Description :
Gotu Kola is a creeping perennial that grows in wet, nutrient rich soils and can reach up to 20 inches in height. It has fan shaped leaves that resemble the hemispheres of the human brain. Gotu Kola grows best in tropical climates. It has light purple flowers and bears tiny oval shaped fruit. The leaves can be eaten fresh or dried for use in teas, tinctures, poultices, capsules and pills. Internally, Historically in Chinese Medicine, Gotu Kola is believed to balanced stress response while providing calming energy. Externally, Gotu Kola was historically used with wound healing and connective tissue health.
History and Folklore:
In India, Gotu kola is thought to be the most spiritual of all herbs. Some yogis use Gotu Kola to improve meditation. Gotu Kola has been in use in China since the 1st century, where its use is recorded in the Chinese Shennong Herbal It is also referred to as ‘the fountain of life’ in China.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the areal parts whenever the plant is flourishing. It should survive a cutting back to the base of the plant as long as you leave some leaves.
Precautions:
Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Do not take if you have an overactive thyroid.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipyretics, antispasmodic, nervine, vulnerary, diuretic, hypotensive, aperient, alterative, vasodilator, expectorant,
Other Names:
Pennywort, Marsh Penny, Water Pennywort, Sheep Rot, Centella, Indian pennywort, Brahmi, Luei gong gen
Ingredients: Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Christian –