Gotu Kola

Gotu kola, a true gift of the earth when it comes to herbs, it's been used for centuries in the leading cultures of medicine. Its a prominent feature in the teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Africa. Thankfully, now with the advances in our world, it has become available in its non-native countries. The plant has been called "the elixir of life" and is known for its amazing healing properties, especially its affinity for the skin and emotional well being. It was taken daily by Professor Li-Ching-Yun who was a greatly respected Chinese herbalist, who died in 1933 after living until the age of 256!

Latin name

Centella asiatica

Common names

Indian pennywort, Gotu kola, Water-marvel

Plant family

Centella is a member of the Umbellifer (Apiaceae) family.

Herbal actions and main therapeutic uses

• Adaptogen - Increases the bodies resilience to daily stressors.

• Alterative - A blood and lymph cleanser.

• Detoxifier - Eliminate toxins from the body allowing for proper function and better health.

• Bitter - To stimulate the production of stomach acid and bile secretions to improve digestion and therefore nutrients to body tissues and organs.

• Diuretic - Increases the output of urine.

• Laxative - Assists bowel function.

• Emmenagogue - Promote menstrual flow usually by stimulation uterine contractions.

• Tonic - Sustains and nurtures the body, increasing endurance.

Gotu kola is an extremely versatile herb when it comes to healing the body, it's long list of health benefits is probably why its referred to as the key to a long life, as its powers extend to encompass each aspect of our bodies wellbeing. Gotu kola was traditionally used in the form of ointments and creams to heal wounds. Studies (by Sunilkumar, Parameshwaraiah S, Shivakumar HG in June 1998) showed that using an aqueous solution of the herb, 3 times a day for a period of 24 days, resulted in increased collagen production and more efficient healing of the skin with reduced scarring. Gotu kola also has the ability to strengthen the surface of the skin by improving the transdermal availability of antioxidants into the capillaries that run below the surface of the skin. As well as strengthing the skin it can also increase the strength of veins and connective tissue, which is beneficial in conditions such as scleroderma and hypertension. Due to its ability to increase collagen production, it can be used topically as an effective anti-ageing formula, protecting the body from ageing internally and externally. It's frequently used to aid conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and eczema.
Alongside the benefits gotu kola has for physical health it's also be used for hundreds of years to calm the mind and promote higher states of mental clarity and emotional well-being. It helps by increasing blood flow to the brain and has been used in treating many mental conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to Parkinson's disease. It's a beautiful nervine-tonic which when taken as a medicine can clam a nervous disposition and uplift a depressed mind. Ancient Indian healers treated the spirit of gotu kola as a great nurturer, a powerful healer of the mind, body and soul.

Conditions that can be treated with Gotu kola:

• Fever
• Cellulite - Improves blood flow to the area, thus supplying more nutrients and enhancing drainage of inflammatory toxins, which results in smoother skin
• Dysentery
• Hepatitis
• Gastric Ulcers - by strengthening the gastric mucosal barrier and reducing the damaging effects of free radicals
• Improves memory and brain function
• High blood pressure - as it strengthens veins and arteries and promotes detoxification
• Female reproductive health - relieves pain from dysmenorrhea and stimulates menstruation

Dosage

• Tea (dried herb): 0.5g 3x daily (Quarter to half a teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 10 minutes; dose – 1 cup)
• Liquid extract : 1:1 (strength) Dose – 2-4ml (half-1 teaspoon) 3x daily
• Traditional Bengal tincture. 1 part coarsely powdered dried plant in 5 parts by weight of strong alcohol. Macerate 8 days in a well-corked bottle in a dark place; shake daily; strain; filter. Dose – 1-2 teaspoons in water 3x daily.

Thank you for taking your time to read my post, hope that you can all benefit from the magical properties of Gotu kola, and if you want to read about any other healing plants then click away Echinacea | Nettle | Reishi Mushrooms | Barberry Bark