Key Points

- Spirit of the Kola Nut 

- Kola Nuts are important role to the Vodun economy and culture

Brief Bio

Tron is the vodun of the kola nut; he was recently introduced to the Vodún pantheon via Ewe speakers from Ghana and Togo.

The kola nut is the seed of certain species of plant of the genus Cola. These cola species are trees native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. Their caffeine-containing seeds are used as flavoring ingredients in various carbonated soft drinks, from which the name cola originates.

The kola nut has a bitter flavor and contains caffeine. The nut is a nervous system stimulant and is chewed in many West African countries, in both private and social settings. It is often used ceremonially, presented to chiefs or guests. Throughout history, kola nuts have been planted on graves as part of various rituals. Laborers in many countries also grow kola nuts in efforts to fight fatigue and hunger, while Brazilians and people of the West Indies use the nut as a remedy for hangovers, intoxication, and diarrhea.

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.