What is Kola? The Kola tree is a native of West Africa and has been naturalized in Central America, the West Indies, Malaysia, South America and Sri Lanka. Kola cultivation is at its peak in the African continent. It is a distant cousin of cocoa and therefore has the stimulant properties that are found in cocoa, coffee and tea. The trees may live on for more than a hundred years if they are planted in rich and well-draining soil with lots of sun. What is Kola Used For?  The natives of West Africa have been chewing on the nuts of the Kola tree for thousands of years. Its stimulant effects make it an excellent companion during times of stress, anxiety and depression. It is also a thirst suppressant, which means that chewing on the nuts allows people, especially soldiers, to go for long periods without water. It has a similar effect on the appetite. Traditionally, the bitter twigs of the Kola tree are used to clean teeth and gums. Although it is considered to be mildly addictive, if eaten after a meal, it promotes digestion. However, the huge popularity of the Kola tree comes from its stimulating effect. Today, Kola nut is exported and is used to treat pre-term infant apnea and asthma. The alkaloids also help to relax the bronchial muscle and the cardiac muscle.
You use it everyday when you drink certain brands of cola drinks where Kola is used as a flavoring agent. To ‘endure work without fatigue’ - that's what Kola does for you. It is a stimulant tonic that ‘just makes you feel good, all the time’. The caffeine content in Kola is used to relieve headaches, migraine headaches and even the pain of neuralgia. As a nerve tonic, it has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves. Therefore, it can be used to relieve nervous debility, depression, despondency, anxiety and nervous diarrhea. Artists have been known to chew on the nuts just before a stage performance. While allaying fear and nervousness, Kola stimulates the nervous system and therefore increases mental activity. Kola nut is also believed to strengthen the muscles of the heart and is therefore a beneficial cardiac tonic. It has been suggested for people suffering from renal oedema and rheumatoid conditions. Because the caffeine in Kola acts as a bronchodilator, it has been used in the treatment of whooping cough too. Externally, Kola can be made into a poultice and applied to cuts and scrapes. Kola Precautions Because of the inherent stimulating effect of the Kola nut, it should be taken with precaution. In traditional herbal medicine, Kola nut is reported to have a beneficial effect on the digestive organs. When taken internally, it was even reported to help prevent dysentery. However, excessive use of the stimulant may lead to sleeplessness or insomnia. It can also lead to dizziness, anxiety or even nervousness. Pregnant women are therefore advised to keep away from it, as are lactating mothers. Patients with a history of high blood pressure and heart problems like palpitations, seizures and heart trouble should keep away from Kola. Habitual chewing may even lead to arrhythmia. Kola may also lead to the formation of oral blisters. Beverages containing Kola should be kept away from pets and other animals.
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