For millennia West Africa has valued the plant Bitter Kola, technically Garcinia kola, for its therapeutic qualities. The most often utilized component of the plant, the seeds of the Bitter Kola fruit have a unique bitter taste that, as you chew them, finally becomes faintly sweet. Examining why this unusual African superfood has been a mainstay of traditional medicine in the area for millennia, this blog post will explore its intriguing history, cultural relevance, and possible health advantages.
What is Bitter Kola
From the time anyone can remember, bitter kola has been a major component of West African society. In many cultures, where it is employed in ceremonies, rites, and social events, the plant has great cultural and spiritual value. Chewed historically as a stimulant, digesting aid, and aphrodisiac, bitter kola has been Important treaties and agreements were sealed as well as guests were welcomed.
The name “Bitter Kola” comes from the fact that, although first tasting bitter, chewing the seeds develops a little sweetness. Originating in Ghana’s Akan language, the word “kola” describes the kola nut, another stimulant plant native of West Africa. Fascinatingly, the term “Coca-Cola” is apparently a reference to the Bitter Kola plant as early iterations of the well-known soft drink used Kola nut extracts.
Customary Applications
From malaria and fever to coughs and infections, Bitter Kola has been used to cure a broad spectrum of ailments in traditional African medicine. Often ground into a powder or chewed, the seeds are then added to beverages or utilized in traditional remedies preparation. For simpler consumption, some also dry and cut or ground the seeds into a powder.
Fresh, free from mildew or other contaminants, fresh seeds are crucial for making bitter kola. To keep their purity and potency, the seeds should be kept cool, dry and used within a reasonable period.
Profile of Nutrition and Possible Medical Advantages
Rich in a range of helpful chemicals, bitter kola boasts alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and amino acids. These substances provide Bitter Kola its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting action. Additionally present in the seeds are the stimulant compounds caffeine and theobromine.
Among Bitter Kola’s possible health advantages include support of the immune system.
Bitter kola’s antioxidant qualities assist strengthen the immune system and shield cells from injury.
Lessening Inflammation
Bitter kola’s anti-inflammatory qualities could be beneficial for diseases including arthritis and other inflammatory problems.
Regulation of blood sugar
Bitter kola could help control diabetes and help to manage blood sugar levels.
Heart Conditions
By functioning as a tonic for the heart and controlling heart rate, bitter kola could help to improve cardiac condition.
Helper for digestion
Bitter kola can help digestion and lessen stomach constriction and gastric secretions.
Relief of Pain
Bitter Kola’s anti-inflammatory qualities might help with migraines, toothaches, and headaches.
Although the exact processes behind these possible advantages are yet unknown, Bitter Kola has long been utilized in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of disorders.
Possible side effects
Although Bitter Kola is usually regarded as safe, its caffeine level causes adverse effects including insomnia, nervousness, and heart palpitations even if usage should be limited. Before including Bitter Kola into their diet, pregnant women, nursing mothers, those with some medical ailments including gastric ulcers, heart disease, sleeplessness, anxiety disorders, or high blood pressure should speak with a healthcare practitioner.
Can I Get Bitter Kola at Clicks?
No, While Clicks is a major pharmacy and health retailer in South Africa, it does not appear to carry Bitter Kola products based on the information provided.
Based on the search results, your best choices if you are interested in buying Bitter Kola would be to check with local specialized African grocery stores or herbal medicine providers or search for it on internet markets focused in African foods and traditional medicines.
How Many Bitter Kola Per Day
One study cited employed a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight, which would about equal two nuts daily for a 150 lb person.
In essence, there is no clear agreement on the ideal daily dosage even as Bitter Kola is usually regarded as safe in moderation.
Is bitter kola good for the heart
Caffeine and theobromine in bitter kola might be considered as “tonic for the heart”. These drugs might control heart rate, increase the dynamics of the heart, and speed up beats.
Additionally recommended as a diuretic, bitter kola can help with heart problems linked to fluid buildup.
By lowering inflammation—a risk factor for heart disease—the anti-inflammatory qualities of Bitter Kola might also help with heart health.
Though moderation is important and those with pre-existing cardiac issues should exercise caution and seek medical advice before including Bitter Kola into their diet, overall the available data points to some good effects on heart health for this herb. Further clinical study is required to completely grasp its hazards and cardiovascular advantages.
See also: Yoni steaming herbs
Conclusion
Fascinating plant with great cultural relevance in West Africa, bitter kola has bitter taste. Although additional study is required to completely grasp its possible health advantages, the present data points to Bitter Kola having a variety of positive effects from enhancing immune system to lowering inflammation and heart health improvement.
Like any natural substance, Bitter Kola should be taken in moderation and adverse effects should be known. Including this unusual African superfood in a well-balanced diet and way of life will help you to honor its cultural legacy and traditional usage while still benefiting your health.