IMPORTANCE OF BITTER KOLA (GARCINIA KOLA)
BITTER kola or Garcinia kola is a
popular agricultural product available in large quantity in West Africa and it
is a tree that grows in the rain forests. It has been identified as a potent
antibiotic which could be effective in the treatment of many diseases.
The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of
the plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat ailments from
coughs to fever. As with any other herb, you never consume Garcinia kola
without first discussing its use and benefits with your physician, especially
if you are currently being treated for other medical conditions or are on any
medications.
However, Bitter Kola is considered as
an effective agricultural produce in the treatment of cough, diarrhea,
tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. “When food is suspected to be
contaminated by bacteria, chew bitter kola immediately after eating, it will
prevent the development of any infection or poisoning.
USES OF BITTER KOLA
.It improves the function of the lung
It has been used for centuries to
treat chest colds in traditional medicine because of its high antioxidant
content.
.It Reduces Eye Pressure
An increase in eye pressure can lead
to glaucoma, research had it that every eye drops contained 0.5 percent extract
of Garcinia kola which significantly reduced eye pressure when used twice a
day.
.It Relieves Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common
form of arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation and limited movement in
the joints, according to the National Institutes of Health. Causes of
osteoarthritis can include joint injury, obesity and ageing. Since many
arthritis sufferers prefer natural herbal medicines to other pain relievers, It
is believed that Garcinia kola works well as a result of its antioxidant
properties.
THE SIDE EFFECTS REPORTED FROM BITTER
KOLA Use in this study were “weight
loss”, “increase in sex drive” and “extended sleep” which many considered
helpful to meet their individual demands
MEDICINAL SIGNIFICANT OF BITTER KOLA
It is used in many tropical countries
to fight infectious diseases. It has shown to posses anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
.Cold Remedy
It is often used to treat the
symptoms of colds. It is suggested, in particular, for coughs and sneezing.
.Knee Osteoarthritis
It has been successfully used to
treat patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis, according to a study
published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery. It reduced pain and swelling
and improved movement.
.Immunity
It is known for its anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant properties. It is used to prevent infections and viruses,
especially of the immune system.
.Hop Substitute
It is used as a substitute for hops
in brewing lager beer. It is especially useful in preventing beer spoilage.
However, the importance of bitter
kola cannot be over floored, it therefore behooves on everyone to utilize
effectively all the benefits embedded in it.
