Melt Holiday Stress with Nature’s MDMA

’Tis the season to be…stressed?

The holidays are a time for coziness, connection, and celebration. But sometimes, the pace of life is met with accompanying missed flights, last-minute gift shopping, and family dinners that wreak havoc. The combined financial, emotional, and physical stress can leave our nervous systems taxed.

And the result?

Burned out, increased cortisol, increased risk of illness, and weakened immunity.

ENTER KANNA

kanna (sceletium tortuosum) is an incredible, science-backed, psychoactive plant from south africa long famed for its ability to open the heart. while not literally opening, kanna works to soften your emotional edges.

It’s emapthogenic, meaning in increases feelings of love, connection, trust, and empathy—with yourself and others around you. Due to this property, it’s been dubbed nature’s MDMA.

MAGIC OF MESEMBRINE

The magic of its mood-improving powers come from its four main alkaloids: mesembrine, mesembranol, mesembrenone, and mesembrenol. it is an SSRI; antidepressants and anxiolytics are also SSRIs, meaning they free up more serotonin in the brain, helping you to feel happier and more connected to those around you.

It’s also a PDE4 inhibitor, meaning it’s neuroprotective: with anti-anxiety, cognition-improving, antipsychotic, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. But it doesn’t stop there. Mesembrine in kanna also works on and regulates your amygdala: the part of brain responsible for your fight or flight.

One study showed that those taking small doses of kanna had a less reactive amygdala (as well as other fear + anxiety organelles) — meaning their brain wasn’t triggered as easily to threats and was able to stay calm. Another, a double placebo study, showed that kanna not only helped relieve stress, but it helped one improve their ability to cope with stress, improved sleep patterns and relieved insomnia.

IS KANNA PSYCHEDELIC? 

Despite the magic of kanna and it’s properties, this plant is not psychedelic, but it is psychoactive. Psychoactive is the classification of any substance that has an effect on your brain and nervous system. Coffee, for example, is psychoactive. So you’ll feel something taking kanna, but you won’t be high (just high on life!). 

BENEFITS OF KANNA 

• improves mood

• boosts feelings of happiness and bliss 

• relieves feelings of sadness

• can help with overcoming addiction 

• helps to regulate amygdala (aka you’re less reactive to threats)

• adaptogenic 

• supports cognition in times of overwhelm 

• acts as social lubrication 

• regulates the amygdala 

• a blissful and happy feeling

• increases empathy, love for others.

• increases libido

Know that kanna has minimal side effects and is emerging research supports the notion that it is non-habit forming. When choosing a kanna product, look for high-potency kanna and opt for COAs that show alkaloid percentages. Ensure that you’re going through reputable sources, and if formulated with other ingredients, try for organic and wild-harvested.

MEET THE KANNA ELIXIR 

fungtion’s kanna elixir is a good example of a low-dose, high-potency kanna formula. It’s blended with organic mushrooms and herbs to help calm the nerves and open the heart, especially during the stress of holiday season. 

It’s also made with organic ingredients, gluten-free, non-GMO, and sugar-free. The sublingual tincture tastes sweet thanks to coconut and flax-derived glycerin, vanilla, and cinnamon (perfect addition to your pumpkin spice latte). 

The added ingredients help the formula give you an extra sense of calm and relaxation. Adaptogenic mushrooms reishi and chaga support a taxed nervous system, helping to build resiliency. Valerian aids in sleep (without making you drowsy during the day), and a touch of kava encourages the nervous system to find rest while continuing to feel social, happy, and grateful.

This holiday season, don’t suffer through stress. experience deep relief, better sleep, and boosted immunity and resiliency. 

TRY IT FOR YOURSELF:  Readers of The Daily Tonic get 25% off their first bottle of kanna elixir now until Dec 31. Use code DAILY TONIC.   

*No information anywhere here in or on any of the product labels should be interpreted to contradict FDA guidelines. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Do not use any of these products if you are pregnant or nursing. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not take this supplement, and consult doctor about use, if you are under the age of 18, pregnant or breastfeeding, taking prescription or OTC / nonprescription drugs, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions. Products are not intended for use by persons under the age of 18 under any circumstances.