Witnessed by: Western
Kola nut (Cola acuminata), of the Malvaceae family. Evergreen tropical tree bearing star-shaped follicles of pale seeds; native range: tropical rainforests of West Africa. Globally recognized as cola, kola, bissy nut, guru nut in English. The part used is seed (cotyledon). Bitter and markedly astringent, reddening as it dries.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
KOLA NUT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- kola nut
- Scientific name
- Cola acuminata (P.Beauv.) Schott & Endl.
- Family
- Malvaceae
Form
- Part used
- seed (cotyledon)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · astringent
Temperature
- Western
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- nervous system · heart · circulation
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- stimulant, cardiac tonic, nervine, antidepressant, astringent, diuretic
Cautions
Contraindications: avoid in hypertension, cardiac disease, anxiety states, insomnia and peptic ulcer
Toxicity: excess brings the over-stimulation of caffeine, with restlessness, palpitations and wakefulness
Interactions
- Western
- stimulants: caffeine content adds to other stimulants, heightening cardiovascular and CNS effects · sedatives / CNS depressants: stimulant action opposes and may blunt sedative therapy
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