Gotu kola (Centella asiateca) has been used as medicine for thousands of years in China, Indonesia and India. A few of its many impressive uses include wound healing, treating skin conditions, boosting cognitive function and increasing circulation.
“Two leaves a day will keep old age away.” Sinhalese proverb
According to legend, the people of Sri Lanka noticed elephants munching on Centella asiateca leaves. Due to the animals’ reputation for long life and superior intelligence, it stood to reason that perhaps the plant would be good for people too. Turns out, they were right!
Gotu kola is a creeping, low-growing perennial that thrives in and around water. The small, fan-shaped leaves and stems are the parts used for medicinal purposes. This hearty plant is part of the parsley family and is native to South Africa, India, Japan, China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Common names for Centella asiateca include;
Gotu kola has a long-standing reputation for ‘bringing long life’. Apparently, it obtained this reputation a few thousand years ago when a man in China lived to 200 years old after taking it for most of his life.
Another interesting story, that may or may not be true, was of a doctor on the French island of Mauritius who was trying to find a cure for leprosy. He was afflicted along with many others. He began using the herb on himself and had such good results that he treated all the others with the remedy. Even if the story isn’t true, the fact remains that Gotu kola has been used and is an effective treatment for easing symptoms of leprosy and other debilitating skin conditions.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard of a healing plant popping up like this. Over and over again, there have been accounts of plants growing in close proximity to those who need them most. Mysterious, to be sure. Let’s all give a shout-out to Mother Nature!
With the use of Gotu kola, the benefits of improved circulation are many. First of all, you’ll notice a reduction in swelling due to blood pooling in the lower extremities, a common occurrence with poor circulation. Secondly, poor circulation is apparent when there are varicose veins and other venous insufficiencies. Gotu kola strengthens your veins helping to minimize these symptoms. Lastly, improved blood circulation promotes wound healing which, in turn, reduces or minimizes scarring. (1)
Results from a 2010 study show Gotu kola significantly reduces anxiety-related disorders in addition to reducing stress phenomenon and its correlated depression. (2)
Extract from the leaves of Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) have been used as an alternative medicine for memory improvement in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. While more research is needed, there have been promising results on stimulating neuroprotection and improving cognitive impairment in rats. (3)
When compared to folic acid in studies of post-stroke victims, Gotu kola was shown to be more effective than folic acid in improving memory. (4) It stands to reason because of the herbs’ anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in addition to their ability to increase healthy blood circulation throughout the body.
This one blew me away! So, Gotu kola is effective for wound healing and skin lesions, meaning it assists the body with the rapid healing of cuts and scrapes. It does this by increasing collagen production in the affected area.
Additionally, there is evidence of decreasing collagen production in instances of scleroderma, which is an autoimmune condition where the body produces too much collagen. A decrease in joint pain and skin hardening has been noticed as well as an improvement in finger movement and mobility. (5)
Along these lines, a reduction in the appearance of stretch marks has been evidenced as well.
A 2014 study on Gotu kolas effects on arthritis pain found that Centella Asiatica methanol fraction (CaME) suppresses joint inflammation reducing the severity of arthritis in rats. (6)
In addition to all these wonderful health benefits, Gotu kola is rumored to help with insomnia, helping you get a good night’s sleep. All in all, Gotu kola is an incredible addition to your herbal medicine cabinet!
Well, here in the United States we like to take our herbal supplements as tea or in capsule form. Additionally, you can purchase a powdered form to mix into your smoothies or try an extract or tincture. Otherwise, we can look at how others in the world ingest this herb. For example, in Sri Lanka, it’s taken as a salad and in Vietnam, it’s just straight up an edible weed.
Start slowly by taking for only 2-6 weeks at a time, then take 2 weeks off. Possible problems you could have include headache, upset stomach and dizziness.
Here are a few links to purchase Gotu Kola.
Want to make your own tincture? Check out Herbal Tinctures, How to Make Your Own
Don’t use Gotu kola if:
All in all, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more stellar herb for your herbal medicine chest. First of all, the overall benefits of improved circulation would make this a go-to for most of us. Couple that with relief from stress, anxiety, and depression, better cognitive function, and less joint pain! Hallelujah! And let’s not forget, there are those rumors of longevity. In and of itself, a good reason to try this miraculous herb!
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The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical-free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that herbs can trigger side effects and interact with supplements, medications or other herbs,. Herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a qualified herbalist or doctor well versed in the field of botanical medicine.
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. Always talk with your doctor or qualified health care professional before taking any herbal remedies to ensure safety, especially if you are already on medications. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.
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