Keynote: cerebro-spinal stimulant.
Action: Nerve tonic, anti-depressant, diuretic, astringent, anti-diarrhoeal. Thymoleptic BHP (1983). Strengthens action of the heart by increasing its muscular power. Antidepressant. Stimulates the central nervous system and strengthens the heart by increasing its muscular power.
Uses: Physical and mental exhaustion (jet-lag), brain fatigue, neurasthenia, convalescence, muscle weakness, headache, depression. Diarrhoea, dysentery. Contains caffeine which increases mental alertness, heart rate and passage of urine. Low blood pressure. Not given in presence of high blood pressure.
Traditional combinations: (1) with Damiana and Saw Palmetto for sexual weakness. (2) with Skullcap and Oatstraw for depression and nerve debility.
Burroughs and Wellcome (1900) issued a tabloid “Forced March” (Kola compound 5g) used during the South African war and continued until 1937. Today similar preparations exist for jet-travel and tired business-men.
Side-effects: over-excitability.
Preparations: Average dose: 1 to 3 grams. Thrice daily.
Decoction (powder). Half a teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. Dose 1 cup. Powder/tablets: 1 to 3g.
Liquid Extract, BHC Vol 1. 1:1, 60 per cent ethanol. Dose: 0.6 to 1.2ml.
Tincture BPC (1934). 1:5 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose: 1-4ml.
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