The kola nut has a bitter flavor and contains caffeine. It is chewed in many West African countries, in both private and social settings.It is often used ceremonially, presented to chiefs or guests.In folk medicine, kola nuts are considered useful for aiding digestion when ground and mixed with honey, and are used as a remedy for coughs. Kola nuts are perhaps best known to Western culture as a flavoring ingredient and one of the sources of caffeine in cola and other similarly flavored beverages..
