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Kanna Tea – A Soothing Sip for Mind & Mood

A cup of kanna tea sitting outside on a couple rocks.

Kanna tea turns an ordinary tea break into something uplifting. This herbal remedy, made from the ancient plant native to South Africa, has been enjoyed for centuries for its calming and mood-boosting qualities. A warm cup can help you slow down, feel lighter, and enjoy the present moment.


Curious about how it’s made, what it tastes like, or why people still drink it today? Let’s dig into the history, flavor, and potential benefits of this soothing, feel-good drink.



What Is Kanna Tea?

A cup of kanna tea outside sitting upon a rock.

Kanna tea comes from the plant Sceletium tortuosum, native to South Africa. Indigenous tribes traditionally chewed, smoked, or brewed this succulent plant for its calming and mood-enhancing qualities. Over time, its preparation evolved into a tea form for easier ingestion. Today, kanna herbal tea appears in various forms like dried kanna, tea cut, or kanna extract, blending traditional use with modern wellness practices.



Kanna Tea Benefits

Many people enjoy it for its potential benefits, from lifting your mood to helping you feel more present. Below are some of the main ways it can complement your well-being.


Mood Support and Emotional Balance

Kanna herbal tea supports a balanced mood and steady emotions. Many enjoy it as a natural mood enhancer that complements overall well-being. The active compounds in this ancient plant can affect feelings in a gentle, grounded way. It’s an appealing option for consumers who want something to help keep them feeling centered and positive.


Promoting Relaxation Without Drowsiness

Kanna herbal infusions promote relaxation without drowsiness, so you can still enjoy activities like light conversation, reading, or creative projects. This makes it a versatile herbal remedy and natural mood option for people who want peace of mind without feeling sluggish or weighed down afterward.


Enhancing Focus and Mindfulness

Kanna herbal tea may help you stay focused and mindful. Some consumers enjoy it before meditation, journaling, or tasks that require mental clarity. By supporting cognitive function it allows you to remain present in the moment and aware of your thoughts, which can improve both creative and practical activities.


Potential Social Benefits and Euphoric Effects

Some people find kanna herbal tea makes socializing easier and more enjoyable. It may help conversations flow and encourage a lighter, more open mindset. Its euphoric properties feel balanced and subtle, making it suitable for friendly gatherings or relaxed group activities without overpowering your senses.



How to Make Kanna Herbal Tea

Making kanna tea starts with picking the right form. Powder, tea cut, and kanna extract all work, but each offers different effects and flavors. Choose based on how you like consuming kanna—powder for quick steeping, tea cut for traditional use, or extract for easier ingestion. This herbal remedy can be customized for taste and strength.


Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions

Follow these easy steps to get the best flavor and active compounds from your dried kanna or tea cut.


  1. Measure Your Dose. Use 200–400 mg of dried kanna or tea cut for most servings.
  2. Prepare Your Cup or Infuser. Place the kanna inside for easier ingestion.
  3. Add Hot Water. Pour water just below boiling over the kanna.
  4. Steep. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out active compounds.
  5. Strain and Serve. Remove the plant material.
  6. Optional Flavor Boost. Add honey or lemon for taste and better alkaloid extraction.


Flavor Tips & Complementary Herbs

You can soften the bitter edge of kanna herbal tea by mixing kanna with herbs or natural sweeteners. Honey adds smooth sweetness, while lemon enhances alkaloid extraction. Ginger offers warmth and a spicy note. Some people enjoy adding calming herbs like chamomile for extra relaxation. Experiment with blends to find the flavor and effects you like best.



How to Use Kanna-Infused Tea in Your Routine

Kanna-infused tea can suit different parts of your day. A low dose in the morning may support cognitive function and focus, while an evening cup can promote relaxation without drowsiness. Pairing it with meditation or yoga can help quiet the mind, enhance mindfulness, and deepen the connection between body and breath for a more intentional practice.



Types of Kanna for Tea

Kanna herbal tea can be made from various forms, each offering its own taste, strength, and brewing style.


  • Raw Kanna. Comes from the succulent plant Sceletium tortuosum. Less processed, strong flavor, and longer steeping time needed to release alkaloids.
  • Fermented Kanna. Known as kougoed, it is traditionally used by indigenous tribes in South Africa. Smoother taste and easier ingestion.
  • Kanna Extracts. Concentrated form with mesembrine alkaloids. Quick to prepare, precise dosing, and smaller amounts needed for desired effects.



Kanna vs. Other Herbal Teas

Kanna herbal tea stands out as a herbal remedy with active compounds that can promote relaxation, focus, and mood balance. While many herbal teas have soothing effects, kanna works through unique alkaloids like mesembrine, offering a distinct experience that blends traditional use with modern interest.


How It Compares to Kratom Tea

Kanna and kratom tea both come from ancient plants but offer very different effects. Kanna may promote relaxation, mood support, and cognitive function without heavy sedation, while kratom is known for more pronounced physical effects. Kanna is typically enjoyed in lower doses, making it a gentler option for people seeking stress relief or improved well-being.


Similarities to Chamomile, Green Tea, or Other Calming Herbs

Kanna-infused tea shares qualities with several well-known herbal remedies. While each has its own profile, they all offer subtle ways to support well-being and reduce daily stress.


  • Chamomile. Known for its calming effects, chamomile helps ease the mind, similar to promoting relaxation with kanna herbal tea.
  • Green Tea. Offers gentle alertness and focus, much like kanna’s support for cognitive function.
  • Lemon Balm. Encourages a relaxed, balanced mood without heavy sedation.



Are Kanna Drinks Legal?

In the United States, kanna-infused tea and other kanna-based products are legal to buy and consume, as long as they meet local regulations. This herbal remedy, made from Sceletium tortuosum native to South Africa, is not a controlled substance. Some countries may have restrictions on kanna extract or supplements, so always check the laws before making kanna tea or importing various forms for personal use.



Safety Considerations

Kanna tea is well-tolerated by most people, but like any herbal remedy, it should be consumed responsibly. Start with a low dose to see how your body responds, and avoid mixing kanna with certain medications like SSRIs.


Are There Any Potential Side Effects of Drinking Kanna?

Some consumers may experience mild discomfort such as queasiness, headache, or muscle tension when taking kanna in higher doses. Kanna may also interact with medications, especially antidepressants, due to its effect on serotonin levels. Drinking kanna tea in moderation and knowing your tolerance helps reduce the chances of side effects while still gaining potential benefits like mood balance or promoting relaxation.


Who Should Avoid Kanna-Infused Tea

Kanna tea may not be suitable for people taking SSRIs, certain mental health medications, or those with underlying health concerns. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid consuming kanna. People with a history of serotonin syndrome should not drink kanna tea. If unsure, consult mental health professionals or your healthcare provider before adding kanna supplements, extracts, or tea to your wellness routine.


Serving Size Suggestions

The right dose for making kanna tea depends on your experience level and how you want it to affect your mood and relaxation. Starting small lets you gauge your body’s response before increasing the amount.


  • Low Dose. 200–400 mg dried kanna or tea cut for light effects.
  • Moderate Dose. 400–600 mg for more noticeable mood and relaxation support.
  • High Dose. Over 600 mg is not recommended for beginners and may increase side effect risks.



Where to Buy High-Quality Kanna for Tea

You can find kanna tea and kanna extract from reputable online brands or specialty herbal shops. Some local wellness stores and dispensaries also carry various forms, including dried kanna and fermented kougoed. Choose sellers that test for purity, list active compounds, and source Sceletium tortuosum responsibly from South Africa for the best flavor and effects.



Related Product: Kanna Gummies and Chocolates

Cheef Botanical's milk chocolate kanna gummies.

Cheef Botanicals carries Youphoria treats that make enjoying kanna easy and delicious. Each option uses organic kanna extract with guarana for natural mood support, upbeat vibes, and smooth euphoric effects.


  • Mixed Berry Gummies. Raspberry and blueberry flavors with precise doses for daily relaxation or social ease.
  • Mixed Citrus Gummies. Bright tangerine and lemon taste, ideal for promoting relaxation and connection.
  • Milk Chocolate Gems. Creamy vegan chocolate gems that melt in your mouth, at 15 mg per piece, they're perfect for microdosing.



Final Thoughts – Kanna-Infused Tea

Kanna tea offers a simple, enjoyable way to explore the potential benefits of this ancient plant. From promoting relaxation to supporting focus and mood, it’s a versatile herbal remedy you can adapt to your daily routine.


Start with a low dose, experiment with flavors, and see how kanna works for you. For a convenient alternative to brewing, Cheef Botanicals’ Youphoria Gummies and Mylk Chocolate Gems deliver organic kanna extract in ready-to-enjoy forms that fit any lifestyle. Enjoy the experience and find the balance that feels right.

 

Jayden Castanos

Author Bio

Jayden Castanos Writer

Jayden writes concise, research-backed guides with clear, practical takeaways.

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