Botanical Index No. 281

Cola

cola spp.

Medicinal Actions

Analysis pending research update.

Primary Conditions Treated

Anorexia Apnea Asthma Atony Cancer COPD Depression Diarrhea Dysentery Dyspepsia Fatigue Flu Headache Herpes Hunger Infection Inflammation Lethargy Malaria Melancholy Migraine Morning Sickness Myosis Nausea Neuralgia Obesity Polio Thirst Toothache Tumor Virus Water Retention Wound

General Dosage

1–2 tsp powdered seed/cup water, up to 3 ×/day; 1–3 g powdered seed; 2–6 g seed/day; 0.5–1 dropper full seed tincture or concentrate; 1–3 g herb as tea 3 ×/day; 0.6–1.2 ml liquid extract; 1–4 ml tincture; 25–750 mg cola extract; 1–4 ml kola tincture; 10–30 g cola tincture; 60–120 g cola wine; 0.6–1.2 ml liquid seed extract.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 2b, 2d. Commission E reports contraindications: gastric and duodenal ulcers; adverse effects: trouble sleeping, hyperexcitability, nervousness; interactions: effect enhanced by psychoanaleptic drugs and caffeine-containing beverages. CNS stimulant, GI irritant. Contraindicated in high blood pressure, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. Not recommended for excessive or prolonged use. CAN cautions that xanthine-containing beverages may cause anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, tremors, and withdrawal headaches. Because of the caffeine, consumption should be restricted in pregnancy and lactation, and in patients with hypertension and cardiac problems. “As with all xanthine containing beverages, excessive consumption by lactating mothers should be avoided”. Cola-containing beverages are said to “provide active doses of caffeine”. Caffeine has many reported activities, many perhaps shared synergistically withophylline and theobromine.

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