All herbs
Orógbó
Bitter kola
Garcinia kola
Hard bitter seed chewed for the chest and throat, and central to Yoruba hospitality and prayer.
Cautions
- Can raise blood pressure and cause insomnia in some people
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Not for long continuous use
Known interactions: Antihypertensives, Stimulants
Nutritional value
- Kolaviron flavonoids
- Small amounts of potassium and calcium
Traditional healing uses
- Chewed for cough, hoarseness and chest tightness
- Traditionally used to support the liver and eyes
- Offered to guests and used in prayers for long life
Preparation
- Chew a small piece of the seed, 1–2 times daily, short term
Spiritual & cultural meaning
Orógbó is the seed of longevity in Yoruba prayer — broken and shared with the words for long life, and used in naming and marriage rites.
Shared as cultural tradition, not as a medical claim.
This profile supports — and does not replace — medical care. Speak with a health worker before combining herbs with medicine, in pregnancy, or for a child.