Gotu Kola

1. Speed Wound Healing
   Gotu kola has long been used across Asia for treating wounds, thanks to its triterpenoids and other compounds. Scientific research has found that it’s these compounds that help to strengthen antioxidant levels in the body and improve blood circulation to affected areas for faster healing.

Studies have discovered that creams which include gotu kola can actually help minimize scarring following a burn, as well as reduce the risk of infection.

1. Eliminating Stretch Marks & Cellulite While Supporting Younger, Healthier Skin
   As gotu kola also helps to strengthen skin, it’s been used for reducing stretch marks and the appearance of cellulite. Studies have confirmed that creams that contain the plant, or an extract of the plant, may be able to lessen the appearance of stretch marks, which are typically caused by pregnancy or weight gain due to the stretching of the skin. Research has also shown that it may reduce cellulite, which occurs when fat cells push through collagen layers.

This may also result in skin that has a more youthful appearance, thanks to improved collagen strength. Doses of 120 milligrams per day have specifically been used for this purpose, and the herb can also be incorporated into a skin cream and applied topically.

1. Reducing Stress & Anxiety
   Gotu kola is classified as a rasayana, or rejuvenate, in Ayurvedic medicine because of its ability to restore balance and better functioning to many parts of the mind and body. It’s ideal for strengthening the nervous system and has even been shown to help repair axons that are used to transmit nerve impulses throughout the body. This makes it excellent as a natural anti-stress and anti-anxiety cure. In fact, research has shown that it managed to decrease the frequency and severity of anxiety attacks in volunteers who suffered from general anxiety disorder.

2. Boosting Mental Functioning
   Research has directly linked consuming gotu kola consumption to strengthening cognitive abilities. This is likely due to its positive effect on the circulatory system, combined with its antioxidant properties, as the plant helps to stimulate neural pathways by eliminating plaque and free radicals in the brain. In one study, children with mental retardation who took a half gram of gotu kola extract in the form of a powder daily for a year, showed significant intellectual improvements. After six months, there were dramatic improvements in their ability to concentrate as well as cognitive functioning.

Studies have also discovered that gotu kola may have the potential to treat degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Research from India’s Kasturba Medical College demonstrated major improvement in the memory of rats who were given a gotu kola extract daily for two weeks. The experts believe that the plant contains certain acids that help protect against neural damage caused by free radicals, which could make it a potential Alzheimer’s treatment, though they say more research is needed to be certain.

1. Detoxification
   Gotu kola acts as a mild diuretic, which means that it can help trigger the release of excess toxins from the body through urination. That helps lessen the burden on a number of organs, including the kidneys and the liver. When the liver is forced to work harder than it should by becoming overly toxic, the entire mind and body suffer. It can result in weight gain, diminished sex drive, poor mood, fatigue, skin issues, brain fog, digestive problems and more. By taking gotu kola, it helps to rid the body of toxins to support better overall body functioning, including greater energy, a positive mood, better mental clarity, increased libido and improved well-being.

2. Increased Longevity
   As mentioned at the start, gotu kola has long been considered a longevity herb. Daoist master and herbalist Li Ching-Yuen, a famous proponent and user of the plant during his time was even reported in ancient Chinese medical texts to have passed away at the age of 256, and his longevity was largely attributed to his daily gotu kola habit. While the accuracy of the reports is up for debate, scientific research has shown that it contains potent therapeutic properties that include the ability to prolong life as it affects the mind, body and spirit. The health benefits of the plant are very wide ranging, from the brain and blood to digestion and everything in between.