Gotu Kola

Species Name: Centella Asiatica.

Also known as: Marsh penny, Indian pennywort, Water pennywort, Talepetrako, Antanan, Pegaga, Brahmi.

Some of the common names were given to this herb because it was just about the same size as a British penny.

What is gotu kola: A very slender plant that creeps along swampy regions of India is called the gotu kola. It is also found in the tropics, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

The leaves found on this plant are small and shaped similar to a fan or as many people believed the human brain. Gotu kola has always been considered a very spiritual herb that was used for rejuvenating the mind. It was used to help improve ones meditation.

It is suppose to work by developing the energy center that is found at the top of your head and by balancing out both the right and left sides of the brain.

For centuries the leaves found on the gotu kola plant was used for treating conditions such as cancer, leprosy, tuberculosis and arthritis. Due to its memory enhancement it has even been nicknamed the “food for the brain”.

Home remedies using gotu kola:

Benefits of Gotu Kola:

The most well-known benefit of the herb gotu kola is the revitalization of brain cells and surrounding nerves. Other benefits include being used as a sleep aid, treating high blood pressure and mild cases of diuretic.

It helps to reinforce the immune system by making it stronger and helping to cleanse it. Gotu kola can help promote healthy skin when used as a tonic by treating certain types of skin conditions such as redness, swelling and other forms of irritations.

Gotu kola has a very calming effect much like the results you would feel from taking a tranquilizer. This makes it very beneficial in relieving stress and anxiety.

This makes it a great herb for children that suffer from A.D.D. When given to child with this condition it can help them to relax and focus more in school and with other activities. It also helps to reduce both mental and physical fatigue.

Uses of Gotu Kola:

• Enhancing memory
• Relaxation
• Insomnia
• Skin abrasion
• Tea
• Capsule
• Extract
• Tincture

Side Effects of Gotu Kola:

There are a few side effects that can be caused from taking gotu kola which include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and headaches.

It is seldom but possible for you to experience an allergic reaction when used on the skin that creates a burring sensation. It is imperative that you do not use this herb if you are pregnant as it can cause what is called “spontaneous abortion”.