Every day stress is a common challenge in modern life, and many people seek natural relief alternatives. Two such plants are Kratom and Kanna. Originating in different parts of the globe, these two botanicals have gained popularity for their potential mood-supporting and wellness properties. This Kats Botanicals article explores the key differences, benefits, and proper usage of Kanna and Kratom.
What is Kanna and Kratom?
This guide offers helpful information about Kanna vs. Kratom for new or existing users. First, let’s clarify what these two botanicals are, where they come from, and what potential therapeutic effects each is known for producing.
Understanding Kanna: What You Need to Know
Kanna comes from a succulent plant, Sceletium tortuosum, which is scientifically known as Kanna. These unique plants are native to South African regions, where communities like the Khoisan tribes trust their use in spiritual ceremonies. Kanna’s use also extends to alleviating the discomforts of stress and lightening mood.
Traditionally, Kanna was chewed and directly consumed, or the chewed bits were then smoked. Like many other botanicals, its use has changed a lot since Westerners got wind of its potential. Today, you can find Kanna in all kinds of forms:
- Kanna capsules.
- Kanna powders for making Kanna teas.
- Kanna tinctures or extracts for taking by mouth or in a beverage.
Kanna is sometimes classified as an empathogenic substance. This classification is for psychoactive botanicals that may induce feelings of empathy. Other empathogenic botanicals include phenethylamines and tryptamines like psilocybin mushrooms and chacruna.
What is Kratom and Where Does it Come From?
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asian tropical rainforests. It has been used by the natives for centuries. It became widely popular for ceremonial purposes, but ultimately, the plant’s use extended to personal use inspired by its purported effects. These include dose-specific, dual effects of mild stimulation at lower doses and more relaxing or sedative properties at higher doses. The benefits of Kratom are linked to the alkaloids found in the leaf matter.
Kratom trees offer three main strain types that are combined in different ratios to give more varieties. Plus, the many regions in Thailand and Indonesia offer Kratom varietals with regional differences in flavor, aroma, and alkaloid profiles.
Like Kanna, Kratom products are also available in a number of different formats, such as:
- Kratom powders (The most versatile and widely used.)
- Kratom capsules (Convenient and tasteless, pre-measured.)
- Kratom gummies (Chewables for convenience.)
- Loose leaf Kratom (For making Kratom teas.)
- Kratom extracts and drinkables(High-strength options for those that need it.)
Key Differences Between Kanna and Kratom
Having understood the basics of both Kratom and Kanna, let’s talk about the key differences between these two beloved plants and their effects. Understanding these differences can help you decide which of these two botanicals may be best to support your wellness goals.
Kanna Vs Kratom: Origins
Kanna: The Kanna plant is a native of South Africa and grows naturally in dry loamy soils under shrubs. Sometimes called the “happy plant”, Kanna is a short succulent with bright yellow and white flowers.
Kratom: The Kratom tree is much taller in stature, sometimes reaching over 80 feet tall. It grows natively throughout many tropical rainforest areas of Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea.
Different Active Compounds
Kanna: Mesembrine, Mesembrenone, and Mesembrenol are the plant’s active alkaloid compounds, contributing to its potential therapeutic effects. These active compounds are primarily found in the leaves, stems, and flowers.
Kratom: Kratom leaves contain active alkaloid compounds like Mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, Speciogynine, Speciociliatine, and paynantheine. These alkaloids have potential therapeutic effects and are found in the leaf matter.
Actions at Receptors
Kanna: The plant’s compounds work by modulating serotonin levels or acting as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs) in the brain. Though compared to antidepressants, this plant’s effects are reportedly smoother, well-tolerated, and have more subtle effects. Ongoing research is needed to support these claims.
Kratom: Kratom’s active alkaloids act on the mu-opioid receptors and dopamine receptors, producing their effect on the body. The results are often compared to opioid-like, though the plant’s makeup is not opioid in nature. This is an oversimplification of the complex ways Kratom works in the body.
Effects on the Body
Kanna: While Western buyers may be skeptical about the plant’s effectiveness as a natural relief for low mood, interest is growing in the plant’s potential as a natural option for stress relief support.
Kratom: Kratom is also credited with some notable effects. The bitter herb is thought to help with signs of stress and discomfort, support natural energy levels, and promote relaxation. While some strains work well as a coffee substitute, others tend to be more relaxing and have a more positive demeanor.
Legal Status
Kanna: The Kanna plant is legal in most places. Due to the plant’s comparison to modern medicines, it may come under scrutiny should its use become more widespread (as is already happening with Cannabis and Kratom across the globe).
Kratom: Kratom has faced an uphill battle in legislative efforts in some areas to restrict its use, and some outright bans on the substance or its derivatives. The US does not regulate Kratom, but the states each have a different take on the herb, some of them implementing KCPA legislation or setting an age limit. It’s best to periodically check Kratom legality, especially if you are a frequent Kratom user.
Benefits of Kanna vs Kratom
Comparisons partially aside, it’s really the benefits of Kanna vs Kratom that’s of most interest to us wellness seekers in the West. We want to know what each plant does, and certainly, how they might make us feel. (Then, where to buy them!) So, let’s get to the goods.
What Are the Mood-Supporting Effects of Kanna?
Because the Kanna plant interacts with our serotonin receptors, increasing our brain’s serotonin availability, we may feel some marked effects from using Kanna plants. Kanna’s potential for therapeutic effects may include:
- Mood-enhancing, “happy” effects like elevated optimism.
