Botanical Name: Hydrocotyle asiatica, Centella asiatica
Plant Family: Umbelliferae
Common Names: Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny, Water Pennywort
Origin: 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
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
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
Usage
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
Glandular Conditions
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
Respiratory Tract Conditions
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:
Other Uses:
Precautions
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
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