Henry Bissy - Photo by George

Today we find out about the kola nut which came from the motherland of Africa and has become well-known in the Caribbean.

Kola nuts (or cola nuts) are the seed pods of various evergreen trees that are native to Africa. The seeds are said to contain a glycoside, Kolanin, but this substance appears to be a mixture of Kola red and caffeine. The seeds also contain starch, fatty matter, sugar, and fat decomposing enzyme acting on various oils.

The properties of Kola or bissy are similar to caffeine. Besides the fact that Kola nuts contain caffeine and act as a stimulant and anti-depressant, they are also thought to reduce fatigue and hunger, aid digestion, and work as an aphrodisiac. Kola is also a valuable heart tonic and a good general tonic.

Alcohol poisoning

People always seh: if you are poisoned from alcohol, it should help. It is chewed by many West African people. It is often used ceremonially, presented to tribal chiefs or presented to guests.

And Jamaican old time people also seh: a teaspoon of grated bissy with a teaspoon of grated ginger (both dried), in a small flask of White Rum and cured overtime, is a good antidote for colic or upset stomach and belly aches.

- Source:www.botanical.com, /www.congocookbook.com and http://en.wikipedia.org/