Sceletium, often called kanna, is a South African plant people use for mood, stress and social anxiety. It’s not a miracle cure, but many users report quieter nerves, improved mood, and sharper focus at the right dose. If you’re curious, here’s a clear, practical guide to what it does, how to take it, and what to watch for.
The active chemicals in sceletium are alkaloids such as mesembrine. Lab studies show these alkaloids affect serotonin pathways, which may explain mood and anxiety effects. Users typically feel changes within 15–60 minutes. Low to moderate doses often bring relaxed alertness and better social ease. Higher doses can make you sleepy or cause fuzziness. Effects usually last 2–4 hours, but that varies by product and person.
Research includes small clinical trials and traditional use reports. That means there’s promising evidence but not the same level of proof you’d expect for prescription drugs. Treat sceletium like a supplement: useful for some people, not a one-size-fits-all fix.
Start low and go slow. If you have a concentrated extract, begin with 25–50 mg. If you’re using dried powder, try 100–300 mg at first. Wait a few hours before increasing. Don’t mix with prescription antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) or other strong serotonergic drugs—combining can raise the risk of serotonin-related problems. Avoid alcohol and stimulants when trying it the first few times.
Common side effects are mild: headache, nausea, dizziness, or increased anxiety if you take too much. Skip sceletium if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have bipolar disorder or uncontrolled heart issues without checking a doctor first. If you take medications, show your prescriber the supplement label and ask whether it’s safe.
When buying, pick vendors who publish third-party lab tests or at least list alkaloid content. Prefer single-ingredient products if you want predictable effects—blends often hide strong stimulants or sedatives. Capsules or standardized extracts help with consistent dosing; raw powders work too but measure carefully. Read customer reviews for quality and shipping reliability, and avoid sellers that make medical claims or promise cures.
Want to try chewing the dried plant like locals? That’s how it’s traditionally used, but modern users tend to prefer capsules or tinctures for dosing control and convenience. Keep a small journal of dose, time, and effects for the first few uses so you can find what works without guessing.
If you’re unsure or on medication, talk to a healthcare professional who knows supplements. Sceletium can be a helpful, natural tool for some people, but safe use means paying attention to dose, quality, and interactions.
