Kanna For Mood Enhancement

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a plant native to southern Africa with centuries of traditional use and modern research to support its mood-enhancing effects. It is non-toxic and non-addictive, making it a healthy botanical option for mood support. It has been shown to promote relaxation, decrease stress and anxiety symptoms, and ease depression and apathy. It also increases serotonin and enhances the function of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It’s scientifically classified as a “Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor with Light SSRI Activity,” meaning that it boosts the levels of neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness, connection and well-being, but it doesn’t have the side effects of pharmaceutical SSRI’s.

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The psychoactive alkaloids in kanna (mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol) act to modulate the way our brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, creating a mood-boosting effect. The plant delays the body-neurons from quickly reabsorbing serotonin, which extends its availability and activity, explains Pasquariello.*

Its effects are subtle, unlike psychedelic plants such as psilocybin mushrooms and LSD that can cause hallucinations, but it can evoke an open attitude towards the world, more speech, greater energy and increased sensitivity to touch. At higher doses kanna can become sedating and relaxing.*

A recent study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that kanna significantly reduced the effects of PTSD in rats, but further studies are needed before it can be used to treat depression or other conditions in humans. It should not be combined with MAOIs, SSRIs or SNRIs and shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy.