Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) has been traditionally used in African medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help combat various infections. To utilize bitter kola for this purpose, consider the following methods:
1. Chewing Raw Seeds:
- Procedure: Consume 1 to 2 fresh bitter kola nuts daily by chewing them thoroughly.
- Note: The seeds have a sharp, bitter taste that becomes slightly sweet as you chew.
2. Bitter Kola and Honey Mixture:
- Ingredients:
- 1 part ground bitter kola seeds
- 5 parts pure honey
- Preparation:
- Grind the bitter kola seeds into a fine powder.
- Mix the ground seeds with honey in a 1:5 ratio.
- Usage: Take one teaspoon of the mixture twice daily.
- Benefits: This combination may help soothe the throat and relieve congestion, as honey has additional antimicrobial properties.
3. Bitter Kola Infusion:
- Ingredients:
- 2-3 bitter kola nuts
- 1 liter of water
- Preparation:
- Wash and peel the bitter kola nuts.
- Cut them into small pieces.
- Boil the pieces in water for about 10-15 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool and strain the liquid.
- Usage: Drink half a glass of the infusion twice daily.
Precautions:
- Moderation: Excessive consumption of bitter kola can lead to side effects such as insomnia, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal discomfort due to its caffeine content.
- Medical Consultation: Individuals with existing health conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those on medication should consult a healthcare professional before using bitter kola as a remedy.
While traditional practices suggest that bitter kola may help in flushing out infections, it’s essential to approach such remedies with caution and not as a substitute for professional medical treatment.
