Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum)
Commonly used parts: leaves. Reported effects are stimulating, relaxing, a sense of well-being, euphoria, and a reduced appetite. Kanna is popular for being a natural anti-depressant, one of the active components is Mesembrine. A native of South Africa, the Kanna has a very rich and pulpy inside that is very adaptive to different environments and can be turned into different products. Its white flowers grown big, and develop a yellow centre that holds the cocoons of the pulpy inside which are later processed. The Kanna is an inhibitor of serotonin and can improve a person’s mood and calm the nerves. However, it should not be combined with medicine that is aimed to improve the cardiovascular system because it could have a contrary effect. Oil made from the Kanna is often applied to painful gums to reduce toothaches because it has mild properties of an anesthetic as well.