Gotu Kola (10% Triterpenes)

Botanical: Centella asiatica

Family:  Apiaceae (parsley)

Other common names: Centella, Indian Pennywort, Chi-hsing, Brahmi, Hydrocotyle

Gotu Kola has been used for thousands of years in India to promote energy, endurance and mental stamina.  Scientists have discovered that Gotu Kola also acts to ensure a healthy blood supply to your skin, which helps stimulate the natural repair and rejuvenation process.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Gotu Kola can be found in Africa, India, China and other parts of Southeast Asia.  It is a slender, herbaceous creeper that inhabits marshy areas and can also be found along roadsides ditches.  The herb has been important in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries and has been used for hundreds of years in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines.   In Sri Lanka, the leaves are commonly eaten by elephants, and they are purported to prolong life.  Gotu Kola is a member of the parsley family and does not contain cola or caffeine, as its name would suggest.  It is a rich source of vitamin K and also contains magnesium, calcium and other nutritional properties.  Traditional uses for Gotu Kola include applications for various skin disorders, mental and physical fatigue, expelling parasites, hysteria, asthma and varicose veins.  The active constituents present in Gotu Kola can differ, depending on where the raw plant material was gathered.  Glycosides found in Indian Gotu Kola include brahmoside, brahminoside and minor amounts of asiaticosides, whereas the Sri Lankan variety of Gotu Kola contains centelloside and triterpenic acids.  Gotu Kola from Madagascar contains predominately asiaticosides and triterpenes.  Gotu Kola has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to support the central nervous system.  It is thought to alleviate fatigue and help to reduce the effects of depression and insomnia.  Gotu Kola may also be used to increase brain function by improving concentration and memory. It has a positive effect on circulation, improving the flow of blood throughout the body and strengthening the veins and capillaries.  Antibiotic properties found in Gotu Kola support the immune system and are thought to be especially beneficial in treating a variety of skin problems.  Gotu Kola has been used to relieve symptoms related to colds and respiratory problems, including congestion, fevers and sore throats.  Gotu Kola may also be used to support the heart and promote healthy liver and kidney functions.  Gotu Kola is also used to strengthen the vascular system, to strengthen connective tissue and to treat vascular inflammation.  It has traditionally been used to treat leprosy, as it helps break down the waxy coating of the leprosy baccillis, so that it can be destroyed.  Gotu Kola helps to detoxify the body of chemicals and drugs, and it  is said to have a revitalizing effect on the brain cells and nerves.  Gotu Kola is thought to help stimulate collagen production when used both internally and topically on the skin.  This herb also works to improve wound healing time by stimulating cellular mitosis and is, therefore, used to treat burns, scarring (including keloids), psoriasis and eczema.  Gotu Kola is becoming more frequently used in cosmetics for its regenerative properties, including hair loss.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant or nursing women should not take Gotu Kola.  Since it may interfere with prescription diabetes medications, a doctor should be consulted before using.  Those taking cholesterol-lowering medications should not use Gotu Kola.  Do not mix with tranquilizers, since it may have narcotic effect.  It is not appropriate for people with epilepsy or for people who are sensitive to light.  Continued, repeated topical application is not recommended. The use of Gotu Kola for more than six weeks is not recommended. People taking the herb for an extended period of time (up to six weeks) should take a two-week break before taking the herb again.

Capsule Information:
Our Goto Kola supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.