Bitter Kola

Research Reveals Health Benefits Of Bitter Kola (Adu)
Many people are unaware of the health benefits of bitter kola despite its use. Victor Okeke reports
The World Health Organization [WHO], stated that the need to study medicinal plants cannot be overemphasized. This is as a result of the many health benefits attributed to plants, the widespread use of plants in traditional medicine, the need to rescue traditional medicinal plants and knowledge about them from eminent loss and extinction.

Known as Aki Ilu in Igbo, NamijinGoro in Hausa and Orogbo in Yoruba, Bitter Kola [Garcinia Kola] seeds are chewed to treat bronchitis, throat infections and an infusion of the root with little salt is a remedy for Asthma according to Dr. Gordian Obute of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt. The fruit, seed, nut and bark of Bitter Kola have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat many forms of ailment, he added.
Studies have shown that the chemical constituents in Bitter Kola have anti-malaria properties. This is because of itsquinones andkolaviron contents which are found to have anti-malaria effects. The bark, the stem and the seed of Bitter Kola all contain anti-malaria properties.
Further researches have also validated the century long practice of using Bitter Kola to treat chest colds. A study published in the Journal of Pulmonary Medicine shows that Bitter Kola improves lungs and respiratory functions by enlarging the alveolar ducts [a small air bag in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged with the blood] and improving the strength of the fibers in the lung tissue. This is attributed to Bitter Kola’s high antioxidant content.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation and limited movement in the joints, according to the National Institute of Health. The causes of osteoarthritis include joint injury, obesity and aging. Researchers have discovered that Bitter Kola has clinically significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on patients with osteoarthritis.
More so, Bitter Kola nut can be chewed for the treatment of symptoms of cold like cough and catarrh. It is also believed to cure male impotency and the building of strong immunity against infectious diseases.
Bitter Kola also serves as a snake and insect repellant. Researchers believe that the nut helps to expel dangerous snakes and destructive ants from your home. It can also be taken to detoxify the body system when food poisoning is suspected.
An evergreen tree of up to thirty-three meters in height, Bitter Kola has thick slash and grayish-brown bark and buttressed trunk. It bears greenish-white flowers and orange-coloured fruit, carrying brown seeds embedded in the pulp.
And Of Mango Leaves
Mangoes are everywhere and one good thing about the tree is that it hardly gets wilted. Studies show that Mango leaves have many benefits as they are antimicrobial, antioxidants, and good in the treatment of diabetics and the prevention of cancer. It is also good in the treatment vascular problems and eye complaints associated with diseases.
A tea made from Mango leaves is good for the treatment of diabetics and hypertension. Soak the leaves in a cup of water overnight, after that, filter the leaves out and drink the water. This, according to researcher Hanan Naqq, helps to relieve the symptoms of diabetics
Mango leaves can also be used to treat coughs, especially whopping cough, asthma, bronchitis and cold. Get the leaves, soak in water, boil and allow it to cool off. By taking a cup of the tea daily, you are very likely to be cured of your ailment.
By boiling and extracting the juice, Mango leaves can be used to treat diarrhea, fever, insomnia, and high blood pressure. It is recommended that one takes one cup of the juice each day. It is also used to treat anxiety in individuals. Two to three cups of the tea can be added to to bathing water and used as a herbal bath to refresh and cool the body.