The [Spiritual] Uses of Bitter Cola: And the Benefits of Drinking It
You want to improve your spiritual well-being, but you don’t know where to start. There are many different paths to spirituality, and it can be difficult to find the right one for you. Kola Nut has a wide range of benefits that can help you connect with your inner self.
This guide will introduce you to the different uses of Kola Nut and show you how it can benefit your spiritual development.
Brief Overview of bitter kola in Africa
Bitter kola is a root extract that comes from the kola tree, which is found mostly in the tropical rainforest regions of Central and West Africa. It has been used in African and West African cultures for centuries as a stimulant and to relieve fatigue. Bitter kola is consumed as an adjuvant to the true kola (Cola nitida) and for medicinal and spiritual purposes.
It is believed that the roots, seeds, stems, and leaves of bitter kola have medicinal value and can help with depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, intuition, and focus. In traditional African cultures, bitter kola is also used as a religious object and sacred offering during prayers, ancestor veneration, and significant life events.
Additionally, traditional worshippers believe that bitter kola can prolong life, which has been supported by scientific evidence. The high levels of potassium in bitter kola may be a contributing factor in reducing inflammation and it has been shown to have protective effects against hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.
What are the spiritual uses of bitter kola?
1. Veneration and offerings
Bitter kola is an important sacred item that is venerated in the Ifa and Orisa traditions. It is believed to ward off evil and negative energy, promote good health, and bring blessings and luck. To properly revere and offer bitter kola it is important to follow the proper steps.
The first step is to perform a ritual called Ìbà. This is a ritual of paying homage and showing respect towards the Orisa or Ifa. It includes chanting praises, burning incense, and kola nut, and pouring libations into the earth. After the Ìbà is completed, the bitter kola is presented to the Orisa or Ifa with both hands, while saying “Mo juba”, meaning “I pay homage”.
Once the bitter kola has been presented, it is then placed on the shrine of the Orisa or Ifa and left there as an offering. If the offering is accepted, it is then believed that the Orisa or Ifa has given their blessing and the desired result will manifest.
For example, a person wishing to receive success in their career may perform the Ìbà ritual to the Orisa Ogun, then present a bitter kola offering to Ogun. If accepted, the person is believed to receive successful in their career.
In conclusion, it is important to follow the proper steps when offering a bitter kola to the Orisa or Ifa. This includes performing the ritual of Ìbà, presenting the bitter kola with both hands while saying “Mo juba”, and placing the offering on the shrine. If accepted, the desired result will manifest.
2. Rituals
In West Africa, the kola nut is an incredibly important fruit, symbolizing the big masquerade in social and religious gatherings. In Igbo cosmology, the kola nut is referred to as the king of all fruits and is held in high esteem. Bitter kola has been traditionally used in various rituals and ceremonies. The most common ritual performed with bitter kola is the Orisa invocation, which involves the offering of bitter kola to the Orisa for blessings and protection.
In addition, bitter kola is also used as an offering during the Ebo ceremony, which is a traditional healing ceremony performed to cleanse the community of negative energy. During the ceremony, the bitter kola is placed on the shrine of the Orisa to ask for their blessings and protection. Bitter kola also plays an important role in traditional marriage ceremonies, where the bride and groom both offer bitter kola to each other as a sign of respect and commitment.
Finally, bitter kola is used in ceremonies to honor the ancestors, where it is placed on the ancestral altar as an offering to show respect and reverence. By performing these rituals with bitter kola, individuals can reconnect to their spiritual essence, showing respect and gratitude to the universe.
3. Healing Powers
What healing powers does bitter kola have? [Expanded list]: Bitter kola has many healing and spiritual powers. It can be used for rituals and spiritual cleansing and as a tonic, stimulant, astringent, decongestant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory tool, and lipolytic.
It is said to have the ability to repel or drive away any devilish or satanic powers that may cross one’s path, as well as being used in special protective rituals for suppressing enemies. Bitter kola also provides relief from a chest cold and goes on to prevent cold altogether, as it enlarges the alveolar sac and duct.
In addition, it is said to have anti-cancerous properties and can be used to treat fibroids, gastrointestinal disorders, and dermatological care. Finally, it is used to boost immunity and aid in weight reduction.
4. Spiritual Powers
The spiritual powers of bitter kola are often linked to its ability to repel or drive away any devilish or satanic powers that may cross one’s path. In some cultures, it is believed that putting a bitter kola in one’s mouth can give one supernatural immunity from any kind of harm, either physical or spiritual. Bitter kola is also believed to be able to ward off snakes and other potential dangers.
Additionally, it is believed to have protective properties and is sometimes hung above the entrance of a house to sanctify the living area. Bitter kola can also be used to consecrate an event, thereby affirming the laws of the land. Thus, it is clear that bitter kola carries a range of spiritual powers, which have been revered and believed in by many cultures over the ages.
