Gotu Kola Herb and Powder Profile
Also known as
Centella asiatica, Brahmi, Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny, Spadeleaf, Tiger's Herb, and Pennywort.
Introduction
Gotu Kola, also known as Indian Pennywort is one of the most widely used and important Ayurvedic herbs on the market today. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is thought to be one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda. It is also thought to increase psychic sensitivity. This ground cover species is weed like, especially in parts of India and Hawaii where it grows prolifically in unusual conditions, such as drainage ditches, gutters and neglected areas. Don't let its wild predomination scare you, Gotu Kola is also one of the largest cultivated crops in India and thrives under organic farming conditions. While popularly used as a food source rich in vitamin C in the form of leafy greens within Bangladesh, Thailand and Sri Lanka it also has been internationally recognized within many countries pharmacopoeias and has been a valid, recognized, botanical medicine since 1884. In India it has been used as a folk remedy for leprosy, lupus, and improving mental functions, as well as to fortify the immune system. It is used in Traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for colds, sunstroke, urinary tract infections, and dysentery. Also, it has been used in China externally as a poultice for snake bites and traumatic injuries. In China it is considered one of the "miracle elixirs of life."
Constituents
Mainly consisting of triterpenoid saponins, sapogenins
Parts Used
Leaf. Either fresh or dried.
Typical Preparations
Tea from the dried leaves, encapsulated dry leaf, liquid herbal extract and, using fresh leaves from your garden in your salads, beverages and medicines.
Summary
The widespread belief that Gotu Kola helps improve memory led to several studies on its effect on the central nervous and circulatory systems. The preliminary results suggest that it may help with memory and cognitive disabilities as well as helping the body overcome stress and fatigue. However it should be noted that those with mild to moderate depression might want to use caution. Some testing done in India indicates it may act as a very mild depressant.
Precautions
None noted
