Garcinia kola (bitter kola) seeds are used for bronchitis, throat infections, colic, head or chest colds, and cough. It is also used for liver disorders and as a chewing stick. Its purgative, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial properties endear bitter kola to traditional African medicine men.
Bitter kola’s anti-malaria properties
Traditional healers have over the years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections, bitter kola anti-malaria effect is attributed to its quinones content. In addendum, kolaviron the powerful chemical compound found in bitter kola, was reportedly tested on a malaria parasite and found to inhibit malarial activity.
Effects of Garcinia kola against arthritis symptoms
Several researches have shown that Garcinia kola works well as a result of its antioxidant properties; it significantly reduced inflammation and pain and increased joint movement in subjects that had osteoarthritis symptoms.
How Bitter Kola Reduces Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)
Opthamolic solution that contained the Garcinia significantly reduces eye pressure when used twice a day. Medically, eye drops that contained 0.5 percent extract of Garcinia kola are effective for the treatment of eye pressure (glaucoma).
Bitter Kola and Male Fertility
Bitter kola is sometimes believed to cure infertility in men. Taking of bitter kola frequently, reduces impotency by boosting man performance in bed.
Other Benefits
Bitter kola is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is useful for the prevention of infections and viruses, especially in relation to the immune system. Bitter kola is often used to treat the symptoms of colds. It is suggested, in particular, for coughs and sneezing.
Traditional healers often recommend the mastication of bitter kola in cases of food poisoning; this can be attributed to its detoxifying power.
By Adeyemi Bamidele
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