Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) is available in large quantity in West Africa and it is classified as a powerful antibiotic that is essential for treating certain ailments. Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) otherwise known as aku-ilu or ugolo (Igbo), Orogbo (Yoruba), Mijingoro (Hausa) is used immensely for preparing herbal drugs.
Benefits of Bitter Kola in Africa include:
Traditional medicine
Bitter kola is anti-parasitic, antimicrobial and purgative in nature hence the seeds can be used for treating colic, tuberculosis, throat infections, chest colds, typhoid fever, bacterial infections, diarrhoea, bronchitis, liver disorders and cough. The bitter kola seeds can be chewed raw or blended and mixed with other ingredients for treatment.
Anti-Poison
Garcinia kola is anti-poisonous in nature, being that it helps in the prevention of bacterial infection caused as a result of food poisoning. The bark and seed of Garcinia kola when eaten together helps in the detoxification of the human system especially in the cases of food poisoning.
It is recommendable to chew bitter kola immediately after eating on suspicion of consuming contaminated food. Certain parts of the African countries have the belief that chewing and holding bitter Kola helps to drive away evil people and spirits.
Life Prolongation
Certain African cultures hold the belief that chewing bitter kola helps to prolong life and this claim is supported by some researchers who attest that Garcinia kola is made up of chemical compounds that assist in breaking down glycogen present in the liver, which results in life longevity.
Throat clearing
Bitter kola seeds can be chewed to clear sore throat and throat hoarseness. Bitter kola clears the throat by boosting mucus production along the vocal tube lining, which helps to soften the dry throat.
Glaucoma and Eye Pressure
Researchers agree that chewing biter kola helps to reduce the eye pressure. Glaucoma is caused as a result of increase in eye pressure, which if left untreated can lead to blindness. Studies have reported that eye drops containing at least 0.5% of bitter kola extract is very effective in reducing eye pressure if used at least twice a day.
Anti-oxidant
Bitter kola is antioxidant in nature thus can be used for detoxifying the gall bladder, liver and body system. Also due to its high antioxidant content, bitter kola is capable of dilating the alveolar ducts and sacs in the lungs thus clearing the chest from colds and congestion.
Increased sexual performance
Bitter kola is capable of increasing sex drive and boosting sexual performance in men with low libido. Chewing at least 2 seeds of bitter kola few minutes before sexual intercourse helps to boost sex drive.
Beer Production
Bitter kola is used as a hop substitute while brewing lager beer for preventing beer spoilage.
Body Weight Management
Regular intake of bitter kola is capable of fighting excess body fat, reducing body weight as well as maintaining healthy body weight. Garcinia Kola is a natural hunger suppressant and its intake boosts the urge to drink more water.
Researchers agree that chewing at least one bitter kola everyday can help in treating knee osteoarthritis, low libido, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count and arthritis. The bitter kola leaves can be prepared for treating stomach ache and pains.