Skip to main content

Kanna

Kanna; Sceletium tortuosum
The Khoisan people of South Africa, who use Sceletium tortuosum in folk medicine, introduced it to the western world. The earliest European written records of the use of Sceletium tortuosum date back to 1662. The Dutch, called it ‘kougoed’ which literally means, ‘chewable things/goodies ‘ or ‘something to chew’.
Image result for kanna plantThis mood-enhancing plant is known in its distribution territory as "canna”, “channa” or “kanna” (not Cannabis). It was so esteemed among indigenous pastoralists and hunter-gatherers that they travel hundreds of miles to collect plants in the wild.

The Hottentots and Bushmen tribes of South Africa have used Sceletium tortuosum as a mood-elevating herb. Although primarily chewed, there are reports of it being taken as a tea, smoked, or powdered and inhaled as a snuff on its own or with other herbs.
Distribution:
Sceletium tortuosum is restricted to southern Africa.
Medicinal Uses:
Sceletium tortuosum is used to elevate mood, decrease anxiety, stress and tension. It is frequently used as an anti-depressant. As a mood-enhancing herb, it is far more effective and rapidly acting than the well-known European plant Hypericum (St John's Wort).

Farmers, shepherds and rural folk walking long distances use Sceletium tortuosum as an appetite suppressant. It is also used as a sedative in the form of teas, decoctions or tinctures. Sceletium tortuosum is not hallucinogenic. No addiction, severe adverse side effects have been associated or documented with Sceletium.

 More: herbalafrica.co.za/sceletium.html

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Uvuma-omhlope

Uvuma-omhlope; Synaptolepis Kirkii Uvuma-omhlope (Synaptolepis Kirkii) is a bluish-green shrub with striking porcelain white roots. Kirkii is traditionally used by the Zulu and Xhosa to induce spiritual visions, trances and dreams. The roots of the Uvuma-omhlope shrub contain a potent neurotrophic called kirkinine. Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that induce the development and function of neurons. UBULAWU DREAM HERBS Uvuma-omhlope is one of the so called ‘Ubulawu’ dream herbs. This is the name associated with a series of plants from Southern Africa that are used for visions and vivid dreams. It is believed one can communicate with the ancestral spirits and gain special insights and answers through use of the Ubulawu herbs. UVUMA-OMHLOPE EFFECTS There has not been extensive research into the workings of Uvuma-omhlope, but based on traditional use and user experiences, the effects are very similar to African Dream Root (Silene capensis). Uvuma-omhlope encoura...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ubhubhubhu

Ubhubhubhu; Helinus integrifolius Ubhubhubhu is the Xhosa name for a South African herb also known as Helinus integrifolius, though the common name is unknown. Little information can be found on either name, though a study into Xhosa plants and their western names by the South-African Rhodes University suggests the herb may be closely related to the Ilex mitis, a tall evergreen tree indigenous to South Africa. The Xhosa would use Ubhubhubhu in an ‘Ubulawu’ mix. An infusion was taken orally at the initiation of diviners to strengthen memory and give the initiate keen powers of observation. UBULAWU DREAM HERBS Helinus integrifolius is one of the so called ‘Ubulawu’ dream herbs. This is the name associated with a series of plants from Southern Africa that are used for visions and vivid dreams. It is believed one can communicate with the ancestral spirits and gain special insights and answers through use of the Ubulawu herbs. UBHUBHUBHU EFFECTS Helinis integrifolius ha...
Post a Comment
Read more

English lavender

English lavender;  Lavendula officinalis Lavare is the Latin verb "to wash". The Romans used the fragrance of the blossoms in their bath water hence the origin of the name lavendula. In the Middle Ages, it was used alone or in combination with other herbs to treat insomnia, anxiety states, migraine headaches and depression. The fragrance is relaxing hence the dry blossoms were stuffed in pillows and given to agitated patients to produce sedation. The oil is strongly antiseptic and used to heal wounds.  It is native to the Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy, Croatia etc.). More:  www.piam.com/mms_garden/plants.html
Post a Comment
Read more