COMMON NAME

Standardized: cola
Other: ghanja cola, kola

BOTANICAL NAME

Cola nitida (Vent.) A. Chev. 
Plant Family: Sterculiaceae

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Tropical Africa is the native home of the towering kola tree growing up to 40 feet (13 meters) tall. Its yellow flowers tinged with purple bear reddish-brown seeds about the size of a walnut with almost no taste but rich in caffeine. The Igbo, a tribe in southern Nigeria, consider the kola nut tree to be the first tree (and fruit) on earth. They consider the nut to be a symbol of hospitality, kindness and fraternity. Throughout Western Africa, a small piece of nut is chewed before each meal to promote digestion. It was introduced to Europe in the mid 16th century by Portuguese traders. The nut is also thought to improve the flavor of any food and to counteract the effects of drinking tainted water.

CONSTITUENTS

Caffeine, starch, sugar.

PARTS USED

The whole nut. The nuts, either whole or cut retain their caffeine content better than kola nut powder and it is recommended that you grind your Kola immediately before using.

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS

Kola, as its name suggests, is a main ingredient in many traditional colas. In herbal medicine, the nut is usually soaked in alcohol to make tinctures. May be taken as tea although bitter, and the powder can be taken as a capsule.

SUMMARY

Kola nut was used as the main ingredient in cola drinks for many years, but is now mainly used as a flavoring agent.

PRECAUTIONS

Specific: Contains caffeine, a nervous system stimulant. Excessive use of caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, increase heart rate and the other symptoms of excess caffeine intake. Exercise caution when using with other central nervous stimulants, including bronchodilators or adrenergic drugs.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.