Sceletium Tortuosum(Kanna)

Sceletium tortuosum is a succulent herb commonly found in South Africa, which is also known as Kanna, Channa, Kougoed (Kauwgoed) - which literally means, chew(able) things/goodies or something to chew. The plant has been used by South African pastoralists and hunter-gatherers as a mood-altering substance from prehistoric times. The first known written account of the plants use was in 1662 by van Riebeeck. The traditionally prepared dried sceletium was often chewed and the saliva swallowed,but it has also been made into gel caps, teas and tinctures. It hasalso been used as a snuff and smoked.

Sceletium elevates mood and decreases anxiety, stress and tension. It has also been used as an appetite suppressant by shepherds walking long distances in arid areas. In intoxicating doses it can cause euphoria, initially with stimulation and later with sedation. Long-term use in the local context followed by abstinence has not been reported to result in a withdrawal state. The plant is not hallucinogenic, and no severe adverse effects have been documented.

There have been no confirmed reports of drug interactions. However, because of the nero-receptor activities of Sceletium there may be interactions with other pharmacokinetiv drugs. People taking any psychiatric drug (including all anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants and anti-psychotics and so-called designer or recreational drugs) or any cardiac medications, are advised not to take Sceletium-containing products.

As with most supplements and modern drugs, safety in pregnancy has not been established.

Sceletium is used to rebalance the brain and nervous system and thereby relieve symptoms of depression. Combined with other well known herbs, this formulation has been proven to be extremely effective and safe.

Recommended Dosage:

Chewing:

This is the traditional way of ingesting Kanna and refers to fermented leaves, stems and roots. The plant material is chewed for an extended period of time, sometimes throughout the whole day.

Dosage:
Mild: 100-200mg
Medium: 200-400mg
Strong: 400-600mg
Extra strong: 600-1000mg

Duration: Main effects last for 1-2 hours and then fade out over another 1-2 hours.

Effects: General intoxication, euphoria

Smoking:

Smoker's cut Kanna plant material can, just like any other herb, be smoked. The smoke of Kanna is described as sweet in flavor and not harsh on the lung or throat.

Dosage:
Mild: 50-100mg
Medium: 100-250mg
Strong: 250-400mg
Extra strong: 400-500mg

Duration: First effects felt within seconds to a minute. Main effects Peak for 30-60 minutes then taper off in 60-90 minutes.

Sceletium tortuosum is believed to act as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) in the brain. Sceletium tortuosum in combination with common psychiatric medications including other SSRIs (such as Prozac) and MAO Inhibitors may cause injury or death!