Gotu Kola
Latin: Centella asiatica
Family: Umbelliferae
Family: Umbelliferae
Gotu Kola is a brain tonic herb, similar to Gingko, its leaf resembling the lobes of the human brain, its stem to the brain stem and spinal cord.
Gotu kola is indigenous to eastern Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. Shenning Herbal, an herbal medicine guide written in China over 2,000 years ago, boasts of this herb’s powerful medicinal properties. The rich healing qualities of gotu kola continue to hold true with time, research and regular consumption.
In Asia, gotu kola is most renowned as a longevity tonic. An old Singhalese proverb states “Two leaves a day will keep old age away”. When considering the natural healing effects of gotu kola consumption on age spots, memory loss, premature aging, varicose veins, and weakened vision, this herb couldn’t be more anti-aging specific. Chinese herbalist Li Ching Yun supposedly ingested gotu kola regularly and lived to be 256 years old!
Gotu kola is commonly used for brain health in the Ayurvedic system of herbalism, from which this herb hails. Taken daily as a tonic, it is said to keep the brain youthful, improve memory, and be helpful in meditation. Research is being done on gotu kola for it’s potential to benefit people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. (1)
In Asia, gotu kola is most renowned as a longevity tonic. An old Singhalese proverb states “Two leaves a day will keep old age away”. When considering the natural healing effects of gotu kola consumption on age spots, memory loss, premature aging, varicose veins, and weakened vision, this herb couldn’t be more anti-aging specific. Chinese herbalist Li Ching Yun supposedly ingested gotu kola regularly and lived to be 256 years old!
Gotu kola is commonly used for brain health in the Ayurvedic system of herbalism, from which this herb hails. Taken daily as a tonic, it is said to keep the brain youthful, improve memory, and be helpful in meditation. Research is being done on gotu kola for it’s potential to benefit people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. (1)
Properties & Actions
Vulnerary (Healing), Anti-inflammatory, Anti-aging, Depurative (Purifying), Adaptogenic, Nervine tonic, Brain Tonic, Anti-microbial, Vasodilator (supports micro-circulation), Astringent, Diuretic
Benefits & Uses
Gotu kola is a medicinal herb that has tremendous healing properties that are known to benefit a wide variety of ailments. It is rich in vitamins A, C, & B-complex as well as minerals such as silicon, selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Gotu kola is one of the premier herbs for neurological disorders including dementia, bell’s palsy, epilepsy, parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder, tremors, guillain-barre syndrome, tourette syndrome, and narcolepsy.
It also functions as a brain tonic and energy booster and has been shown to significantly improve cognitive skills while reducing brain fog and forgetfulness. Gotu kola is an adaptogenic herb which makes it excellent for strengthening the adrenal glands and preventing stress related illnesses such as headaches, exhaustion, insomnia, and indigestion.
Gotu kola functions well as a blood cleanser and is known to help improve the circulatory, digestive, and lymphatic systems. It is also known to relieve high blood pressure and is particularly beneficial for hepatitis, urinary tract infections, heart disease, venereal diseases, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Gotu kola contains triterpenoid compounds that can help to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, veins, and capillaries which significantly improves blood flow and circulation.
These abilities make it an effective remedy for varicose veins, leg cramps, ulcers, retinopathy, hemorrhoids, and chronic tingling of the arms & legs. Topically, gotu kola has shown to be effective for skin ailments such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, bed sores, wounds, cellulite, postoperative scars, and even leprosy. (Medical Medium)
It also functions as a brain tonic and energy booster and has been shown to significantly improve cognitive skills while reducing brain fog and forgetfulness. Gotu kola is an adaptogenic herb which makes it excellent for strengthening the adrenal glands and preventing stress related illnesses such as headaches, exhaustion, insomnia, and indigestion.
Gotu kola functions well as a blood cleanser and is known to help improve the circulatory, digestive, and lymphatic systems. It is also known to relieve high blood pressure and is particularly beneficial for hepatitis, urinary tract infections, heart disease, venereal diseases, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Gotu kola contains triterpenoid compounds that can help to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, veins, and capillaries which significantly improves blood flow and circulation.
These abilities make it an effective remedy for varicose veins, leg cramps, ulcers, retinopathy, hemorrhoids, and chronic tingling of the arms & legs. Topically, gotu kola has shown to be effective for skin ailments such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, bed sores, wounds, cellulite, postoperative scars, and even leprosy. (Medical Medium)
Organs & Systems Affinity
Nervous system, Brain, Circulatory, and Urinary systems
Cautions & Contraindications
No toxic effects are listed in the British herbal pharmacopia, and Gotu Kola is considered to be quite safe by nearly all herbalists. However, caution is indicated in the case of over-active thyroid. Not recommended for pregnancy.
Resources & Recommendations
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Additional Sources Cited:
(1) www.goldenpoppyherbs.com/gotu-kola/
(1) www.goldenpoppyherbs.com/gotu-kola/