Native peoples of West Africa chew the nut for its stimulant effects. It is a natural source of caffeine that originally was used for many popular cola drinks. It is now a common ingredient in many herbal weight loss formulas as well.

The kola nut originates from the Congo and throughout West Africa. Today, it is cultivated in Jamaica, Indonesia and South America. Tribal peoples of Africa would chew the nut for stamina and to help ease hunger. It often was offered as a gift to tribal leaders or visitors. The high caffeine content acts as a powerful stimulant, and it is said to create a feeling of euphoria. Additionally, shamans would use kola nut in ceremonies and to treat coughs, colds and asthma.

In addition to caffeine, the kola nut contains two other known stimulants, theobromine and theophylline, as well as tannic acid. Chemically, it is similar to guarana, coffee and tea leaves. The herb also contains nitroso, a carcinogenic chemical. In areas in West Africa, especially Nigeria, where chewing kola nut is common, there are higher incidences of oral cancer and gastrointestinal cancer.

Kola nut may be beneficial to those suffering from chronic fatigue and loss of stamina. However, as with caffeine or any stimulant, it should be used with caution. The caffeine acts as bronchodilator and can help in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. It often is found in herbal weight loss formulas because it helps to increase metabolism and decrease appetite. It enhances alertness and increases overall physical energy and endurance.

The nut is also thought to improve the flavor of any food and to counteract the effects of drinking tainted water.

Kola, as its name suggests, is a main ingredient in many traditional colas. In herbal medicine, the nut is usually soaked in alcohol to make tinctures. May be taken as tea although bitter, and the powder can be taken as a capsule.

The nuts, either whole or cut retain their caffeine content better than kola nut powder and it is recommended that you grind your Kola before using.

In one Nigerian study, laboratory mice that were fed a diet that included kola nut, showed significant weight loss compared with the control group. The researchers indicated that the chemical constituents of kola may have lipolytic, or fat-burning, properties. Although it does contain the carcinogenic substance N-nitroso, short-term use of kola nut may be beneficial for those struggling to lose weight.

Warning: The kola nut herb has high levels of caffeine. The standard dose has more caffeine than a cup of coffee. It should not be taken by women who are pregnant, nursing or individuals with hypertension or heart disease. Those who have trouble sleeping also should avoid kola nut and other caffeine-rich herbs

Botanical Name: Cola Acuminata
Origin: Brazil (granules, whole and cut & sifted). Africa (powder)
Notes: Non-irradiated. Certified Kosher.

Please choose from our selection of various forms for this herb, i.e. granules is perfect for coffee makers, cut & sifted is ideal for making teas, decoctions, teas, etc. Powders for mixing in liquids or producing capsules. If available, we also offer bulk vegetable capsules (575mg/cap) 100-500 caps in zip-lock bags and 1000 caps in canister; Liquid Extracts 1:4 (weight to volume ratio) in 18-20% USP grain alcohol with only organic, ecological or wildcrafted bio-active plants; Tinctures are made in accordance with the Homepathic Pharmacopoeia of the US using fresh plants in 1:10 ratio with pure ethyl alcohol USP 190 grain.

Read More About It
Forms of Herbal Preparations
The Herbal Medicine Chest by Sujata Bristow
The Book Of Herbs by Dawn Titmus (Editor), Thunder Bay Press
Herbal Prescriptions for Health and Healing: Your Everyday Guide to Using Herbs Safely and Effectively by Donald J. Brown, Don Brown
Livestrong
ehow.com

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