Kanna Rush

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Kanna is a "nickname" for the African succulent Sceletium tortuosum. S.tortuosum is botanically classified in the family Mesembryanthemaceae (Aizoaceae). The name "Sceletium" comes from the Latin word sceletus. It is due to the veins of its leaves which acquire skeletal structures when they are dehydrated.

The roots and leaves of Kanna have been consumed by the indigenous people of South Africa for millennia. In this long-suffering country, the dried roots and leaves of Kanna were being used and continue to be consumed to this day. Traditional uses include preparing infusions, chewing, smoking or nasal blowing of the plant parts.

The word "Kanna" is probably due to the fact that S.tortuosum seems to be very similar to cannabis, enhancing the euphoric properties of the latter. The indigenous South Africans also call it Kougoed. Researchers of the plant claim that this name refers to the completion of the traditional preparation of the plant which is as follows: After the plant material is harvested, it is dried and undergoes a fermentation process to increase its psychoactive effects.

Traditionally the plant has been consumed both for its psychoactive effects and for the fact that it seems to enhance indigenous hunting skills. South African tribes such as the San (Bushmen) and the Khoikhoi deeply value and respect the fact that this plant works as an anti-depressant, reducing anxiety and tension. Among other things, it is very important to them for hunting because Kanna is considered a good hunger-fighting/appetite-regulating agent. The Namaqua tribe makes infusions from the plant to fight intense hunger pangs and physical pain.

The Bushmen and the other tribes mentioned above have reported that relatively small amounts of the raw fermented plant material can be chewed or consumed in infusions, bringing about a relaxation of tension and stress, promoting a sense of self-confidence. On the other hand, indigenous people have reported that larger amounts can be euphoric, increasing sensory sensitivity and enhancing libido.

In recent years, several clinical studies seem to confirm what South African tribes have empirically perceived: bioactive substances of S.tortuosum such as mesembrine, mesembranol and others are being studied for depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive/ compulsive disorders, alcohol and substance dependencies.