The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), of the Apiaceae family, is also known as Centella, Brahmi, Pennywort, Indian Pennywort, Chi-hsing, and Pai Kuo. Native to areas such as Sri Lanka and South Africa, the leaves of this swamp plant have been used around the world for centuries to treat various human conditions. The common name Gotu Kola also includes the species Hydrocotyle asiatica, which is used interchangeably with Centella asiatica.
The properties of Gotu Kola are considered to be alterative, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, diuretic, febrifuge, glandular tonic, nervine, rejuvenative, and peripheral vasodilator. This herb is typically available as a tea, tincture, or capsule. Historical uses for Gotu Kola include support applications for skin disorders, mental & physical fatigue, expelling parasites, hysteria, asthma, and varicose veins. Gotu Kola was first used in India where it was part of Ayurvedic medicine, and was popular as a nerve tonic to promote relaxation and enhance memory. Indian healers used this herb to treat skin inflammations and as a mild diuretic. Oriental healers relied on Gotu Kola to support treatment of symptoms of emotional disorders such as depression.
Gotu Kola has also been employed in the past as an energy tonic, an aphrodisiac, and as a support treatment for the symptoms of high blood pressure and mental disorders. Traditional Chinese medicine believes Gotu Kola provides longevity, and thus call it the "fountain of youth" herb. In the United States, Gotu Kola can be found in countless energy formulas and tonics.
This herb has also been used historically by many cultures to bring down fever and relieve congestion due to colds and upper respiratory infections. More recent studies have shown that Gotu Kola has positive effects on the circulatory system; it seems to improve the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries, and has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, as well as leg cramps, swelling of the legs, and heaviness or tingling in the legs. This is particularly useful for bedridden people. Gotu Kola has even been used as 'food for the brain' after a nervous breakdown to rebuild energy reserves, or as a health supplement to prevent a nervous breakdown.
A common misconception is that Gotu Kola contains caffeine, which is simply not true. Researchers have found that Gotu Kola contains several glycosides that exhibit wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities, and in large doses it can act as a sedative. Other researchers have shown that fresh leaves of the Gotu Kola plant are effective in healing chronic skin ulcers and other wounds.
Gotu Kola contains a group of triterpenes called asiaticosides that possess strong antioxidant properties. Gotu Kola also contains naturally occurring Vitamins A, G, K, and is also high in magnesium.
Past culinary uses of this herb included eating the fresh leaves as a salad or potherb. In Asia, one can still find a variety of Gotu Kola-based sodas. Gotu Kola is said to be one of the favorite foods of wild elephants.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program, and in capsule form as part of our Combo Herbs sales programs.)
