For centuries, bitter kola has been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, from colds to fevers. According to a report from the Center for International Forestry Research, bitter kola trade plays a vital role in the local communities and towns of Nigeria. In a survey conducted on the NaijaTab Naija gist forum, it was found that 90% of the participants had used bitter kola to treat various illnesses.
Contrary to popular belief, Cola acuminata, the source of the genuine kola nut, is not related to Garcinia kola. While bitter kola belongs to the Mangosteen genus Garcinia of the Clusiaceae family (also known as Guttiferae), Cola acuminata is part of a subfamily of the mallow family Malvaceae.
Garcinia kola, commonly known as bitter kola, is a flowering plant found in Benin, Cameroon, The Gambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Mali, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Its natural habitat consists of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
African traditional healers often utilize Garcinia kola, believing in its laxative, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial properties. The seeds are used to address liver problems, bronchitis, throat infections, colic, head or chest colds, and coughs. Bitter kola is also chewed as a stimulant.
Here are 10 health benefits of bitter kola and its uses in Nigeria:
1. Treatment of Impotence: Research suggests that bitter kola possesses aphrodisiac effects, increasing sexual desire in males and making it useful in the treatment of impotence.
2. Disease Resistance: Bitter kola affects various regulatory systems in the body, including the immune system. It helps the body adapt to stress and acts as an anti-infective agent.
3. Osteoarthritis Relief: Bitter kola is recognized as an excellent disease-modifying agent, offering potential relief for osteoarthritis. Studies have shown significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Garcinia kola in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, bitter kola is considered a potential treatment for osteoarthritis, reducing inflammation, pain, and joint stiffness. Whether the root cause of arthritis is joint injury, obesity, aging, or genetics, the use of this remarkable plant can address these issues at their core.
4. Lung Wellness: Garcinia kola contains saponin, an antioxidant with detoxifying and cleansing effects. This enhances lung function by expanding the alveolar channels and sacs, thus strengthening lung tissue fibers. Its high antioxidant content contributes to a healthy body.
5. Safe Pregnancy: Contrary to some beliefs, bitter kola has been reported to be beneficial for pregnant women. It helps combat nausea and vomiting, promotes uterine health, provides strength to expectant mothers, and regulates blood circulation.
6. Malaria Treatment: Bitter kola is believed to have chemical properties that make it an antimalarial catalyst. It contains Kolaviron, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemical with potent antimalarial properties.
7. Weight Loss: Bitter kola is a natural appetite suppressant and an excellent thirst stimulator. Consequently, it aids in weight loss as reduced food intake and increased water consumption are necessary for eliminating excess fat and maintaining a healthy body.
8. Diabetes Management: The seeds of bitter kola are believed to have the ability to lower blood glucose levels, making them a potential treatment for diabetes mellitus.
9. Glaucoma Prevention: Researchers have found that consistent use of an eye drop made from an extract of Garcinia kola can help treat glaucoma.
10. Cold and Fever Relief: By expanding the alveolar sac and duct, bitter kola provides relief for chest colds and helps prevent colds altogether.
Bitter kola is a versatile natural remedy with numerous potential health benefits. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your treatment regimen.
