- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa
Africa · Food · № 27
Cola nitida en Cola acuminata
Food · Africa
Kola nut
Cola nitida en Cola acuminata
Contains about 2–4% caffeine plus theobromine and acts as a stimulant. It is chewed both privately and in social and ceremonial settings.
Safety notes
Watch total caffeine intake, especially during pregnancy or with heart rhythm problems or sleep difficulties.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- African healing traditions: Contains caffeine; take care with heart complaints and sleeplessness.
Preparation
The nut is traditionally chewed or shared. In folk medicine it is also ground and mixed with honey.
Use in traditions
In Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and elsewhere, kola is part of spiritual practice and culture: it is offered to guests and leaders and is an important Indigenous cash crop.
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
Chewed against tiredness, hunger and thirst; shared at meetings, weddings and reconciliations as a sign of respect.
Preparation and amount
The fresh nut is chewed or shared; ground with honey as a folk remedy.
Caution: Contains caffeine; take care with heart complaints and sleeplessness.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Syrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen