- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Rainforests of West and Central Africa
Africa · Food · № 814
Garcinia kola
Food · Africa
Bitter kola
Garcinia kola
A bitter seed that is chewed and offered as a sign of hospitality and at ceremonies; as a folk remedy also for coughs and sore throats.
Safety notes
Little studied. Use in moderation.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- African healing traditions: Little studied; use in moderation.
Preparation
The seed is chewed raw.
Use in traditions
In Nigeria and neighbouring countries often offered to guests together with the kola nut.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
African healing traditions
Attributed effects
The bitter seed is chewed for cough, sore throat and stomach complaints and offered to guests as a sign of hospitality.
Preparation and amount
The seed is chewed raw.
Caution: Little studied; use in moderation.