5. Religious Beliefs
Religious beliefs associated with the use of bitter kola include protection against evil forces, repelling negative energies and attracting positive energies, bringing luck and fortune, invoking divine blessings, warding off danger and ill health, cleansing of the body and spirit, and promoting balance and harmony within an individual.
It is also believed to promote spiritual awareness, strengthen one’s willpower, increase physical strength, and provide protection from curses and hexes. Additionally, it is thought to invoke protection from negative influences, increase fertility, and bring good luck and fortune.
6. Power for Protection
The use of bitter kola for protection is an ancient practice that is still believed and practiced by many tribes and ancient peoples. It is believed to have the ability to repel or drive away any devilish or satanic powers that may cross the individual’s path.
For example, some people place pieces of bitter kola near the entrance to their home to ward off bad energy or keep evil spirits away. Others may rub the bitter kola on their skin or rub it on the door frames of their homes to protect them from evil forces. It is also used in spiritual ceremonies to protect from bad luck.
7. Energy Boosters
Bitter kola is an effective stimulant used in Africa for centuries to increase alertness and energy. To use bitter kola as an energy booster, one should include it in their daily routine. Here are five ways to do this that can help one increase their energy:
- Take a small amount of bitter kola in the morning to increase alertness and energy levels throughout the day.
- Before engaging in a long period of work or study, take some bitter kola to maintain focus and concentration.
- To boost mood and productivity, have a small amount of bitter kola between meals.
- To help solve problems and become more confident, take a small amount of bitter kola before engaging in problem-solving tasks.
- For weight reduction, limit sugar and alcohol intake and include bitter kola in one’s diet as a snack. Additionally, it is suggested to eat more fruits and vegetables with fewer carbohydrates.
8. Improves Immunity
Bitter kola has been known to influence multiple regulatory systems in the body, including the immune system, enabling the body to adapt to stress. It also increases lymphocyte production and stimulates the production of antibodies, which helps to strengthen the body’s immunity against disease.
Additionally, it can enlarge the alveolar sac and ducts, providing relief for chest colds and preventing colds altogether. Not only does bitter kola enhance immunity, but it has also been said to be helpful for pregnant women, as it helps in combating nausea and vomiting, makes the uterus healthier, supplies strength to the expectant mother, and normalizes the circulation of blood.
9. Helps with Stress Relief
Bitter kola has been known to help with stress relief by influencing multiple regulatory systems in the body, including the immune system. It enables the body to adapt to stress, which can reduce the effects of both physical and emotional strain.
The caffeine and theobromine contained in the kola nut may also help by dilating or widening blood vessels in the brain, which can reduce migraine pain and help relieve stress. Additionally, bitter kola has been used for centuries in rituals and spiritual cleansing, which may help to ease anxiety and provide a sense of peace and well-being.
FAQ
Is Kola Nut poisonous?
No, kola nut is not poisonous. Although the nut has a bitter taste, it becomes sweeter when chewed and has been found to have certain health benefits. However, people with nut allergies should avoid kola nuts as an allergic reaction may occur.
Additionally, people with high blood pressure, cardiac conditions, difficulty sleeping or other medical conditions may be advised not to use products containing kola nuts. People should always consult their doctor before taking supplements containing kola nut, as they may interact with certain medications.
What are the healing properties of Kola Nut?
The kola nut is a tropical nut found in the rainforests of Africa and has been used for centuries in African cultures for various ceremonial purposes. It has been reported to have several health benefits, including boosting the metabolism, aiding in digestion, increasing circulation, and boosting energy levels.
Additionally, its extract has been found to have antibacterial properties. The compounds found in the kola nut have also been found to potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Furthermore, it has been used for its spiritual benefits, as a powerful healing technique.
In terms of physical health benefits, the kola nut contains caffeine and theobromine, which speed up the heart rate and improve circulation. It is also a stimulant and diuretic, providing an energy boost and helping to reduce asthma symptoms. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help to reduce hunger and enhance libido.
These healing properties of kola nut have been supported by research, with studies showing that its extract has the potential to reduce the risk of prostate cancer as well as inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. As such, it is important to speak to a doctor before using kola nut supplements or products, as they may interact with certain medications and should be taken with caution.
What is the traditional use of Kola Nut in spiritual practices?
Kola nut has traditionally been used in African spiritual practices, such as ceremonies and rituals, as a powerful spiritual tool. It is believed to promote peace and calmness during ceremonies and to serve as a connection between the living and ancestral spirits or deities. It is offered to guests at weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies.
Additionally, it is used in medicine as an alternative form of treatment. The nut has a bitter taste, yet it can help to sweeten whatever is eaten afterward. Its purity and self-protective qualities also symbolize its importance in traditional spiritual practices.