Cola acuminata (Cola Nut) -20% Caffeine Powdered Extract

Used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture.

This tropical, caffeine rich nut is the flavoring used the make cola. Use as a flavoring in herbal teas, as a stimulant in a strong decoction, or even to make your own special soda pop.

Originally chewed as a stimulant, or to alleviate fatigue and hunger, the nuts of this tropical African evergreen tree are now a household name due to modern day use as flavoring for soft drinks.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'The seeds are extensively used as a condiment by the natives of Western and Central tropical Africa, also by the natives of the West Indies and Brazil, who introduced the trees to these countries…. The properties of Kola are the same as caffeine, modified only by the astringents present.'

'Fresh Kola Nuts have stimulant action apart from the caffeine content, but as they appear in European commerce, their action is indistinguishable from that of other caffeine drugs. Kola is also a valuable nervine, heart tonic, and a good general tonic…. Fluid extract of Kola, 10 to 40 drops. Solid extract alc., 2 to 8 grains.'

King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'The action of kola has been compared to that of coffee and cocoa, but it differs even from these, and from that of the two principles—caffeine and theobromine—contained in it. Upon the stomach it appears to exert a tonic influence, improving digestion. This it does either by increasing secretion or by acting upon the circular fibers of the stomach (Monnet).'

'It increases the functions of the cerebro-spinal system and sympathetic system. This is the effect of small and medium doses, rendering one capable of severe mental exertion, overcoming mental depression, and the tendency to somnolency.'

Large doses produce overstimulation, and thus tend to destroy the usefulness of the drug when given in proper doses. Physical strength is augmented and sustained by kola, its action upon the muscular system, increasing contractility, being pronounced.'

'Kola is a tonic to the heart, regulating its contractions and increasing its power. Under a weakened state of the heart, kola causes the pulsations to become fuller and less frequent. Arterial tension is increased by the drug, diuresis augmented, an especial increase of the watery portion of the urine having been observed. Tissue waste is retarded under its administration, the excretion of urea being diminished.'

'Kola is undoubtedly of value in certain conditions, hinging chiefly on nervous depression. Hysteria and neurasthenia, with mental gloominess and forebodings, have been relieved by it. In melancholia it appears sometimes useful, particularly if that condition be associated with phthisis.'

'Kola may be used in feeble conditions of the heart, especially cardiac irritability, the cases being those in which caffeine is useful. Difficult breathing, irregular action, and valvular deficiency are the indications for its use. It forms a good vehicle for the exhibition of other cardiac stimulants.'

'Kola has given good results in migraine, and in those forms of neuralgia of debility in which caffeine and like agents have proven useful. Dose of powdered nut, 5 to 30 grains; fluid extract, 5 to 30 drops; solid extract, 1 to 6 grains. Various proprietary fluid preparations are upon the market. The best form for administration is kola in bulk, the drug to be slowly masticated and the salivary solution swallowed.'

American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'The natives of the western portion of tropical Africa use the seeds of kola most extensively to overcome fatigue, to support the strength on long marches, and to overcome depression of spirits and melancholy. It is most highly esteemed and is in as common use as tea, coffee and cocoa in civilized countries, closely resembling the first two named.'

'The agent sustains physical strength to a remarkable degree. It is a tonic to the heart, increasing the strength of its impulse; it regulates the pulse, increases arterial tension, induces diuresis, but retards tissue metabolism. It is a stomachic tonic, inducing a normal appetite and good digestion. It restores normal action in debilitated conditions of the intestinal tract.'

'It is used in neurasthenia and hysteria, characterized by great mental despondency, foreboding, brooding, more of a quiet or silent character. It is especially indicated if the heart is feeble and irregular in its action, with general muscular feebleness. In cerebral anaemia it is indicated and is an excellent auxiliary in general anemia. It is an excellent restorative after prostrating fevers and protracted exhausting disease. It is of specific value in melancholia.'

'In weak and enfeebled conditions of the heart muscle, with valvular weakness, dyspnea irregular action, it is of benefit, the influence being quickly exhibited on the pulse, and an improved sense of well-being experienced.'

'It is recommended as a substitute for alcoholic drinks, and has been used to most excellent advantage as a stimulant and restorative in the treatment of the, drink habit. Those most enthusiastic claim that it alone will cure alcoholism.'

'It is advised in chronic diarrheas, with great lack of tone. It has been used in sea sickness, one ship surgeon claiming that he had used it on many voyages, and had found it to relieve even the most susceptible, in many cases. The agent is without doubt a valuable one in its field.'