Gotu kola Herbal Information
NAME
Gotu Kola
LATIN NAME
Hydrocotyle asiatica
ALSO KNOWN AS
Centella, Centella Asiatica, Indian Pennywort and Mandookaparni
ORIGIN
India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, South Africa, China, Indonesia, Australia, and North America.
PARTS USED
Leaves of the plant
TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF GOTU KOLA
Gota kola is sometimes called "food for the brain" and it is used as a brain tonic, known to aid intelligence and memory. It combats stress, by rebuilding energy reserves and increasing mental and physical power. It is a nerve tonic, a promoter of memory and a blood purifier. As a nervine it is recomended for nervous disorders, including senility, premature aging, and epilepsy. It strengthens the adrenal glands and energises the central nervous system.
Its therapeutic uses include wound healing; it is particularly useful in healing the perineum, after episiotomy in childbirth. It is known to be helpful for the skin, and can elleviate psoriasis and other inflamed skin conditions. By stimulating the circulation it can prevent and treat varicose veins.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY OF GOTU KOLA
This herb is an Ayurvedic herb and was first used in India, where it has a reputation for promoting long life and rejuvenating the body and mind. It is said that many Yogis still use this plant in its fresh form as an aid to meditation.
Gotu kola is said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which the leaf is said to resemble. It is regarded as one of the most important rejuvenative herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine. Traditionally it has been used in the treatment of Leprosy.
CONSTITUENTS
Active constituents include saponins, asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid. It also contains flavonols, amino acids, fatty acids, sterols, saccharides, and some mineral salts.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND OF GOTU KOLA
Suggested Dosage
Gotu kola Herbal Powder-
Fair Trade
1- 5 grams mixed with milk or juice. Spread over a day.
Gotu kola Herbal Tincture-
1-3ml up to three times a day
Exrtaction Ratio 1:5
Alcohol Vol. 70%
Made with dry & wild herb
or as directed by a Herbal practitioner.
PRECAUTIONS
Do not take Gotu Kola if you are taking tranquilisers or sedatives, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. It has been known to create a rash or headache in those who are sensitive.
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