Cola
Cocoa and the kola nut are source of the stimulant methylxanthine alkaloids that occur also in coffee, tea, matè and guarana.
It originates from tropical Africa, and its utilizable species have spread spontaneously in West Africa from Guinea to Ghana. According to Hutchinson and Daziel the genus Cola covers 42 species. Only three of them have seeds with purine ingredients, enabling them to regarded as medicinal. They are C. verticalla Beauv., C. acuminata Schott and C. nitida. Cola nitida is recommended in herbals. It is the most often grown Cola plant and has the highest caffeine content. The seeds separate into two neatly curved cotyledons.
The Arabs were so convinced of the ability of the kolanut to stave off hunger and thirst that they exchanged gold dust for kola nuts 1:1. They would not start any journey through the Sahara without kola-nuts.
In his "Encyclopaedia of Magic Plants" Rätsch notes, "In West Africa kola nuts are the most important stimulant. The stimulating drinks are drunk at all times of the day. For locals the use of kola is extremely important. Most activities are unthinkable without kola. The nut protects its owner against all sins. In West Africa kola nuts are valued highly as a magical cure and remedy, as an amulet and aphrodisiac. White and bright nuts effect amorous charms, red ones the opposite. Dried kola nuts are also used as currency and given away as a token of friendship."
The following ancient legend illustrates the high value placed on the drug in Africa:
"When God stayed on earth one day to look after the human beings, he put to one side a piece of a kola nut he had been eating, and later he forgot to take it with him. A human being watched this and ate the food of God. He was busy chewing the nut when the Creator returned and saw how the man tried hard to swallow down the kola nut in a hurry. Quickly he grabbed his throat and forced him to let go of the nut. From that time onwards you have been able to see the larynx in men's throats, which was caused by the pressure of that godly finger." Interestingly also Theobroma (Chocolate) means food of the gods and Abroma means that it can not be eaten.
Homeopathic picture of Cola
Identity, limbs, paralysis
I have a delusion that I am sawing my hand off (compare Daphne, Mezereum, Abroma: feeling as if parts separated from body). Feeling as if I had no arms or legs. Feel as if I had someone else's feet screwed on to me (In Dutch exists the expression ‘to sew an ear on to somebody’, meaning ‘he is gullible’)
Sensation of my limbs hanging down like a puppet's, as if the strings had been cut (Who has been holding this provers string; who decides the lives of Abroma?! Compare the paralytic features in Cist, Abel, Mez, Til)
Large
I wake up with the delusion that I have grown (compare two Sterculiaceae patients being large for their age. And delusion limbs, parts enlarged: Mez, Daph, Til). Versus: Feeling of shrinking and having no limbs.
Power insight
Delusion that all objects are bathed in or giving off a bright light. This might have to do with my improved way of seeing because I feel I can look right into the heart of things and people and discover their true image there. I believe I have telepathic powers and can predict things (hence the name Food of the Gods ?!).
I resolve to let myself be guided by my feelings and to block out my reason. I feel mentally capable of putting myself in the situation of another person, which enables me to give that person the best possible help.
Cuddles sex
Increasing need for cuddles. Excessive desire for sex. I am becoming aware of my charismatic effect on women. I no longer avoid eye contact. I mentally undress every woman.
I chat up every woman. Inclined to dance to music on the radio. The rhythm gets right into my legs.
Aggression
Struggle with superior opponents. In the hospital I behave like a dictator, even towards my superiors. Argumentative, constantly arguing with my husband. Would like to break off the relationship. I am getting aggressive towards the children who have irritated me in the extreme. I put one out in the cold and rain in his pyjamas and I nearly crush the other one's hand which he threatened me with. During the outburst of feeling I unfortunately still felt good. I demonstrated my superiority and power.
I am very irritable, especially when I don't get any attention. Then I become almost dictatorial with a tendency to fits of rage with fights.
Energy work hectic
Burst of energy. I feel as if my energy has been rekindled. I run up and down the stairs from the third floor loads of times and haul the heaviest things without feeling tired. On the contrary, I could keep going for hours yet.
I want to create order. I tidy up my whole office and write long-forgotten invoices. I am constantly in a hectic rush, as if I were under too much stress.
Good-tempered, sociable, positive feelings.
Guilt, humiliation, despair. Vivid dreams of feelings of moral guilt (bad conscience) again.
Exposed alone
I am making an effort in vain, everything is pointless, other people do not take me seriously. I do not feel accepted. Dream about embarrassing situations and being exposed in front of friends.Threat, persecution, pursuit, danger.
Birth and death. Dreams about children who freeze to death.
Dream: A child's burial. Emotionally I am unaffected by it.