Plant Profile: Kola Nut

Kola Nut
(Cola vera; C. acuminata; C. nitida)

Family: STERCULIACEAE

Energetics: Warming.

Taste: Bitter.

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Kidneys. Adrenals. Heart. Liver.

Parts Used: Seed

Key Components: Alkaloids (Including up to 2.5% Caffeine and Theobronine. Tannins. Phenolics. "coloring matter". Betaine. Protein. Starch. 

Preparations & dosage: Decoction: 1-2 tsp simmered 10-15 min. Tincture: 

Actions: 
Foundational: Astringent. Bitter. Stimulant (specifically to the CNS).
Primary: Diuretic. 

Secondary: Anti-depressant. Tonic (cardiac). 

Uses: 

Used short term for fatigue and exhaustion. Not a good choice to use as a long term solution as you are drawing from an empty well and it will eventually catch up with you. you still have to find the root cause/source. 

It can be helpful in some kinds of migraine headaches.

 Combines well with: Oats. Damiana. Skullcap. 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting: Collect seeds when they're ripe and white. Drying them will turn them red. 

Contraindications: Not a good choice to use as a long term solution as you are drawing from an empty well and it will eventually catch up with you. you still have to find the root cause/source. 


Sources: 

The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 149
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 274-275


Studies:

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.

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