Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum) Roots (pre order)

Kanna (Sceletium Tortuosum) Roots (pre order) are the dried roots of the kanna plant, Sceletium tortuosum, harvested from our own farm and offered as a botanical specimen for growers, researchers, apothecaries and collectors. Kanna roots have been shown to be higher in delta-7-mesembrenone, a rarer alkaloid with its own distinct character. Because a plant must be at least 6 to 9 months old before its roots can be taken, root supply is limited and this listing is sold by pre order in 7 gram, 14 gram and 1 ounce lots. The photo is a stock image from our farm before processing, not the exact roots you will receive. Our kanna is grown through benefit-sharing partnerships with the South African San Council, the traditional custodians of Sceletium knowledge.

At a glance

• Dried Sceletium tortuosum roots, farm-harvested botanical specimen
• Shown to run higher in delta-7-mesembrenone, a rarer alkaloid
• Plant must be at least 6 to 9 months old before roots can be taken
• Sold by pre order, supply limited
• Sizes: 7 gram, 14 gram and 1 ounce lots
• For growers, researchers, apothecaries and collectors

The herb. Kanna is a low, mat-forming succulent in the Aizoaceae family, native to the Karoo, the semi-arid interior of South Africa. The San and Khoikhoi peoples chewed and fermented the plant for generations, and its name comes from their word for the eland antelope. The whole plant carries mesembrine, mesembrenone, delta-7-mesembrenone and mesembranol, but the proportions differ from leaf to stem to root, and the root is where delta-7-mesembrenone tends to concentrate.

What's in it. The listing does not state an alkaloid percentage for the roots, so we do not quote one; what it states is that the roots run higher in delta-7-mesembrenone than the leaf. In kanna's alkaloid family, mesembrine is the brighter, uplifting note and mesembrenone and delta-7-mesembrenone are the calmer, more body-focused ones, so a root-heavy profile leans toward the mellow, grounded end of the plant rather than the energizing end.

Dosage, first time. This is a botanical specimen and the listing gives no serving, so we do not suggest one. If you choose to work with the roots, the sensible approach is the one that applies to any unfamiliar kanna material: begin with a small amount, wait a full two hours, and judge the whole effect before deciding whether to repeat.

Regular use. Most people buying roots are not using them routinely; they are growing from them, studying them, or adding them to an apothecary collection. If you do settle into a pattern of use, keep the amount consistent and small, and do not take higher delta-7-mesembrenone as a reason to use more.

What to expect. As a specimen, expect dry, fibrous, tan-to-brown roots with the faint green, earthy smell of the plant. As a material, users who have explored delta-7-mesembrenone describe it as calmer, warmer and more body-focused than mesembrine, a mellow and grounding character rather than a bright one. Roots suit growers who want to propagate or study the plant, researchers comparing plant parts, and collectors completing a set alongside our Kanna Flowers. If you want the delta-7-mesembrenone character in a measured, standardized powder, see our High Delta 7 Mesembrenone Kanna Extract XK6 instead.

Side effects. Any part of the kanna plant carries its alkaloids, and side effects follow dose. Too much can bring mild nausea, a headache, a jittery feeling or a dip in appetite; reduce or stop, drink water, and it passes as the kanna clears. Because root material is unstandardized, the same weight can vary in strength from lot to lot.

Interactions and cautions.

• Do not combine kanna with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs or other serotonergic medications, including triptans, tramadol and St. John's Wort, because of the risk of serotonin syndrome
• Do not use with alcohol
• Not for use if pregnant or nursing, or if you have a heart condition
• Sold as a botanical specimen; check your local laws
• For adults 21+ only, and keep out of reach of children

Ingredients and storage. Dried roots of Sceletium tortuosum, farm-harvested, nothing added. Store in a sealed jar or bag in a cool, dry, dark place; dried roots keep for a long time if they stay dry, but any moisture invites mold.

Common questions

• Why are kanna roots sold by pre order? A kanna plant has to grow for at least 6 to 9 months before its roots can be harvested, so root supply is limited and each lot is dug to order.
• What makes kanna roots different from kanna leaf? Roots have been shown to carry more delta-7-mesembrenone, a rarer alkaloid with a calmer, more body-focused character than the leaf's mesembrine.
• How much kanna root is in each lot? The roots come in 7 gram, 14 gram and 1 ounce sizes.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Kanna is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.