Wonderful kola

Wonderful Kola (Buchholzia coriacea): Botanical Profile and Medicinal Uses

Wonderful Kola, botanically known as Buchholzia coriacea, is a perennial plant belonging to the Capparaceae family. It is widely regarded as a powerful medicinal plant in traditional African medicine and is often included in natural remedies to enhance their potency. Commonly referred to as the "memory nut," Wonderful Kola is believed to improve cognitive function and memory retention.

In Nigeria, it is known by various names depending on the ethnic group:

Igbo: Uke

Yoruba: Uworo

Edo: Owi

Predominantly grown and used across Africa, Wonderful Kola has a longstanding reputation in herbal medicine for treating a wide range of ailments. These include:

Staphylococcus infections

Fibroids

Asthma

Irregular menstruation

Infertility

Heart diseases

High blood pressure

Cough

Waist and back pain

Pile (hemorrhoids)

Stomach pain

Chest pain

Its seeds are particularly noted for their memory-enhancing properties, which is why it is commonly referred to as the memory nut.

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Traditional Remedies and Health Applications

1. Treatment for Fibroids

Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow on the uterine wall. To prepare a remedy using Wonderful Kola:

Grind 5 pieces of Wonderful Kola.

Add neem bark, root, and leaves.

Soak in 4 liters of water and allow to ferment for two days.

Dosage: Drink one glass in the morning and another at night for 8 weeks.

2. Diabetes Management

Yes, Wonderful Kola has been reported to possess antidiabetic properties. Methanolic extracts from the seed have demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic mice.

Preparation:

Grind 5 pieces of Wonderful Kola.

Add garlic, scent leaves, bitter leaves, and a small amount of potash.

Soak in 2 liters of water for two days.

Dosage: Take one shot in the morning, afternoon, and night.

3. Fertility and Menstrual Health

Wonderful Kola is believed to help in the treatment of infertility, irregular menstruation, and low sperm count due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

For irregular menstruation and infertility (female):

Grind 4 pieces of Wonderful Kola and 5 pieces of Bitter Kola.

Add ginger.

Soak in water for 2 days to ferment.

Dosage: Take one shot twice daily (morning and night) for 4 weeks.

For male impotency:

Cut 3 pieces of Wonderful Kola into small pieces.

Soak in water for 2 days.

Dosage: Take one shot before breakfast and another after dinner for 3 days.

 

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Other Traditional Uses

Ear Disease:

Grind one piece of Wonderful Kola and soak in water for a day.

Use two drops in each affected ear the next day.

Typhoid and Malaria:

Cut 4 pieces each of Wonderful Kola, ginger, and Bitter Kola.

Soak in 2 bottles of 7-Up for 2 days.

Dosage: Adults – 2 tablespoonfuls; Children – 1 tablespoonful.

Toothache:

Grind one piece of Wonderful Kola.

Soak in gin for a few minutes.

Place the solution in the mouth at the affected area for 3 minutes, then spit it out.

Intestinal Worms:

Grind 2 pieces of Wonderful Kola.

Soak in tonic water for 2 days.

Dosage: Adults – 2 tablespoonfuls; Children – 1 tablespoonful, twice daily.

Rheumatism:

Pound together 4 pieces of Wonderful Kola, 4 pieces of ginger, 5 Bitter Kolas, 2 Alligator Peppers, and scent leaves.

Soak in water overnight.

Dosage: Take twice daily, morning and evening.

Gonorrhea:

Combine Wonderful Kola, potash, and tobacco leaf.

Soak in tonic or plain water overnight.

Dosage: Take 2 tablespoonfuls in the morning and at night.

Cholera:

Prepare 3 pieces of Wonderful Kola with lime juice and scent leaf juice.

Soak for 2 days.

Dosage: Adults – 2 tablespoonfuls; Children – 1 tablespoonful, four times daily.

Whitlow:

Grind one piece of Wonderful Kola and soak in lime juice to ferment.

Soak the affected finger in the solution for 10 minutes.

Repeat daily until healed.

 

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Antibacterial and Antibiotic Properties

Wonderful Kola possesses high antibiotic properties and can be used in combination with other herbs to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections effectively.

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Conclusion

Wonderful Kola (Buchholzia coriacea) is a powerful herbal remedy widely used across Africa for its vast range of therapeutic applications. While many of its benefits are based on traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence, some scientific studies have begun to validate its efficacy, particularly in areas like diabetes management. However, more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to confirm its safety and effectiveness for widespread use.

> Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any herbal remedy, especially for chronic or serious medical conditions.