kanna: the herb that smiles back

Before there was Prozac, there was Kanna.

A succulent with a soft, uplifting soul, Sceletium tortuosum- aka Kanna- has been used for centuries to ease the mind, lighten the heart, and bring people closer in every sense of the word. Think of it like a botanical serotonin hug, laced with just the right amount of euphoria to make life feel a little less heavy.

Let’s take a journey into the magic, history, and modern ritual of this mood-boosting beauty.

Where in the World Is Kanna From?

Kanna is native to South Africa and has deep roots (literally and culturally) in Khoikhoi and San traditions. These Indigenous peoples chewed, smoked, and snuffed Kanna to relieve stress, calm nerves, and enhance connection- both socially and spiritually.

Fun fact: the name Kanna roughly translates to “something to chew”- which is exactly what they did. After fermenting and drying the plant, it was chewed like a ceremonial gum, often in communal or shamanic settings. It wasn’t just for fun (though it is fun)- it was part of their sacred medicine.

What Does Kanna Do to You?

Let’s talk vibes and chemistry.

Kanna works on the serotonin system- specifically acting as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI). This means it helps your brain keep more serotonin circulating, leading to feelings of calm, contentment, and connection.

It also gently modulates dopamine and GABA, which can boost focus, ease anxiety, and even enhance empathy and pleasure. It’s no wonder Kanna has been called a natural antidepressant- or a subtler, gentler cousin to MDMA.

In body terms: you might feel your heart open, a subtle warmth spread through your chest, maybe even a smile that creeps in out of nowhere. For some, it feels like sunshine behind the sternum. For others, it’s that moment you take your bra off after a long day.

How to Use Kanna: Pleasure, Ritual & Play

You can work with Kanna in several ways depending on your intention:

• Smoke It:
  Great for fast-acting social buzz. Combine with damiana, rose, or mugwort for a dreamy, aphrodisiacal blend. It mixes beautifully with cannabis—but be gentle, because the synergy can be strong.

• Sublingual:
  Place the powder under your tongue for a slow-release, grounded euphoria. This is closer to the traditional use. Perfect for journaling, heart-to-hearts, or meditative movement.

• Take it as a tincture or capsule:
  Best for mood support throughout the day. You’ll likely notice more emotional resilience, less overthinking, and a touch more joy.

It's Better in Bliss

Okay, shameless plug- but for good reason. In my BLISS electuary, Kanna is the star ingredient, dancing with honey, ashwagandha, and other herbal allies to create a serotonin-rich treat that boosts mood and sensuality, without tipping you over the edge. It's euphoric, heart-opening, and completely legal.

If you're looking for a buzz that will keep you dancing all night, BLISS is the perfect combination of elevating and eurphoric.

Introduced to the apothecary only a month ago, BLISS can't seem to stay in stock. Folks are taking a small dose to start the day in place of coffee and larger doses before a night out. How are you going to dance with BLISS?

For me, Kanna helped me soften. When I was looking for a boost without the chaos, Kanna gave me the freedom to feel something without going over the edge. It doesn’t make you escape yourself. It brings you home.

Whether you’re dancing under a full moon, curled up journaling, kissing someone delicious, or just trying to get through a Tuesday without spiraling—Kanna can be the gentle hand on your back saying, “You’ve got this.”

Cautions & Contraindications

Don’t mix with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs. Since Kanna works on serotonin, combining it with pharmaceuticals that do the same can be risky.

Avoid high doses if you're prone to panic or mania. While Kanna is generally gentle, it is psychoactive.

Respect the plant. Just because it’s subtle doesn’t mean it’s not powerful.