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Gotu kola (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban), of the Apiaceae
family, is also known as Centella and Pennywort. Native to areas such as Sri Lanka and
South Africa, the leaves of this swamp plant have been used around the world for centuries
to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis.
Gotu Kola was first used in India where it is part of Ayurvedic
medicine and is popular as a nerve tonic to promote relaxation and enhance memory. Indian
healers use this herb to treat skin inflammations and as a mild diuretic. Oriental healers
rely on Gotu Kola to treat emotional disorders such as depression.
Gotu kola has also been employed as an energy tonic, an
aphrodisiac, and as a treatment for high blood pressure and mental disorders. Gotu kola is
a vital herb in Ayurveda, the traditional science of health in India, where it is used to
"strengthen both the white and gray matter of the brain", stimulate learning,
memory and alertness, and calm or sedate anxiety when necessary. Traditional Chinese
medicinal believed Gotu kola provided longevity, and thus called it the "fountain of
youth" herb in China. In the United States, Gotu kola is found in countless energy
formulas and tonics.
This herb has also been used to bring down fever and relieve
congestion due to colds and upper respiratory infections. Recent studies show that Gotu
Kola has positive effects on the circulatory system; it seems to improve the flow of blood
throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. It has been used
successfully to treat phlebitis, as well as leg cramps, swelling of the legs, and
heaviness or tingling in the legs. This is particularly useful for bedridden people.
Gotu Kola has even been used as 'food for the brain' after a
nervous breakdown to rebuild energy reserves, or to prevent a nervous breakdown. It has an
energizing effect on the cells of the brain, relieves high blood pressure, mental fatigue,
senility, and helps the body defend itself against various toxins. It works as a blood
purifier and in strengthening the heart, as well as with bowel problems, rheumatism, skin
problems, and also promotes blood circulation in the lower limbs and reduces the pain and
swelling due to phlebitis.
A common misconception is that Gotu kola contains caffeine,
which is simply not true. Researchers have found that Gotu kola contains several
glycosides that exhibit wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities, and in large doses
it can act as a sedative. Other researchers have shown that fresh leaves of the Gotu kola
plant are effective in healing chronic skin ulcers and other wounds.
Gotu kola contains a group of triterpenes called asiaticosides
that possess strong antioxidant properties. In modern health care Gotu Kola is used
primarily for venous insufficiency, localized inflammation and infection, and post-surgery
recovery. Gotu kola is also used for the following:
- SKIN: Open wounds, sores, ulcers, other infections and radiation
ulcers.
- CONFINEMENT: Bed sores, phlebitis, tingling, night cramps.
- VEIN PROBLEMS: Phlebitis, varicose veins, cellulite and edema.
- GYNECOLOGY: Lesions during pregnancy, delivery and obstetric
manipulations, and episiotomy tears.
Gotu kola affects various stages of tissue development,
including keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers).
Asiaticosides stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin.
Gotu kola has been found to have significant results in healing of skin, other connective
tissues, lymph tissue, blood vessels (decreasing capillary fragility), and mucous
membranes.
Gotu Kola contains Vitamins A, G, K, and is also high in
magnesium. Supporting agents for Gotu kola include: Bilberry, Butcher's Broom, Silica,
Zinc, Vitamins C, E and D.
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