Kanna Sceletium Tortuosum

Kanna Sceletium Tortuosum: Medico Herbs. 30 x 100mg Capsules.

Sceletium tortuosum (commonly known as "kanna' or "Kougoed") has been used by the Khoi people ("Hottetots") of South Africa for hundreds of years as a mood enhancer, relaxant and empathogen.

In addition to Sceletium's common use for the stress and mental fatigue of modern industrial living, Sceletium has been used as a natural supplement to:

• Uplift the mood
• Decrease anxiety, stress and tension
• Give energy
• Increase libido, especially in women
• Improve sleep

Dosage
Do not exceed 2 capsules per day unless under medical supervision.

Contra-Indications
Consult physician if pregnant, lactating or being treated for any chronic illness.

Reported side effects
Rare. Mild headache, slight nausea, sot stool, a feeling of sedation, insomnia.

More Infromation

Sceletium tortuosum (Mesembryanthemaceae)is a succulent herb commonly found in South Africa, which is also known as Kanna, Channa or Kougoed (Kauwgoed,/ 'kougoed', prepared from 'fermenting' Sceletium tortuosum).

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 plant's use was in 1662 by Jan van Riebeeck. The traditionally prepared dried sceletium was often chewed and the saliva swallowed. It has also been used as a snuff and smoked. In modern times, it has been made into gel caps, teas and tinctures. 

Effects

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. Users also report increased personal insight, interpersonal ease and a meditative, grounded feeling without any perceptual dulling.

Having such properties, Sceletium is classified as an empathogen type herb. Others have noted enhanced tactile and sexual response, as well as vivid dream inducing properties. High doses produce distinct inebriation and stimulation often followed by sedation. The plant is not hallucinogenic, contrary to some web literature on the subject, and no serious adverse effects have been documented.

Kanna is considered a potentiator (enhancer of effects) for other psychoactive herbal material and is often combined with them.

 Interactions

Little is known about the interactions of S. tortuosum, although it should not be combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or cardiac medications.

Headaches in conjunction with alcohol have been noted with kanna use.