What Is Kanna? The Natural Mood Booster That’s Helping People Drink Less

In a world that’s constantly “on,” more and more people are turning to natural remedies for balance, joy, and stress relief. One plant that’s gaining attention for its ability to uplift mood and calm the nervous system — without the side effects of alcohol — is Kanna.

What Is Kanna?

Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a succulent plant native to South Africa, traditionally used by the Khoisan people for thousands of years to elevate mood, relieve anxiety, and promote social connection. The plant contains natural alkaloids — such as mesembrine, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol — which act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors.
This means Kanna gently boosts serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, enhancing mood, focus, and calm energy without intoxication.

How Kanna Can Replace Alcohol

Kanna is becoming a favorite among people looking to cut down on drinking or find a healthier alternative to alcohol. Here’s why:

• Mood-Lifting, Not Sedating — Kanna creates a subtle euphoria and emotional warmth, helping you feel relaxed and open without impairing coordination or judgment.

• Supports Social Connection — Many describe Kanna as “heart-opening.” It helps ease social anxiety and fosters genuine connection, making it great for gatherings or creative flow states.

• No Hangover or Crashes — Unlike alcohol, Kanna doesn’t deplete your body’s nutrients, cause dehydration, or leave you foggy the next day.

• Balances the Nervous System — Kanna interacts with serotonin and GABA pathways, promoting relaxation while keeping you present and alert.

Some people even enjoy Kanna teas, tinctures, or microdose capsules as part of their nightly wind-down or weekend ritual, using it as a mindful alternative to a glass of wine.

Important Safety Note: Don’t Mix Kanna with SSRIs

Because Kanna naturally acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it should not be combined with SSRI or SNRI antidepressants, MAOIs, or any other medication that affects serotonin.
Combining them can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome — a potentially serious condition caused by too much serotonin in the brain.

If you are currently taking antidepressants or other mood-related medication, consult your doctor before using Kanna.

How to Use Kanna Safely

• Start with a low dose (e.g., 25–50 mg extract or a small pinch of fermented Kanna powder).

• Avoid mixing with alcohol, stimulants, or other mood-altering substances.

• Choose high-quality, lab-tested Kanna from reputable herbal suppliers.

• Pay attention to your body’s response — the goal is calm clarity, not intoxication.

Kanna & Hibiscus Elixir Mocktail Recipe

A ruby-toned botanical mocktail designed to calm the nervous system, enhance mood, and nourish the body with antioxidants and minerals.

Functional Benefits

• Kanna — boosts serotonin and dopamine, reduces anxiety, enhances empathy and mood

• Hibiscus — rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins; supports heart health and lowers blood pressure

• Ginger — aids digestion, boosts circulation, and balances the grounding energy of Kanna

• Lime — alkalizes the body and provides a bright lift

• Raw honey — offers trace minerals and harmonizes the tartness with natural sweetness

• Sea salt — enhances hydration and nervous system regulation

Ingredients (1 serving)

• ½ dropper Kanna tincture (start low, especially for new users)

• ¾ cup hibiscus tea, chilled (steep 1 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain and cool)

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger or ½ tsp ginger juice

• Juice of ½ lime

• 1–2 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (to taste)

• Small pinch of sea salt

• Sparkling water (to top)