HISTORY

Sceletium tortuosum or Kanna has a long history of use in South Africa. In fact it is in its 4th century of recorded use there. With written records dating back to 1662, Sceletium was a bartering currency. Traditionally, the prepared dried plant material (called Kanna or Kougoed) was chewed and the saliva swallowed, but it has also been made into teas and tinctures. Less commonly, it has been reported that it used to be inhaled as a snuff, or smoked – usually with the addition of other herbs.

Kanna was used in rural areas in very small doses as a treatment for colic in infants – it was added to a teaspoon of breast milk, and this use still survives in some local communities.