What is Kanna?
The Kanna plant, also known as “Sceletium tortuosum” is a special type of succulent from South Africa. The indigenous people have used Kanna as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years. It contains alkaloids that are similar to, but not the same as, Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom). These alkaloids produce a variety of effects to the mind and body that people find helpful in their daily lives. Almost every part of the Kanna plant can be used; stems, leaves, and even the roots. The locals of South Africa would chew on the raw leaves, brew them into a tea, and even smoke them to obtain the effects.
Recently, more and more people are becoming fascinated by the amazingly versatile benefits of herbal botanicals. Understandably so! Embracing a natural lifestyle can be extremely fulfilling. However, just because something is natural, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a solution for everyone. It’s very important to educate yourself before deciding that herbal alternatives are the right choice for you.
In this article, we are going to uncover the beautiful world of Kanna Extract and all of the things that we think you’ll love about it! This includes its benefits, active compounds, how to use it, and more. We truly hope this information helps you develop a better understanding of Kanna Extract and why so many people love to use it.
Is Kanna Safe?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Kanna for medicinal use. All of the claims regarding Kanna’s benefits are based on personal and historical experience. Scientifically, not enough studies have been done to indicate any serious dangers of taking Kanna for a prolonged period. However, the natives to South Africa have been using this botanical for centuries with very few side effects. Most people have no trouble and experience no side effects when using Kanna on a regular basis.
Still, you should definitely consult your physician before deciding to use Kanna, or any other botanical.
What is Kanna Extract?
Similar to other herbal botanicals, Kanna Extract can be found in a variety of different forms, including liquid, resin, and even tablets. Kanna Extract is made from assorted parts of the plant. The plant matter is dried and ground into a fine powder before the extraction process takes place. From there, the powder is placed into a solvent (like Soxhlet extraction). The excess plant material is then filtered out, and you’re left with a concentrated liquid that can be used to make a variety of products.
Kanna Extract is much more potent and powerful than regular powder, so you’ll want to be mindful of your serving size to make sure you don’t take too much.
Here are some of the benefits associated with Kanna Extract:
- Boosts mood and overall well-being
- Produces mental clarity and concentration
- May surpress food cravings
- Supports a calm and relaxed mentality
What are the Active Compounds in Kanna?
The active components found within the Kanna plant are the mesembrine alkaloids. The four main alkaloids are mesembrine, mesembrenone, mesembranol, and mesembrenol. These compounds are most responsible for producing the effects. There are a few more alkaloids that reside within the plant as well. All of the alkaloids work in harmony.
Here are a few of the other alkaloids found in Kanna:
- 4’-O-Demethylmesembrenol
- Demethylmesembranol
- Mesembrenine
- Tortuosamine
How to Use Kanna Extract
There are a few different methods to using Kanna Extract depending on the product you choose. The most popular ways people use Kanna Extract to feel it’s effects are:
- Drink Kanna Tea from fermented powder
- Use Kanna Liquid Tincture under tongue
- Consume Kanna Resin
- Use Kanna Resin tablets
Happy Hippo carries 2 different types of Kanna, loose leaf fermented powder and resin extract.
Kanna Resin Extract - How To Use:
- Start with a very small amount to evaluate. 0.5 grams or a “pea-sized” amount.
- Mix your serving in about 4oz of WARM water. Stir continuously until the Kanna Resin has dissolved into the water.
- Drink and enjoy!
Fermented Kanna Powder - How To Use (Kanna Tea):
- Bring water to a boil and remove from the heat. Allow water to cool for a few minutes to bring down the temperature just below boiling point.
- Add a dash of lemon juice (or whatever acidic base you desire).
- Add your serving of Kanna (1-2 grams)
- Stir vigorously and cover.
- Allow mixture to brew for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain mixture to remove the excess plant material.
- Add sweetener of choice (honey, sugar, agave)
- Drink and enjoy!
Note: Kanna is a very bitter tasting plant - the strong taste is totally normal. To help with the taste, we strongly recommend adding in some sweetener if you’re consuming Kanna in beverage form.
How Much Kanna Extract Should I Take?
The recommended serving size for Kanna can vary depending on the individual user’s weight, age, overall physical condition, as well as the product you’re using. It’s best to start at the smallest serving size possible and work your way up from there. Kanna Extract products typically contain a recommended serving size on the packaging. Always follow that - especially if it’s your first time trying that particular product.
A good thing to keep in mind is that Kanna Extract is more potent gram-for-gram than regular Kanna. For example, our Kanna Resin Extract is 25x stronger than regular plain leaf powder. Be cautious and use Kanna Extract carefully.
The Best Place to Buy Kanna Extract
Happy Hippo offers the best botanicals of all time! Don’t believe us? Well, check it out for yourself.
Not only do we carry Fermented Kanna Powder and Kanna Resin Extract, but we also offer other herbal alternatives such as Fijian Waka Kava, Vanuatu Kava, Akuamma Extract, and over 25 different Kratom strains. All of our products are packaged in a GMP-certified facility to ensure the utmost quality and safety.
Beyond the highest-quality Kratom powders and alternative botanicals, the happiest customer service, and same-day-shipping (sometimes within 20 minutes)... you really can’t go wrong. Plus, we have an awesome Rewards Program that allows customers with Hippo account to earn points to redeem for exclusive coupons!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. We are always HAPPY to help!
Disclaimer: Kratom and Kanna remains unregulated by the FDA, the authors of this text would like you to note that although this article contains many points regarding the use of Kratom and Kanna, they should only serve as a piece of information - not medical advice.
Kratom and Kanna are not intended to cure, diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or condition.
Make sure to speak to a physician if you have questions before using Kratom or Kanna.
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