Coffee (Coffea arabica)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Rubiaceae
• Common Names: Coffee, Arabian Coffee
• Parts Used: Seeds (beans), leaves

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Description

Coffea arabica is a small evergreen shrub native to the highlands of Ethiopia and widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. It is primarily known for its stimulant effects due to its caffeine content, but it also has medicinal applications, including cognitive enhancement, digestive stimulation, and antioxidant support.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used traditionally in East African and Arabian cultures as an energizing and social beverage.
• Employed as a remedy for headaches, mental fatigue, and sluggish digestion.
• Historically used in herbal medicine to enhance circulation and support liver function.

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Constituents

• Caffeine
• Chlorogenic acids
• Polyphenols
• Trigonelline
• Diterpenes (cafestol, kahweol)

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Actions

• Stimulant
• Nervine
• Digestive tonic
• Antioxidant
• Circulatory stimulant
• Mild diuretic

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Medicinal Uses

1. Mental Alertness and Cognitive Function:
Caffeine enhances concentration, focus, and reaction time by stimulating the central nervous system.

2. Digestive Stimulation:
Traditionally used as a digestive tonic, coffee increases gastric secretions and may aid digestion.

3. Antioxidant and Liver Support:
Rich in polyphenols, coffee helps neutralize oxidative stress and supports liver detoxification.

4. Headache Relief:
Used for migraine and headache relief due to its vasoconstrictive effects.

5. Circulatory and Metabolic Benefits:
Promotes circulation and has been studied for its potential role in metabolic health.

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Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Brewed Coffee):

• 1-2 tsp of ground coffee beans per cup of hot water; drink in moderation.

Tincture (Medicinal Extract):

• 5-10 drops as needed for stimulation and focus.

Topical Application (Coffee Scrub):

• Used externally as an exfoliant and to improve circulation.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: High caffeine intake should be limited during pregnancy.
• Sleep Disruptions: Avoid excessive consumption, especially in the evening.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: May increase heart rate and blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
• Acidic Effects: Can cause stomach irritation or acid reflux in some individuals.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Warming and stimulating; moves stagnation and increases Qi.
• Ayurveda: Aggravates Vata and Pitta in excess but can balance Kapha when used appropriately.

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Combinations

• For Focus and Mental Clarity: Combine with rosemary and gotu kola.
• For Digestive Support: Combine with ginger and cardamom.
• For Circulatory Stimulation: Combine with cinnamon and cayenne.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Coffee cherries are hand-picked when fully ripe.
• Processing: Beans are dried, fermented, and roasted to enhance their flavor and medicinal properties.
• Storage: Store roasted beans in an airtight container away from moisture and light.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Coffea arabica’s benefits for mental alertness, antioxidant activity, and metabolic health, reinforcing its traditional medicinal uses.

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Coffee remains a widely consumed and studied plant, valued for its stimulant effects, cognitive benefits, and antioxidant properties.