Gotu kola is indigenous to eastern Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. Shenning Herbal, an herbal medicine guide written in China over 2,000 years ago, boasts of this herb’s powerful medicinal properties. The rich healing qualities of gotu kola continue to hold true with time, research and regular consumption.
In Asia, gotu kola is most renowned as a longevity tonic. An old Singhalese proverb states “Two leaves a day will keep old age away”. When considering the natural healing effects of gotu kola consumption on age spots, memory loss, premature aging, varicose veins, and weakened vision, this herb couldn’t be more anti-aging specific. Chinese herbalist Li Ching Yun supposedly ingested gotu kola regularly and lived to be 256 years old!
Gotu kola is commonly used for brain health in the Ayurvedic system of herbalism, from which this herb hails. Taken daily as a tonic, it is said to keep the brain youthful, improve memory, and be helpful in meditation. Research is being done on gotu kola for it’s potential to benefit people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Recently, gotu kola has earned a lot of hype regarding its influence over varicose veins. This herb can be taken internally or used topically to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation and stimulate cellular mitosis. Not only that, gotu kola can prevent scar formation and shorten wound healing time.
So whether you are feeling young and spry or weathered and gray, gotu kola can help moderate your body’s aging process through its healing and invigorating properties.
MATERIA MEDICA: GOTU KOLA
Latin Name: Centella asiatica
Family: Apiaceae (Parsley Family)
Part used: Aboveground Plant
Energetics: Bitter, Sweet, Cool, Moist
Actions: Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, brain tonic, circulatory stimulant, decongestant, diuretic, hypotensive, laxative, tonic, vasodilator and more.
Uses:
- Age spots
- Alzheimer’s
- Asthma
- Attention deficit disorder
- Convulsions
- Dementia
- Depression
- Drug addiction
- Epilepsy
- Hemorrhoids
- Memory loss
- Mental Confusion
- Premature aging
- Varicose veins
- Vision weakness
Preparation and Dosage
Tea – 2 tsp-1 tbsp in hot water, one to three times per day as a daily health tonic
Tincture – 60-90 drops 3-4 times/day
Safety considerations:
- Large doses of gotu kola can cause headache, itching, stupor, and vertigo.
- This herb should be avoided during pregnancy unless under the guidance of a qualified health-care practitioner.
- Do not take this herb if you have an overactive thyroid.
The above information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified practitioner prior to using our products.
