Sceletium tortuosum is a plant native to South Africa that has been used for a few hundred years with a variety of purposes. Also known as Kanna, Channa, and Kougoed, the plant has been known to enhance mood, reduce anxiety, relax the user, and even cause euphoria when taken in large amounts. The plant, now becoming increasingly popular in western cultures, has become adopted as an alternative medication for problems such as stress and insomnia.

Kanna’s increasing popularity could be due to a few reasons. Some explain that the Kanna’s popularity is increasing because it is natural alternative to synthetic drugs. Others may explain that Kanna is growing in popularity because of some of its special characteristics.  For example, according to a study done by Dr. Nigel Gericke in 2001, continued use of Kanna did not lead to withdrawal symptoms when people stopped taking Kanna. The same study also maintains that Kanna is not addictive and there have been no serious side effects of taking Kanna.  Because of the non-addictive quality of Kanna, Kanna tea is useful for weaning recovering alcoholics.

Kanna also seems to be an effective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, which can explain its effect on quality of sleep, mood, and anxiety. These characteristics make Kanna extremely attractive, and may contribute to increased academic and industrial interest in the plant.

All of the cases in Gericke’s studies showed improved mood and reduced anxiety in patients. Some cases showed increased energy or reduced insomnia. Overall, Kanna has been shown to be extremely beneficial to people suffering stress, anxiety, insomnia, and much more. Additional information about this plant could prove to be useful in the field of medicine.

Discussion Question: What common disorders do you think could be successfully treated with Kanna?

News Articles: http://www.thebotanicalsource.com/kanna-sceletium-tortuosum-tincture-p-72.html
http://www.bouncingbearbotanicals.com/kanna-p-253.html

Journal Article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science