Cola - Very Useful Herb for Many Health Problems

Cola

Cola nitida Sterculiaceae


A Natipe west Africa, the Cola tree is widely cultivated in the tropics. Cola Nitida, C. acuminta alld other species may be used. '/l1e wla frllit is //lade lip of five seedpods that .Ioml a star shape. Each pod contain five or six large seeds - the Cola nut. These harden when dry turn reddish inside. The smooth outer surface is dark mahogany brown.


Parts used

  • Seeds (Cola nuts)
  • Seeds are harvested unripe.
  • The pods are opened and the pulpy outer coating of the seeds is removed.
  • They are used as powders or extracts in various pharmaceutical products: capsules, granules, massage gels and drinkable solutions.
  • In regions where the Cola tree grows, the caffeine-rich seed is chewed as a stimulant.

Constituents

The seeds contain caffeine, theophylline and tannins. A dried Cola nut can contain as much as 2.5 per cent caffeine.


Medicinal uses

Cola helps to maintain alertness and intellectual sharpness, mainly because of its caffei ne content. Caffeine is used to treat exhaustion and can help during convalescence.


It raises blood pressure slightly and opens coronary blood vessels as well as increasing heartbeat and respiratory rates. Caffeine is slightly diuretic and helps to dissolve lipids (fats). But the effects of Cola seed cannot simply be equated with those of caffeine, since the effects of caffeine are modified by its combination with tannins.


Cola nuts contain theophylline, which stimulates the appetite and respiratory rates, and can be used to treat diarrhoea. The body develops a tolerance to Cola and, over time, requires larger amounts in order to produce the same results


CAUTIONS

  • If large amounts of Cola are taken, excess caffeine in the body may cause rapid heartbeat, headache, agitation, insomnia and trembling.
  • Caffeine is on the list of banned stimulants for competitive sports.
  • Do not take if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
  • Avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Do not give to children under 14.

Cultivation

Likes sun or light shade and a rich soil and - ideally - a tropical climate.


PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

For internal use


TO TREAT exhaustion, through overwork or following illness POWDER (or powder in capsule form) Take up to 3g a day with plenty of water.


LIQUID EXTRACT Take 5 drops in water twice a day.


IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST CONSULT A DOCTOR




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