Meet Kanna: The South African Succulent Behind Youphoria
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) does not look like much. It is a low, creeping succulent with small, fleshy leaves that grows close to the ground. But this modest plant has a long story, and it is the starting point for everything we make at Youphoria.
Where kanna comes from
Kanna is native to the Karoo, a dry, rocky region of South Africa. The plant is well suited to the landscape: its thick leaves store water, which helps it get through long dry spells.
A long history of traditional use
For centuries, the Indigenous Khoi and San peoples harvested kanna and prepared it as part of daily life and tradition. The leaves were typically crushed, fermented, and dried before use. That traditional preparation is one reason kanna has drawn so much interest from botanical researchers and curious shoppers today.
How kanna is prepared today
Modern kanna is carefully cultivated rather than gathered from the wild. After harvest, the leaves are dried and made into a concentrated extract, which lets each serving contain a consistent, measured amount. Our extract is organic and third-party tested for quality and purity.
Why we pair it with other ingredients
On its own, kanna is only one piece of the picture. We pair it with a partner ingredient chosen for a particular part of your day:
- Paraxanthine in our gummies, for your energy routine, without caffeine
- L-theanine in our Dark Chocolate Hearts, for your evening wind-down
- Guarana in our Mylk Chocolate Gems, for a daily ritual (contains caffeine)
- Lion's mane in our Mushroom Fusion Gems, for your focus routine
Start simple
If you are new to kanna, we suggest starting with one serving to see how your body responds. Every product page has its own serving guide and full Supplement Facts panel. Browse the lineup.
For adults 18+. Do not use if pregnant or nursing, or if taking SSRIs, MAOIs, or other prescription medications. Consult your doctor before use. 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.