Description
Kanna (Sceletium)
Sceletium is a traditional South African herb that has been used for centuries to elevates mood and decreases anxiety, stress and tension. It is used to treat depression and is excellent for rehabilitating drug addictions as it is not addictive itself. It can also be used for the treatment of colic in infants when added to a teaspoon of breast milk.
Sceletium has been used as a natural supplement in
Low mood including grey weather syndrome
Decrease anxiety, stress and tension
Used for drug rehabilitation
Mental fatigue
Improvement in libido, when lack of libido is from anxiety or low mood
Post-traumatic stress disorder, as part of a support program
Clinical and Supplement use
Tablets and capsules of Sceletium are being used successfully by a number of psychiatrists and psychologists and doctors with excellent results for anxiety states and mild to moderate depression. This supplement is also used for every day use for patients to help elevate mood and for stress and tension and even mental fatigue.
It may be of value as a supplement in drug addiction rehabilitation and alcohol rehabilitation support as part of a formal program. Research directions for the future include evaluation of potential in cognitive enhancement and the management of Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.
History of Kanna
Sceletium Tortuosum was used by South African hunter gatherers as a mood altering substance from prehistoric times. The earliest written records of the use of the plant date back to 1662. In the Jan van Riebeeck era it was an item of barter and there is documentation of trade from the Castle in Cape Town South Africa.
Traditional Uses
The traditionally prepared dried Sceletium was often chewed as a quid, and the saliva swallowed, but it has also been made into teas and tinctures. It also used to be inhaled as a snuff or smoked usually with the addition of other herbs.
If used In intoxicating doses it can cause euphoria and then sedation. It has also been used as an appetite suppressant by shepherds walking long distances in arid areas.
Long term use
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.
We are proud to be supporting our African heritage with herbs that are grown and distributed in our Country and by the Truwellness Centre.
