Kola Tree
Parts Usually Used
Seed
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
The fruit of the kola tree is a yellowish-brown woody pod that contains several large, flattened, white or red nut.
Where Found
Grows wild in West Africa and is cultivated in tropical South America and in the West Indies.
Medicinal Properties
Stimulant, tonic
Biochemical Information
5% caffeine and kolanin
Legends, Myths and Stories
The kola or cola nut has been used for ages in Africa as a masticatory; often combined with grains of paradise. The nuts were used to make a stimulating native beverage. Natives sometimes endured hardships or dangers in order to obtain a supply of kola nuts. 5% caffeine and kolanin. The stimulating effect of the nuts, when chewed, is more slowly produced and longer lasting because the caffeine-kolanin constituents are combined with about 50% nutritive matter.
Kola nuts, in the fresh state, are bitter at first but this is soon followed by an agreeable sweetish taste.. Nuts are much used in “soft” drinks and in liqueurs and wines. Exported kola nuts, as we receive them, become extremely hard and are not used as a masticatory.
Uses
Historical practitioners administered kola nuts as a stimulant intended to counter fatigue. In traditional herbalism, they were also employed as a tonic for the heart and were recommended for managing headaches and neuralgia.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023