Native to tropical Africa, the kola nut has been incorporated into African culture and traditional healing practices for thousands of years. Oftentimes, small pieces of the bitter nut are chewed on before meals. The walnut-sized nut contains caffeine and was one of the original ingredients in Coca Cola. Our kola nut powder is milled from Cola nitida and can be encapsulated, tinctured, or blended into beverages.
Tropical Africa is the native home of the towering kola tree growing up to 40 feet (13 meters) tall. Its yellow flowers tinged with purple bear reddish-brown seeds about the size of a walnut with almost no taste but rich in caffeine. The tree is a member of the Sterculiaceae family and also goes by the name of ghanja cola.
The Igbo, a tribe in southern Nigeria, consider the kola nut tree to be the first tree (and fruit) on earth. They consider the nut to be a symbol of hospitality, kindness and fraternity. Throughout Western Africa, a small piece of nut is chewed before each meal to promote digestion. It was introduced to Europe in the mid-16th century by Portuguese traders. The nut is also thought to improve the flavor of any food and to counteract the effects of drinking tainted water.
Kola, as its name suggests, is a main ingredient in many traditional colas. In herbal medicine, the nut is usually soaked in alcohol to make tinctures. May be taken as tea although bitter, and the powder can be taken as a capsule. Kola nut was used as the main ingredient in cola drinks for many years but is now mainly used as a flavoring agent.
Precautions
Contains caffeine, a nervous system stimulant. Excessive use of caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, increase heart rate and the other symptoms of excess caffeine intake. Exercise caution when using with other central nervous stimulants, including bronchodilators or adrenergic drugs. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
