Gotu Kola Extract
Species Name: Brahma-buti
Also Known as: Brahma-Manduki, Indian Pennywort, Indian Waterwort, Navel Wort
What is Gotu Kola Extract? Commonly misspelled as Gotu Cola, Gotu Kola extract is an ancient Asian herb that has been used for centuries in countries such as India and China.
It is not related to the kola (cola) nut and does not contain any stimulants or caffeine.
It is a creeping vine found in tropical and subtropical climates in Asia, Africa, South America and even parts of south-eastern United States.
Used in traditional Asian and Ayurvedic medicine, Gotu Kola has a wide range of benefits and has been used for many centuries.
Home Remedies using Gotu Kola Extract:
Benefits and Uses of Gotu Kola Extract:
It has become a favorite herb in recent years because of its potential as a treatment for both mental health disorders and mood disorders.
It has also shown some initial benefits for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease as well.
During its long history, Gotu Kola has been shown to be beneficial for treating leprosy, cholera, dysentery and syphilis.
Used extensively in areas of Asia and in Madagascar where the plant grows freely, Gotu Kola has been researched for a number of potential health benefits including for wound treatment.
It has shown the ability to stimulate the growth of collagen in animal studies, so far.
Its potential in the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is also of interest to researchers.
Gotu Kola is used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions including:
- Urinary tract infection
- Shingles
- Cold and flu
- Tuberculosis
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Circulation problems
- Sunstroke
- Tonsillitis
- Pleurisy
- Hepatitis
- Jaundice
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Anemia
- Diabetes
Gotu Kola also promotes healing in wounds.
In addition to these uses, Gotu Kola extract has occasionally been used by some women to prevent pregnancy, to delay menstruation and to increase sexual arousal.
Studies have shown that Gotu Kola helps in decreasing joint pain and also helps in improving finger movement.
Gotu kola extract is available in the following forms:
- Tea
- Capsules
- Extracts
- Eye drops
- Powders
- Ointments
The dosage will depend on the form of the herb being used and the condition that is being treated as well.
Side Effects of Gotu Kola Extract:
Gotu Kola can cause problems including a burning sensation on the skin when it is used topically and may also cause an allergic rash in people with sensitive skin.
It may also cause common stomach ailments such as nausea and minor stomach pain when taken orally.
Large doses of Gotu Kola may lead to drowsiness, elevated blood sugar and elevated blood cholesterol levels.
It may also increase sun sensitivity, so precautions should be taken while using this herb if you will have to have prolonged sunlight exposure.
Gotu Kola has been shown to impair fertility in mice, however there have been no studies that have shown conclusive evidence on its effects on humans.
