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Information about the herb Gotu Kola
Hydrocotyle asiatica, also known as Indian Pennywort is part of the Umbelliferae plant family. Gotu Kola is a small, slender, umbelliferous creeping plant plant indigenous to the Southern United States. It is also common to swampy areas of India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, South Africa and the tropics.
Botanical Name: Hydrocotyle asiatica, Centella asiatica
Plant Family: Umbelliferae
Common Names: Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny, Water Pennywort
History: Gotu Kola's fan shaped leaves are about the size of an old British penny from where it gets its common names, Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny and Water Pennywort.
Tradition: Gotu Kola was used in meditation incenses
Plant Constituents of Gotu Kola
Contains:
- Asiaticoside, which is a triterpene glycoside and classified as an
- Brahmoside and Brahminoside, which are saponin glycosides (these are diuretic in nature and have a slightly sedative action in large doses)
- Calcium
- Madecassoside, a glycoside that is a strong anti-inflammatory agent
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Tannic Acid
- Vellarin, an oily volatile liquid
- Vitamin K
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves and aerial parts
Gotu Kola is useful in:
Blood Conditions
- aids in blood diseases
- hemorrhoids
- improves the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries
- phlebitis (inflammation of the veins)
- purifies the blood
- varicose veins
- heals blood vessels
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- aids in restful sleep
- brain cell stimulant
- brain energizer and preserver
- brain nutritive
- calming properties
- excellent mental stimulant
- fatigue, both mental and physical
- for children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) because of its stimulating effect on the brain (increasing one's ability to focus while having a soothing and relaxing effect on an overactive nervous system)
- keeps one calm for yoga and meditative practices
- improves and enhances memory
- improves mental functions such as concentration
- insomnia
- mental disorders
- prevents nervous breakdowns
- rebuilds energy reserves
- recovery after mental breakdowns
- relieves mental fatigue
- senility
- stimulates the central nervous system
- supports the central nervous system
Cardiovascular Conditions
- high blood pressure
- congestive heart failure
- venous insufficiency
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- bowel complaints
Glandular Conditions
- gland tonic
Immune System Conditions
- aids the body in defending itself against toxins
- localized inflammation and infection
- for people who are inactive or confined to bed due to illness
Inflammatory Conditions
- arthritis
- rheumatism
- skin inflammations
Liver Conditions
- hepatitis
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- sore throat
- tuberculosis
Tissue Development
- connective tissues
- keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers)
- lymph tissue
- promotes healthy skin
- stimulation of hair and nail growth
- synthesis of collagen (the first step in tissue repair)
- supports the repair of cartilage
- for mucous membranes
- for skin
- stimulates the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin
Other
- balancing tonic that both increases energy and relaxes the body
- destroys tumor cells
- fever
- 'heaviness' or tingling in the legs
- leg cramps
- post-surgery recovery
- swelling of the legs
Gotu Kola is used in Ayurvedic Medicine and is
- regarded as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda
- said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head
- used to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which the leaf is said to resemble
- used to fortify the immune system, cleansing and feeding it
- used to improve meditation
- used for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells
- used to strengthen the adrenals
Externally Gotu Kola has been used to treat:
- cancer
- leprosy
- second and third degree burns
- skin disorders
- wounds
It has been shown to:
- reduce scar tissue formation
Externally it is used as a poultice for:
- syphilitic ulcers
Other Uses:
- Meditation incense
Caution:
In small doses Gotu Kola acts as a stimulant, in large doses it acts as a narcotic
Always take in small doses as large doses can cause
- headache
- stupor
- vertigo
Global Herbal Supplies has Gotu Kola available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
