It is said that the best of traditional medicines mostly come with a bitter taste, undeniably, bitter kola is one of them. Garcinia kola/bitter kola is popularly known as ‘miji gorro’ amongst the Hausa’s in Ghana. It has a bitter to sweet taste, hence its name, bitter kola.
This plant has both spiritual and physical health benefits. In traditional and herbal medicine, every part of this plant including the stem, leaves, bark and seed has medicinal purposes. Its edible seed is about 3-5cm in length with an ellipsoid shape. A brown to deep brown peel covers it and this peel is removed before it is eaten. It is one of nature’s best antibiotic.
Traditionally, miji gorro was used to receive elderly guests in our homes which showed a sign of respect and hospitability. It was also believed that regular intake of miji gorro could increase ones lifespan, strength and productivity. Miji gorro is also believed to have spiritual benefits.
It can be used to drive away toxic people and repel evil spirits. When the bark of the tree is eaten in addition to the seed, it helps to detoxify the body system. Most importantly, regular consumption of bitter kola seed lowers blood glucose levels and reduces complications associated with diabetes mellitus.
Other health benefits of bitter kola;
~ Bitter kola and HIV/AIDS
Bitter kola is a potent antibiotic which could be used in addition to other medicines in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. A researcher with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, Mrs Chinyere Nwokeke said that bitter Kola is efficacious in treating opportunistic infections associated with HIV and AIDS.
~ Bitter Kola and Reproduction
Bitter kola according to many researchers increase libido in both males and female. Not only does it increase sex drive but it also increases sexual performance of men who consume it. For fertility related problems in women, regular intake of bitter cola helps in curing diseases like fibroid, irregular menstruation and many ovulation problems.
~ Bitter kola and eye problem
Bitter kola is also known to be efficacious in healing poor vision, pressure of the eye and glaucoma. Bitter cola when eaten regular reduces the pressure caused on the eye and also clears the eye from infections making blurred vision to become very clear.
~ Bitter Kola and Ebola
Bitter kola is also known to stop the replication of the Ebola virus. A professor of pharmacology, Maurice Iwu, who published an article in 1999 about the potency of bitter kola in reducing the replication of the virus since the outbreak of the disease. He however debunked rumours that bitter kola could heal the virus completely.
~ Bitter Kola and weight lost
Try adding bitter kola to your diet plan and you can achieve an incredible or desired weight within a few months. The bitter nut is said to suppress your appetite hence reducing the urge to overeat. It also stimulates thirst. These two factors play an essential role in staying fit and healthy.
By: Gloria Addobea Afriyie