Gotu Kola

Gotu kola or Centella asiatica or centella is an ever growing creeping plant, is native to India, China, Indonesia, Australia and Africa. ^{[1, 2]} It grows best in damp and swampy places. ^[1]

Gotu kola is a member of the parsley family and is tasteless and odorless. It thrives best inside and around water. Plant description determines that it has small fan-shaped green leaves, white or light purple-to-pink flowers, while gotu kola plant bears small and oval fruit. ^[3]

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Traditional use of gotu kola in India is prehistoric more profoundly for wound healing. In the 1800s, it became part of Indian pharmacopoeia and was used in various skin conditions including leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, psoriasis, and eczema, as well as fever, diarrhea, and problems of menses. ^[1] In Chinese remedy leaves of gotu kola has been used for leukorrhea and toxic fever, as well as shoots has used for boils and fever. Use of gotu kola for longevity has been very popular and said as “Miracle elixir of life” by Chinese herbalist. ^[1] In China it is also considered as "the fountain of life" and sometimes also used for respiratory problems like cold. ^[3] It is also considered as a regular herbal preparation in France during ninetieth century. ^[1]

The leaves, stems, nuts, root and seeds all are used in herbal preparation. ^[3]

Gotu Kola contains asiatic acid, madecassic acid and asiaticoside, who promote collagen synthesis and good for burns. ^{[1, 5]} Gotu kola also gives its beneficial effects on skin lesions. ^{[1, 6]} Gotu kola also possesses a well known herbal ingredient “triterpenoids” ^{[1, 3]} which appears to be helpful in healing wounds and may speed up skin regeneration. ^{[1, 4, 5, 6]}

Use of gotu kola produces calming effects during anxiety when you are feeling jittery and also results in enhancement of mental function, ^{[1, 2, 3, 4]} improvement in memory, ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7]} mental alertness and concentration in individual. ^[6]

Gotu Kola improves tissue regeneration in liver. ^[1]

It decrease bone and joint discomfort and provide ease in movement. ^[1]

Gotu kola improves circulation, ^[2] abnormally swollen or dilated vein, it has “triterpenoids” that stimulates the growth of connective tissues (collagen and elastin) and provide support and strength the walls of veins. ^{[1, 3, 4]}

Gotu kola produces its pronounced effects against germs. ^[2]

Gotu kola may act as a sedative and it is sometimes suggested to help people with sleeplessness. ^{[2, 3, 4]}

Gotu kola also shows its favorable effects on heart health and valuable during circulatory problems. ^[4]

Gotu kola also supports kidney problems. ^[4] It also increases urine output and hence helps to eliminate excess fluids ^{[2, 4, 6]}

Gotu kola may neutralize blood acids, purify blood and may also lower blood sugar level. ^[4]

Gotu kola decreases fatigue, improves sex drive, and good to enhance appetite. ^[4]

1. Daniel B.Mowrey, Ph.D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Page No. 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180 and 181. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centella_asiatica
3. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gotu-kola-000253.htm
4. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 99. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
5. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy, Page No. 28, 40, 105, 152, 395, 403 and 448. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
6. Daniel B.Mowrey, Ph.D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Page No. 25, 27, 103, 191, 193, 289 and 290. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.
7. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.