- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Namaqualand and the Karoo, South Africa
- Traditions
- Khoi and San knowledge of rooibos
Africa · Herb · № 809
Sceletium tortuosum
Herb · Africa
Kanna
Sceletium tortuosum
A succulent that was chewed to lift the mood and reduce hunger and thirst. Contains the alkaloid mesembrine.
Safety notes
Acts on mood. Do not combine with antidepressants or other drugs that act on the brain, and do not use in pregnancy.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- African healing traditions: Do not combine with antidepressants.
Preparation
Traditionally the plants were fermented and dried, then chewed or used as a powder.
Use in traditions
Used for centuries by the Khoi and San; European travellers described its use in the seventeenth century.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
African healing traditions
Attributed effects
Chewed to lift the mood, ease tension and suppress hunger and thirst; also at social gatherings.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally fermented and dried, then chewed or used as a powder. No dosage is given here.
Caution: Do not combine with antidepressants.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen