Kanna Extract: Everthing you Need to Know
Kanna extract, or Sceletium tortuosum, has been used by the native people of South Africa to treat anxiety and insomnia for centuries. It’s now available in capsule form in the U.S., where it’s been shown to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, help you sleep better, and more!
see, Why Am I Not Sleeping Well? And Types Of Sleep Disorder
What is Kanna
Kanna extract comes from the South African shrub known as Sceletium tortuosum. Kanna has been used in traditional medicine to treat mental and physical problems. The use of this plant for various ailments dates back to the time of the great Khoisan and San people who lived in South Africa over 1,000 years ago before European settlers colonized the region.
Today, modern science has discovered that this plant has many health benefits. The plant can be found in health food stores such as extract or Sceletium Extract, as well as on many online supplement websites.
Potential Benefits of Kanna Extract
1. Helps you sleep better
Sleep is vital for our overall health and well-being. Not only does it help us physically recover from the day’s activities, but it also allows our brains to rest and recharge.
Without enough sleep, we can’t function at our best mentally or physically. Unfortunately, most people experience difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep longer to experience these benefits. That’s where a supplement like kanna can come in place.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to promote better sleep. Kanna extract works by reducing anxiety and stress levels, two common causes of insomnia.
In addition, it can help regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, kanna extract may be worth trying.
What To Do If You Can’t Sleep?
2. Promotes and balances the immune system
Your immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect your body from foreign invaders.
These include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When these invaders enter your body, they can cause infection and disease. An overactive immune system can also lead to conditions such as allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
Kanna extract has been shown to help keep the immune system in balance by acting on certain receptors in the brain. A 2005 study found that the extract blocked the action of some compounds involved in allergic reactions like histamine, and prostaglandin D2.
Another study showed it increased the activity of natural killer cells (NK), which are part of our first-line defense against cancer. How To Boost Your Immune System?
3. Decreases anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It can be mild or severe, and it can last for a short time or a long time. People with anxiety often have physical symptoms, such as a fast heart rate, sweating, and trembling. What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety can also make it hard to concentrate or sleep. For some people, anxiety can be disabling. But there are many natural ways to manage anxiety without the use of drugs. Kanna extract has been shown in studies to reduce the symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) by 30% when taken daily over 8 weeks.
The study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania on 29 patients who had GAD but no major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or social phobia. The study involved 19 men and 10 women with an average age of 43 years old.
The participants took either kanna extract, buspirone (buspar), placebo, or ipsapirone each day. (buspirone and ipsapirone are both medications used to treat anxiety and depression). The participants underwent weekly tests that measured how they responded to stress during those eight weeks.
They completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire before starting the treatment and at the end of the treatment, scores improved among all three groups but were higher among those taking kanna extract than those taking placebo.
Scores were also higher among subjects taking buspirone than those taking ipsapirone. Buspar did not outperform kanna extract or ipsapirone, though both treatments outperformed the placebo group.
Researchers found this because buspar takes longer to start working and needs more frequent dosing than other treatments like kanna extract. Anti-Anxiety Diet.
4. Suppresses appetite
One of the most popular benefits of kanna extract is that it can help suppress your appetite. If you’re looking to lose weight or simply eat less during the day, kanna extract can be a helpful tool.
The extract works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce stress eating.
Additionally, kanna extract can help increase energy levels and reduce cravings throughout the day. It may also have an effect on your metabolism, which further promotes weight loss. The Best Diet For Weightloss.
5. Improves energy levels
Do you always feel tired? Kanna extract can help. This natural supplement has been shown to improve energy levels, giving you the pep you need to get through your day. Whether you’re struggling with fatigue or just want an extra boost, kanna extract is worth trying. How To Have More Energy During The Day?
6. Strengthens teeth and bones
Kanna extract can help strengthen your teeth and bones. This is due to the fact that it contains high levels of calcium. Calcium is essential for the health of your teeth and bones. It helps keep them strong and prevents them from becoming weak and brittle.
Kanna extract also contains other beneficial minerals for the health of your teeth and bones, such as phosphorus and magnesium. Phosphorus plays a role in the development of bones and keeps them strong. Magnesium does this too by working with vitamin D to build up your body’s store of calcium, which then supports your bones. Best Vitamins For Bones To Prevent Osteoporosis.
7. Fights inflammation
Do you suffer from chronic inflammation? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), inflammation is a leading cause of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and arthritis.
But there’s good news! Kanna extract, derived from the leaves of the Sceletium tortuosum plant, has been shown to fight inflammation. In one study, participants with low-grade inflammation had lower levels of inflammatory markers after taking kanna than before they took it. Kanna can help relieve symptoms of most inflammatory conditions like arthritis. What Causes Ear Pain After Swimming?
8. It’s antiviral and high in antioxidants
Your body is under constant attack from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause damage to cells. Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize free radicals and prevent or repair the damage they cause.
Research suggests that antioxidants may play a role in preventing or treating a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Top 10 Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory SuperFoods To Consume.
Kanna extract is a natural source of antioxidants, and consuming it may provide some health benefits. Among the antioxidants found in kanna extract include Anthraquinones, terpenes, polyphenols, anthocyanin, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and coumarins.
Kanna extract has also been shown to fight against viruses such as the HIV virus.
9. Promotes heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Kanna extract has been shown to help promote heart health in a number of ways. It can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, the extract can help prevent blood clots and keep your arteries healthy. All of these effects work together to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
What’s more, some studies have even found that this supplement may be helpful in people who already have heart problems such as angina or high blood pressure. Best Foods For Heart Health.
10. Fights addiction disorders
If you’re struggling with addiction, kanna extract may be able to help. This natural remedy has been shown to fight addiction disorders like vaping, alcohol, and cocaine dependence.
Kanna extract works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit for good. Plus, it is non-addictive and has no harmful side effects. If you’re ready to get sober, kanna extract may be worth a try.
11. Fights cancer cells
High antioxidant levels in kanna extract have been shown to fight cancer cells in a number of studies. It does this by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
Additionally, kanna extract has been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. These effects have been seen in a variety of cancer types, including breast, ovarian, colon, and skin cancers. Kanna extract may therefore be a promising natural treatment for cancer. How To Boost Your Immune System?
12. Regulates blood sugar levels
If you are one of the millions of Americans struggling to regulate your blood sugar levels, you may be interested in learning about the health benefits of kanna extract.
This natural supplement has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, kanna extract can help reduce inflammation and promote weight loss, both of which can improve diabetes management. Type 1 VS Type 2 Diabetes.
13. Relieves headaches
If you suffer from chronic headaches, kanna extract may be able to help. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to relieve pain, and recent studies have shown that it can effectively treat headaches.
Kanna extract works by reducing inflammation and easing muscle tension. It is also thought to boost serotonin levels, which can help improve mood and alleviate pain.
A 2017 study published in the journal Neurological Sciences found that people who suffered from frequent or chronic headaches experienced significant relief after taking kanna. The participants’ scores on a headache index were reduced by about 40% after one month of taking Sceletium tortuosum.
How to use it
As with any new supplement or herb, you may be wondering how to take kanna extract for maximum benefits.
Start with a low dose of 25mg – 50mg and increase gradually as needed. Kanna extract can be taken in capsules, tinctures, or powders. If you’re taking the extract for the first time, it’s best to start with a lower dose and increase gradually as needed. Kanna extract can have sedative effects, so it’s best to take it in the evening or at night before bedtime.
Monitor your intake as your body may react differently than others
Use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence of the extract.
Kanna should not be combined with alcohol, other drugs, or medications because interactions could occur that are dangerous.
Talk to your doctor if you plan on using kanna extract if you have any underlying medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking any prescription medication.
Risk and side effects
Though kanna extract is generally considered safe, it may come with a few potential risks. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, kanna extract may also cause liver damage. If you experience any adverse effects after taking the extract, be sure to discontinue use and speak with your healthcare provider.
Interactions with other drugs
According to research, kanna extract may interact with other drugs, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and blood thinners. However, more research is needed to understand the full extent of these interactions. In the meantime, researchers advise people taking kanna extract to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. They also recommend consulting a doctor before starting or stopping any medications.
How long before you see results from taking/using kanna extract?
You may be wondering how long it will take to see results after taking or using kanna extract. The answer may depend on a number of factors, including why you’re taking it and your overall health.
Typically, people report feeling more relaxed and less anxious within an hour or two of taking kanna extract. Some say they notice improved sleep within a week or two of use. And some report decreased stress levels and increased energy within a month of taking the extract.
There’s no hard and fast rule about when you’ll feel the effects of kanna.
Final Thoughts
Kanna extract comes from the Sceletium tortuosum plant and has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine. This supplement has been shown to be effective at reducing anxiety, relaxing muscles, improving sleep, and fighting off infection, making it an excellent all-around supplement to improve your quality of life.
However, as with any herbal supplement, kanna extract may cause some adverse effects on some people, but they are generally rare, and most people have shown good tolerance.
That being said it can interact with certain medications. So if you’re on any medication, seek the doctor’s advice.
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