© Shutterstock

South African medicinal plant -

Kanna is a medicinal plant native to South Africa. It has been serving a spiritual and healing purpose for thousands of years.

© Shutterstock

Gaining traction internationally -

In recent years, kanna has also begun to gain traction elsewhere in the world, thanks to its reputation for reducing anxiety, elevating mood, and promoting better sleep.

© Shutterstock

Kanna in the US -

In the US in particular, more and more people are turning to kanna as a natural alternative to prescription medications such as Zoloft or Prozac.

© Shutterstock

How it works -

Kanna functions in essentially the same way as those medications–by boosting the levels of serotonin (an important 'happy hormone') in the body.

© Shutterstock

Important considerations -

For all its touted benefits, however, there are some important things to bear in mind if you are considering taking kanna.

© Shutterstock

Kanna in South Africa -

In South Africa, it is possible to find kanna extract–or Sceletium tortuosum–at just about any pharmacy or vitamins and supplements retailer. It is normally sold in liquid or capsule form.

© Shutterstock

Other forms -

In addition to the standard liquids and capsules, kanna gummies and sprays have also started to show up on the market.

© Shutterstock

Early days -

Although kanna research is still in its infancy, experts believe that it may well be effective in treating mild symptoms of anxiety and depression.

© Shutterstock

Natural SSRIs -

Kanna has a reputation for being a mood booster, because it contains the alkaloids mesembrine and mesembrenone. These are naturally occurring serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

© Shutterstock

The role of serotonin -

Indeed, serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is involved with the regulation of anxiety, depression, and cognition.

© Shutterstock

Case reports -

According to a 2021 edition of the journal Current Neuropharmacology, there are also case reports of kanna being used successfully to treat major anxiety and depression.

© Shutterstock

Treating with kanna -

Indeed, several psychiatrists in the US have integrated kanna into their clinical practices over the past decade.

© Shutterstock

Important advice -

However, the current advice is that those managing more serious forms of clinical depression should not swap their prescription medications for kanna.

© Shutterstock

More clinical evidence required -

In order for this to be a possibility, there must be adequate clinical trials that show kanna to be a viable alternative to prescription medications.

© Shutterstock

Psychoactive vs. psychedelic -

In terms of the side effects of this natural remedy, it is worth noting that kanna is psychoactive, not psychedelic, which means that it does not produce hallucinations.

© Shutterstock

Not neurotoxic -

It is also not neurotoxic, which many experts believe to be one of the biggest benefits of the medicinal plant.

© Shutterstock 

Potential side effects -

According to neuropharmacologist Stephanie Karzon Abrams, the worst that could happen as the result of a big dose would probably be nausea and a headache.

© Shutterstock

Nausea -

However, kanna has been shown to cause nausea or a tingly feeling in the stomach even in small amounts. This is because most serotonin receptors are in the stomach.

© Shutterstock

Suppressed appetite -

For some people, this can mean that taking kanna has an appetite-suppressing effect.

© Shutterstock 

Not to be mixed with other SSRIs -

Finally, experts warn that people who are already on prescription SSRIs should not also take kanna, since this would cause an excess of serotonin to flow through the body.

© Shutterstock

How to take kanna -

In terms of how to take kanna, experts recommend taking kanna at different times depending on the intention.

© Shutterstock

As a mood booster -

If relying on it generally to boost a low mood, it is probably best to take your kanna dose earlier on during the day.

© Shutterstock

To deal with social anxiety -

However, if relying on it to reduce social anxiety in a specific situation, it may be better to take it one or two hours before going into that situation.

© Shutterstock

Individual choice -

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide when taking their dose would be most beneficial, bearing in mind, too, that everyone is different.

© Shutterstock

Being realistic -

When it comes to relying on kanna to manage your anxiety or depression, it is important to be realistic about your expectations.

© Shutterstock

Everyone is different -

Despite its many touted benefits, kanna may not tick all the boxes for everyone, not least because everyone is chemically individual.

© Shutterstock 

Building up a tolerance -

Furthermore, the body may build up a slight tolerance over time, which can mean that kanna gradually becomes less effective as a remedy.

© Shutterstock

Seeking professional advice -

Finally, although kanna does have a strong safety profile, it is highly recommended that you seek professional advice before incorporating it into your routine.

© Shutterstock

Avoiding self-medication -

As always, it is not advisable to self-treat what may be a more serious form of depression or anxiety.

Sources: (The Strategist) (Verywell Mind)

See also: The neuroscience of anxiety: brain process explained

© Shutterstock