By Chisom Ibemere
Bitter Kola also known as Garcinia kola is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Mangosteen genus. It is grown in the tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests. It is consumed in Benin, Cameroon, The Gambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Mali , Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone etc.
Bitter kola seeds have a strong, bitter taste that fades as you chew and are majorly eaten uncooked. It is traditionally presented to visitors at social gatherings like weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies. Ceremonially breaking the kola nut is a way of making the visitors feel at home in any occasion.
Almost all parts of the tree are beneficial. The fruit, seeds and bark of the Bitter Kola tree have been in existence for centuries and used in folk medicine to treat health issues from coughs to fever. The tree is also used in making chewing stick.
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Garcinia Kola is believed to have purgative, antiparasitic, antimicrobial qualities which make it to be essential in folk medicine for treatment of disorders such as liver problems, bronchitis, throat infections, colic, head or chest colds, and cough.
Bitter kola seeds contain high amount of Potassium which helps in the treatment of inflammatory disorders like Arthritis. Kolaviron is a chemical compound found in Bitter Kola which may help type 2 diabetic patients avoid hypoglycemia.
Garcinia kola increases blood flow to all parts of the body and helps to boost sexual appetite in males and is thus used in treating impotence. It also improves fertility in women. It helps prevent nausea and vomiting in pregnant women and makes the uterus healthier, gives strength and improves blood circulation to the expectant mother among other things.
Garcinia kola contains saponin which has purifying and cleansing qualities and helps in cell reinforcement. It provides support to the immune system and defends the body from all onslaught of dangerous poisons.
