BITTER KOLA

Agbi ilu

Agbi ilu like Oji is also used to settle dispute in Amaigbo. However, greater importance is attached to Agbi ilu in settling disputes compared with kola nut. Should a native present this kola nut to the elders over a pressing issue, such matter is treated with greater urgency. This implies that a case presented with Agbi ilu is very severe. It is believed that a deferral or failure to resolve the matter immediately would be catastrophic to the parties involved.

Apart from using Agbi ilu in settling disputes, it also has other uses. The nut is found to be helpful in alleviating illnesses such as fever, cold and temperature etc. It is also believed that those who chew this nut on a regular basis hardly suffer from cough and its symptoms. Agbi ilu is also believed to help in assuaging the early morning sickness associated with pregnant women in their early pregnancy.

It is also offered to the newly wed (in a funny manner) to insinuate that it is about time they commence procreation.

In addition to its medicinal value, it is found that Agbi ilu tree often deters the presence of reptiles such as snakes in the area where the tree is planted. It is believed that snakes find the odour repulsive, hence, avoids coming anywhere near Agbi ilu tree.

The importance of the endowed Agbi ilu cannot be over emphasised; its usage in settling disputes as well as its medicinal value depicts the significance of this nut to Amaigbo natives and to others at large who partake in the sharing and eating of this nut.



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