to avoid any potential interactions.
Kanna is a versatile plant known for making people feel better, whether they need a mood lift, less stress, or better focus. By starting with a small amount and choosing a quality product, you can safely explore its benefits.
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