Kanna (Non-Fermented) - Sceletium tortuosum

Botanical name: Sceletium tortuosum

Other names: Kougoed, Canna

Family: Aizoaceae; Subfamilly Mesembryanthemoideae 

Distribution: South Africa

Origin : South Africa

Some 300 years ago, it was reported that the Hottentots (Khoikhoi) of southern Africa used a plant that was said to be known as kanna or channa. The enthusiasm with which the Hottentots used it was noted by all the early travelers to the region. Unfortunately, most of them neglected to provide any information about the botanical source of the incense. And so it was not until the end of the 19th century that it was suggested that the effect must have come from Mesembryanthemum spp., for these species were then still known by the name kanna in South Africa. The effects that were experienced at that time, however, were not nearly as dramatic as had been hoped. Around the same time, Carl Hartwich was already suggesting that the species in question was Mesembryanthemum tortuosum, which is now known as sceletium tortuosum. However, the first ethnobotanical evidence of the use of sceletium tortuosum as kanna was obtained only about 15 years ago.

The South African Bushmen (San) use the same name for sceletium tortuosum as they do for the eland antelope: Kanna. The eland is regarded as the “trance animal” par excellence, since prehistoric times, it has played a central role as a magical ally in many ceremonies and was closely associated both with the rain-makers and with divination, healing, and the communal trance dances. Kanna appears to have been used as a part of these rituals.

Our Kanna

Our Kanna is higher quality because it's freshly harvested by knowledgeable family farmers, as well as it's stored in the cold and dark. It contains a high content of essential oils.

Our Kanna is ethically harvested by local family farmers.

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Our products are of the highest quality but they have not been certified by the FDA neither Health Canada for human consumption. Therefore, we have to specify that they cannot be sold for human consumption. They are sold for incense and soap making purposes, decorative purposes and/or legitimate ethnobotanical research. The information given about the plants is for academic purposes only and not intended to be used medically. TrancePlants, its suppliers, agents, employees and distributors cannot be held accountable for any misuse of the products offered.