- Reduced tension or stress.
- May improve emotional well-being.
- Relaxation without sedation.
- May improve sociability.
- It is thought to support better stress adaptation (through PDE4 inhibition).
It’s important to note that these effects are primarily backed by anecdotal evidence, though new scientific studies are emerging on this unique plant’s possibilities for human health and wellness.
How Does Kratom Provide Relief from Discomfort?
Several botanical substances fall under the category of “pain-relief” potential, though it’s difficult to prove without more medical research. Kratom is thought to contribute to discomfort reduction, though this link may be indirect through Kratom’s calming properties. Many believe the alkaloids have a greater contribution since they work through the opioid receptors. As we wait for more research, we rely on personal experience with the herb, which can differ from person to person.
According to a recent self-reporting study, many of the subjects reported “significant relief” for their daily pain levels. The call is clear to provide adequate medical research to prove what Kratom users have been saying for decades.
Another fascinating aspect of Kratom is that the effects of Kratom can vary based on its dosage:
- At lower doses, the body may feel energized and alert.
- At higher doses, there may be more relaxing effects, which ultimately help relieve and manage discomfort in the body.
- Different strains offer unique effects: White for energy, Green for balance, Red for relaxation.
Get the complete Proper Kratom Dose Guidelines here.
Comparing Relaxation Properties: Kanna vs Kratom
Since both Kanna and Kratom are celebrated for their relaxing properties, how do they differ in this area? How does it feel?
Kanna: Kanna renders more gentle effects than Kratom does, providing mental relaxation. Therefore, it is ideal for use during the day, work, or in social activities.
Kratom: Kratom’s relaxing effects are more notable, with some strains even being used before bedtime. Further, by using higher doses or extracts we can take full advantage of the deeper relaxation, to feel more relief. This makes Kratom a more popular choice among botanical users seeking the most comforting properties.
How to Use Kanna and Kratom Effectively
Using botanical plants for our health requires a deeper understanding of how they work. Understanding the common uses, potential risks, and how the botanicals may affect your system. This is best done by working with your medical professional who can clear you for botanical use.
We’ve provided a few tips below to familiarize you with dosing.
Dosage Recommendations for Kanna Extract
Solid clinical evidence is not yet available that explains the dosage recommendations for Kanna. However, one trial on Sceletium tortuosum utilized an 8 mg extract dose and reported it to be “well-tolerated.” Kanna can be found in capsules, tinctures, or milled herbal powders.
Best Practices for Using Kratom Powder
Kratom powder is far more versatile in terms of dosage, use, and effects of the many types of Kratom products on the market.
- Using powdered form by the toss and wash method.
- Enclosing calculated amounts of powder in gelatinous capsules.
- Adding to tea and beverages, with sugar or juice additives to mask the bitterness of Kratom powders.
Learn more about how to use Kratom.
Mixing Kanna with Other Natural Supplements & Botanicals
Many botanical users take a variety of plant-based substances, so it’s common to mix them. Other plant substances that may give you a lift often make this list: Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, or CBD. Your medical doctor or herbal professional may provide more insight into how these can be combined to make the best contribution to your health and well-being.
It’s not recommended to combine Kanna (or Kratom) with medications, antidepressants, alcohol, or serotonin-boosting meds without proper consultation.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
Like other medications and supplements, both Kanna and Kratom may present some users with side effects.. Natural remedies also have side effects. In heavy and repeated doses, Kratom may even cause withdrawal.
Potential Withdrawal Symptoms from Kratom
Heavy and consistent Kratom use can cause dependence or withdrawal effects, including:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Flu-like symptoms
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Kanna?
Kanna is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. Higher doses may cause:
- Nausea
- Mild headaches
- Drowsiness
Understanding the Risks of Mixing Kanna and Kratom
Kanna Kratom or a beverage of the two mixed herbs, may lead to unwanted side effects due to their combined impact on serotonin and opioid systems. This interaction may result in excessive sedation, overstimulation, or other unpredictable effects. For safety, it’s best to use these plants separately unless guided by a qualified healthcare professional.
Where to Buy Kanna and Kratom
Looking to buy the best Kratom and Kanna? Well, we can help you with the former. Here are some tips for finding botanicals you can trust.
Finding Reliable Sources for Kanna Extract
When buying either Kanna or Kratom, look for GMP certification, third-party testing, and a certificate of analysis (COA). And never compromise on quality when purchasing botanical supplements.
Where to Purchase Kratom Powder Online
If you’re searching for Kratom near me, Kats Botanicals meets all criteria for a reputable Kratom vendor in the US – and ships to all areas where Kratom is legal. In addition to the standards mentioned above, Kats Botanicals has a stellar reputation for providing excellent customer service and backing all orders with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!
Legal Status of Kanna and Kratom
Before you shop for Kratom, make sure it’s legal where you live.
Is Kratom Banned in Your Area?
Per the present legal status, Kratom is:
- Banned in several U.S. states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
- Restricted in Sarasota County (FL), San Diego (CA), and a few other local areas.
- Illegal in some countries like Australia and much of Europe.
Legal Considerations for Using Kanna
Compared to Kratom, Kanna remains legal in a majority of parts of the world, including countries like the U.S., Europe, and Australia. However, based on its use and effects, future regulations may be employed on its use.
For More Information
For more information on buying Kratom, Kanna, Kava, CBD, and other botanicals for your wellness, follow Kats Botanicals’ blog. And, check out our full-service, plant-based Kratom shopping page.
