ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF BITTER KOLA

 

Bitter kola as we fondly call it is a flowing plant belonging to the mangosteen genus garcinia of the family clusiaceae. It is found mostly in Africa in the 

subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It has been used for centuries in folk medicine as a treatment for various ailment. Report from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFR), shows that bitter kola trade is still very important to the indigenous communities and villages in Nigeria.

Economic importance of Bitter  Kola.

When we say economic importance we mean the value of a particular item be it Good or Bad. Below is a list and explanation of the pro and con of bitter kola. 

Pros; 

Bitter kola has proven to have so many good use which includes the following 

Traditional medicine; Folk healers believe that the bitter kola has purgative, anti-parasitic and antimicrobial properties which enables them use it for traditional healing. It is said to be used to cure liver disorders, bronchitis, throat infection, cold, cough etc.

Means of welcome/ acceptance; The popular saying that “he who brings kola brings life” also applies to bitter kola. In Igbo land bitter kola is also part of the Nuts presented to a visitor to show a sign of welcome or acceptance.

Reptile chaser; The bitter kola is said to have purgative properties which makes reptile stay away from it. The folk healers believe that when it is properly placed around the corners of a house it repels reptile and reptile invasion.

Cons:

As there are good uses of the bitter kola, there exist some side effects to it. The side effects includes the following.

Mouth cancer; According to research, excess consumption of Bitter kola can cause mouth cancer, and with mouth cancer come mouth odour and so on. Therefore, in as much as it has medicinal properties it is also advised that it’s consumption should be minimal.

Excess caffeine; Bitter kola has excess caffeine in it which when consumed too much can lead to so many health disorders. Take for instance it can cause an increase in sugar level, it is also known to cause glaucoma and so on. All these are as a result of excess consumption.

Slows blood clotting; when there is excess extract of bitter kola in the body it can lead to loss of blood because it reduces blood clotting.

All these are the economic importance of bitter kola. An advise to us all will be to take the right amount of this nut for its medicinal purpose and avoid excess intake so as to reduce the risk of health disorders.