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What is the significance of kola nut in Igbo culture?
In summary, in Igbo land, kola nut basically symbolizes peace, unity, reconciliation, integrity, life, fraternity, hospitality, goodwill and kindness. Presentation of the revered fruit however differs in Igbo communities as in some places, it is accompanied with money no matter how little or white chalk (nzu).
What is the significance of kola nut?
Kola nut comes from a plant which grows as a big tree in the tropical forests of West Africa. The kola nut is given as a symbol of hospitality, friendship and respect; and is presented to guests at important social events such as weddings, funerals, and infant naming ceremonies; as well as for medicinal purposes.
What is the history of kola nut?
kola nut, caffeine-containing nut of Cola acuminata and Cola nitida, trees of the cocoa family (Sterculiaceae) native to tropical Africa and cultivated extensively in the American tropics. The evergreen tree grows to 18.3 metres (60 feet) and resembles the chestnut.
How do you bless a kola nut in Igbo land?
Usually, the oldest man among the host audience is asked to bless the kola nuts. He will take one of the nuts in his right hand and makes a blessing, prayer or toast using a proverb, e.g. ‘Ihe dï mma onye n’achö, ö ga-afü ya.
What is the spiritual meaning of kola?
Kola nut symbolizes peace, unity, hospitality, acceptance, togetherness, trust and equity. It performs a lot of functions, such as social, political, religious, economic and unifying functions. The importance of Kola nut has formed an integral part of all the ceremonies in Igbo land.
Can a woman break kola nut in Igbo land?
As a general rule, a woman should never break kola when a male was present, be it only a little boy. The man should break and bless it. A man should not eat kola split by a woman. A woman should not pick up a fallen kola-nut pod, but must ask a male to pick it up for her.
Which part of Kolanut is thrown out for the ancestors?
cotyledon
smallest part or cotyledon is not eaten but is thrown away for the ancestors to eat. Seven From seven lobes are highly valuable but rarely found, they are signs of good omen, if such are seen or broken.
How many types of kola nut do we have?
There are over 50 species of kola. Of these seven have edible nuts, but only two have been commercially exploited (C. nitida and C. acuminata).
Why kola is important in some African countries?
Kola nut is chewed in many West African countries, as it is known to ease hunger pangs. It was reported to be used to treat whooping cough and asthma, and it contains caffeine, essential oils, and alkaloids (Asogwa et al., 2006) .
Can a pregnant woman eat kola nut?
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Cola nut is POSSIBLY SAFE when consumed during pregnancy and breast-feeding in food amounts. But larger amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE, as larger doses might provide too much caffeine for both pregnant and breast-feeding women. Mothers should keep caffeine consumption below 200 mg per day.
What is the benefit of soaking bitter kola in water to drink?
Bitter kola has been used over the years to fight infections from the common cold to hepatitis. A 2018 study showed that bitter kola can help combat coughs, bacterial infections, and viral infections. Eating bitter kola when an infection starts may help fight the infection and make you feel better more quickly.
Is bitter kola good for a woman trying to conceive?
Bitter kola contains nutrients and vitamins good for pregnancy. For Africans, bitter kola is the best supplement for pregnant women. Health benefits of bitter kola include treating nausea and vomiting, making uterus healthier, strengthening pregnant women and normalizing blood circulation in pregnant women.
What does coconut water and bitter kola cure?
Erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, azoospermia, low libido, irregular menstruation, ovulation problems, vaginal yeast infection, and other sexual problems can all be treated with BITTER KOLA SOAKED IN COCONUT WATER FOR 3 DAYS.
What does bitter kola do in a woman body?
Helps pregnancy: Bitter kola contrary to what some may believe, actually has been said to be helpful and useful in and for pregnant women, as it helps in combating nausea and vomiting, making the uterus healthier, supplies strength to the expectant mother and normalizes circulation of blood also.