MEDICINAL USES OF KANWA (or AKANWU)

IN NIGERIA
by Venerable Dr I. U. Ibeme
Websites: http://www.scribd.com/ifeogo
http://priscaquila.6te.net

KANWA (or AKANWU) is the local Nigerian name for:

1. Crystal Soda (SODA is crystallised hydrous carbonate of sodium and of two types, either as
carbonate Na2CO3.Na2CO3.2H2O called TRONA or as bicarbonate Na2CO3.NaHCO3.2H2O called
NATRON and powdery anhydrous carbonate of sodium Na2CO3 i.e. SODA ASH). These are the
main constituents of Kanwa; and
2. Crystal Potash (granular POTASH is the crystallised hydrous carbonate of potassium
K2CO3.H2O; similar in composition with powdery anhydrous PEARL ASH K2CO3).

In Nigeria people do not usually distinguish between common greyish-white Crystal Soda Kanwa
(i.e. Trona and Natron) and the rare yellowish-white Crystal Potash Kanwa (i.e. Potash); all are
commonly thought to be ‘potash’. Pearl ash is organic Potash is refined from locally burnt wood
and plant ashes, while mineral Potash is industrially produced form Solvay process which
chemically treats common salt solution with ammonia and carbon dioxide or from Engel-Precht
process. The naturally occurring Kanwa mineral varieties (Trona, Natron and Potash) usually
contain several other impurities such as sand, clay, and metals like, silicon, magnesium,
calcium, iron, aluminium, and titanium.

All these Kanwa varieties have similar properties. They are all alkaline (soapy) when dissolved in
water. They are all used for making tanner’s lye (liquid soap of either caustic potash KOH or
caustic soda NaOH) used in tanning leather, for making soap, and for tenderizing, emulsifying and
preserving food. At the mining quarries of Kanwa, other minerals may coexist, such as
thermonatrite, halite (common salt), thernadite, merabilite, and gypsum.

In the Gastro Intestinal System Kanwa is used for toothache relief, as antacid and stomachic, for
relief of constipation and flatulence. Kanwa is also a liver stimulant but in larger doses it irritates
the stomach, causing heartburn.

In the Renal System, Kanwa induces alkaline diuresis (i.e. increased urination) and dilates blood
vessels to enhance renal blood flow. When taken in excess, the sodium in Kanwa accumulates in the
blood causing raised blood pressure.

In the Respiratory System, Kanwa induces secretion of the respiratory mucosa to act as an
expectorant.

Generally, Kanwa induces diaphoresis by dilating blood vessels of the skin with subsequent
cooling effect that may feel helpful in febrile conditions.

In traditional concoctions and for culinary purposes Kanwa serves as tenderizer, emulsifier,
thickener, seasoning, potentiating adjunct and preservative. Ancient Egyptians used natron Kanwa
solution as preservative in mummification.

Venerable Dr Ifechukwu U. Ibeme (0802 358 9315)

Chief Medical Officer, Staff Retainership Clinic, UMTH, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

Updated May 3, 2012

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