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What is Kanna?
Kanna, also known as Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent plant from the beautiful regions of South Africa. This wonderful plant was used by the Khoikhoi and San peoples long before we ever heard of it. They knew it already: kanna has something special. Traditionally, it was chewed, sniffed, or brewed in tea for various reasons. Nowadays, more and more people are discovering this versatile plant and experimenting with different methods of use.
Today, kanna is sold in various forms, from dried leaves to concentrated extracts. It is worth exploring the different ways you can use kanna. So let's dive in and explore the options!
Historical Background of Kanna
The history of kanna is rich and fascinating. The Khoikhoi and San peoples, who have used the plant for thousands of years, believed that kanna helped them communicate with their ancestors and improve their spiritual well-being. They used kanna in rituals and ceremonies, and it was an important part of their culture.
Interesting fact: The first European settlers who arrived in South Africa learned about kanna from the indigenous population and took the knowledge of using this plant back to Europe.
Chewing Kanna

Let's start with the most traditional method: chewing. Chewing kanna is as simple as it sounds. You take a small amount of dried kanna leaves, put them in your mouth, and start chewing. It may sound a bit primitive, but it has its charm.
Chewing kanna gives you the chance to experience the pure taste of the plant. It is a ritual that connects you to the history and culture of the South African peoples. Moreover, it is very easy; you don't need any special equipment, just yourself and a bit of kanna.
Doses for Chewing Kanna
When chewing kanna, it is important to know how much to take for different effects:
- 50 to 150 mg: A mild experience.
- 200 to 400 mg: A noticeable experience.
- More than 400 mg: A strong experience.
You can also make a chewing gum by mixing the kanna extract with a base such as natural gum. This makes chewing even easier and more enjoyable.
Pro Tip: Kanna leaves can initially have a bitter taste. You can add a bit of honey or a piece of fruit to make the taste more pleasant.
Kanna Tea

If you love tea, why not try kanna tea? Making kanna tea is a wonderfully relaxing activity. Here's a simple recipe:
Preparation:
- Take a teaspoon of dried kanna leaves.
- Bring a cup of water to a boil.
- Add the kanna leaves to the boiling water.
- Let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and enjoy!
Kanna tea is a great way to spice up your daily tea ritual. You can experiment with different additions like honey, lemon, or mint to create your perfect cup.
Adjusting the Dose
If you feel the dose is too low, you can always increase it. Start with a low dose and adjust as you gain more experience and become familiar with the effects of kanna.
Fun Tip: Make a large pot of kanna tea and store it in the fridge for a refreshing iced tea alternative on warm days.
Check out our range of kanna here!
Kanna Snuff
Snuffing may sound a bit old-fashioned, but it is a classic way to use kanna. The dried and finely ground leaves are inhaled through the nose. You can use dried leaves or buy ready-made extracts in various strengths.
Instructions:
- Grind the dried kanna leaves into a fine powder or use a ready-made extract.
- Place a small amount of powder on a smooth surface.
- Use a small tube or a special snuffing tool to take up the powder.
- Gently inhale through the nose.
Snuffing kanna offers a quick and efficient way to experience the effects. It can be a bit tingling, so start with a small amount to see how it works for you.
Kanna Tinctures

Another convenient way to use kanna is in the form of tinctures. This concentrated liquid is often dripped under the tongue for quick absorption.
Instructions:
- Fill a pipette with kanna tincture.
- Drip the tincture under your tongue.
- Hold the tincture under your tongue for about a minute before swallowing.
Tinctures are easy to dose and ideal for those looking for a quick and easy way to use kanna without the taste of the leaves.
Smoking or Vaping Kanna

For modern herb lovers, smoking or vaping is an interesting option. Smoking kanna can be done in the same way as tobacco, while vaping offers a smokeless alternative.
Method and supplies:
- For smoking: roll the dried kanna leaves in a cigarette or add them to your pipe.
- For vaping: use a vaporizer suitable for herbs and follow the device's instructions.
Instructions:
- Fill the vaporizer with the dried kanna leaves.
- Set the temperature to about 188 degrees Celsius.
- Inhale slowly and enjoy the experience.
Smoking and vaping kanna offer a unique way to experience the plant and can vary depending on the temperature and method you use.
Vaping for Beginners
Choose the right vaporizer: Make sure you have a vaporizer suitable for vaping herbs.
Experiment with temperatures: Different temperatures can affect the experience, so try different settings to find what you like best.
Start slowly: Inhale slowly and in small amounts to get used to the experience.
Fun Tip: Create a relaxing atmosphere with music and comfortable seating when smoking or vaping kanna for an optimal experience.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to use kanna. Whether you prefer traditional methods like chewing and snuffing, or the modern approach of vaping and tinctures, there is always a way that suits you. So why not experiment and find out what works best for you? Always remember to start with small amounts and create your unique kanna ritual. Enjoy discovering the wonders of kanna!
Kanna offers a world of possibilities and is a fantastic way to introduce something new and exciting into your daily routine. So go ahead, try different methods and enjoy your kanna adventure!