Sceletium (Kanna): What It Is, How People Use It, and Safety Tips
Sceletium tortuosum, often called kanna, is a South African plant people use to lift mood, ease stress, and help with sleep. It’s sold as dried herb, capsules, tinctures, and extracts. Some users report relaxed focus and less social anxiety after a small dose. Others use it at night for gentler relaxation. The effects vary by product strength and individual sensitivity.
If you’re curious about trying sceletium, pick a clear goal first: better sleep, less anxiety, or just mild mood support. Dosages on labels can be confusing. Traditional users chewed the plant, but modern products list milligrams. Start low—think 10–25 mg if the product is a concentrated extract, or follow label advice for loose herbal powder. Wait at least an hour to feel the effect before taking more.
What to expect and how it feels
Most people describe a calm, warm feeling that doesn’t knock you out. You may notice eased tension, less overthinking, and improved social ease. Cognitive clarity often stays intact, unlike strong sedatives. Effects can last from 2 to 6 hours depending on dose and form. Some users say higher doses bring mild drowsiness or lightheadedness, so don’t drive until you know how it affects you.
Safety, interactions, and who should avoid it
Sceletium interacts with brain chemistry—especially serotonin pathways. That means it can interact with antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and other serotonin-active drugs. Don’t combine sceletium with prescription antidepressants without checking with your doctor. Other safety notes: avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid giving to children, and skip it if you have unstable heart issues or are on blood thinners unless cleared by a clinician.
Side effects are usually mild: headache, nausea, dry mouth, or mild dizziness. These often happen with higher doses or if you mix it with alcohol or other sedatives. If you feel racing heart, severe dizziness, or strange mood changes, stop use and seek medical advice.
Quality matters. Choose brands that provide third-party testing or clear sourcing info. Look for standardized extracts that list alkaloid content, and avoid products that make bold medical claims. Read reviews and prefer vendors who explain origin, harvest, and extraction methods. If buying online, check return policy and contact info.
Common questions: Can you take sceletium daily? Some people do low-dose daily use for weeks to months, but take breaks and track mood. How fast does it kick in? Extracts can act in 30–60 minutes; powders may take longer. Is it addictive? There’s little evidence of classic addiction, but tolerance can develop with daily high doses. Store products in a cool, dry place away from children. If a product lacks lab tests or clear dosing, pass on it. Talk to a doctor if unsure.
Final practical tips: start low, test it at home, keep a journal of dose and effects, and talk with your healthcare provider if you take prescription meds. Sceletium can be a useful tool for mild stress and mood support, but thoughtful use and safety checks make it work better and keep risks low.
