Pros And Cons of Kola Nut Use

What is Kola nut?
It is the nut got from a Kola tree (of course), native to West-Africa, which is rich in "caffeine".

What I remember about Kola nut as a child.

Almost every elderly person had a little piece of Kola nut that they chewed from time to time and probably gave them brown teeth (tobacco stained teeth).
Our driver couldn't be found without a little piece of Kola on him. Then he would take little bites and keep the rest. I always wondered why he couldn't just consume the nut once and for all, because it was guaranteed that he would be back with that same nut the next day. And my oh my when curiosity got the better part of me and I decided to taste this famous Kola nut! It was really bitter, but your taste buds seem to adjust with consequent bites...then I understood why a little piece was what every one seemed to carry.

Back to the present.

Kola nut has been linked to the treatment of fatigue and weakness, and some respiratory conditions.
It seems to have this "revitalising" effect but not sure why Nigerians feel this would protect them from Ebola.

Here are the Pros and Cons of Kola nut:

1) Kola nut contains high amounts of caffeine which can be used to handle fatigue. It is commonly used as a stimulant.
2) it is also a diuretic(increase passing of urine) so also has a place in the treatment of renal (kidney) conditions
And rheumatoid conditions.
3) it has also been a component in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma and whooping cough.
4) it has been observed to suppress appetite (for those who want to control their weight gain).
5)Kola nut has also been used in the treatment of migraines because of its caffeine and theobromine content.

Cons 

1) Kola nut should NOT be used with hypertension drugs, muscle relaxants and heart medication.
2)High consumption of Kola nut has been associated with loss of bone density/osteoporosis.
3)Kola nut intake may cause insomnia(lack of sleep), nervousness and anxiety.
4)Kola nuts are poisonous to dogs, cats and other pets. Do I remember some people using them to keep off snakes?
5)Kola nuts increase gastric juice production and overdose can lead to ulcers, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal discomfort.

So there it is! Yes it is a naturally available fruit but you need to take the necessary precautions including consulting you doctor. You don't want to be "adding salt to the injury".

See article on bitter kola here