Centella Asiatica Gotu Kola by Sevi Perez
Botanical Description Order: Apiales.Perennial, native to the tropical parts of Asia, South Africa, Family: Apiaceae Madagascar and Pakistan. Subfamily: Mackinlayoideae. Ground hugging plant with kidney shaped leaves, green to Genus: Centella reddish green stems and and white to pinkish red flowers. Species: Centella Asiatica
Medicinal Description Parts Used: Leaves & Roots Constituents: Essential oil, tannins, triterpenic saponosides and asiaticosides. Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Nervine, Tonic, Analgesic, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Antiseptic, Circulatory Stimulant
Energetic Description Temperature: Cool Organs Affected: Liver, Heart, Bladder Taste: Pungent, Bitter, Sweet, Astringent *Tridoshic, VPK= Tissue States: Depression, Relaxation, Atrophy
History & Folklore It is an ancient remedy that has been used for thousands of years in Asia and is now becoming popular in the West. Also known as Brahmi, it is often used with Bacopa, an herb which shares the same nickname. Gotu Kola is traditionally used to aid in meditation as it clears the mind and enhances the ability to concentrate. The leaves are about the size of an old British penny, hence the common name, Indian Pennywort. In Sri Lanka it is common knowledge that elephants, who have a reputation of a long life and great memory, eat the plant. The locals follow their example, eating a few leaves a day. Gotu Kola got the nickname Tigers Herb because injured tigers often rub against it to heal their wounds Li Ching-Yun purportedly lived to be over 200 years old due to chinese herbs including Gotu Kola.
Uses Gotu Kola has a calming and supportive effect on the nervous system and calms the brain of mental chatter. It also supports connective tissue (Tilgner) Mental and Physical Fatigue, Sluggish Digestion, Parkinson s, Decreases Scar Tissue Buildup, Anxiety, Depression, Senility, Ulcers, Nervous Breakdown, Acne, Hypertension, Edema, Loss of Memory, Sinusitis, Influenza, Scleroderma, Lupus, Arthritis, Enhances Connective Jaundice, Promotes Nail & Hair Growth, Tissue, Drug Withdrawal Psoriasis, Leprosy, Accelerates the Healing Eliminates toxic accumulations in the brain and nerves Time for Wounds, Varicose Veins, Thyroid including residues of heavy metals and recreational Stimulant and pharmaceutical drugs.
Studies Laboratory studies have suggested that extracts of Gotu Kola could be useful for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer Disease. One Study in India reported that Gotu Kola extracts slowed the development of tumors in mice and increased their lifespan. It has been shown to decrease the adrenal enlargement and possesses corticosteroid-sparing effects in rats under stressful situations. In one investigation of the anxiolytic effects of Gotu Kola, twenty volunteers were given either a 12-gram dose of Gotu Kola or a placebo. Results showed that compared with placebo, Gotu Kola significantly reduced the response of the subjects to a series of laboratory stressors (loud noises, startling events). In animal studies, Gotu Kola extracts have been shown to increase the production of hydroxyproline and collagen, the structural components needed for wound healing, by 50-60 percent.
Dosage Care should be taken to obtain high quality gotu kola leaf, since this plant is native to polluted drainage ditches in India (perhaps a signature showing its excellence in clearing out the blood) (Wood) Infusion, 1-3 ounces. Tincture, 12-30 drops, morning and mid-afternoon (Daniel Gagnon) 15-30 grams. 1 tsp. per cup of water. 20-60 drops tincture 1-4 times a day (Tierra)
Personal Experience
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