Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)

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Overview of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Excellent CNS herb, fantastic herb for skin problems exacerbated by stress, as well as a great blood mover (circulatory). Gotu Kola acts as a remedy during times of stress, for brain regeneration and CNS in general. Powerful spiritual herb. Most people in the West would benefit from this herb, as our CNS’ are battered, and has reciprocal health benefits due to that relaxation with simultaneous stimulation. Could be used as a great energy boost during stress or fatigue, for someone looking for more energy without the long process of detoxification. 
 

Family: Apiaceae
Parts used: Aerial parts

Phytochemistry
Triterpenenoid Saponins (Asiaticocide, Brahmoside, Thankuniside)
Alkaloids (Hydrocotyline)
Bitters (Vellarin)
Description
A small, perennial, creeping herb, growing to 50cm tall. The stems are slender, creeping stolons, green to reddish green in color, interconnecting one plant to another. It has long-stalked, green, reniform leaves with rounded apices which have smooth texture with palmately netted veins. The leaves are borne on pericladial petioles, around 2 cm. The rootstock consists of rhizomes, growing vertically down. They are creamish in color and covered with root hairs.
The flowers are pinkish to red in colour, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the surface of the soil. Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are minute in size (less than 3 mm), with 5-6 corolla lobes per flower. Each flower bears five stamens and two styles. The fruit are densely reticulate, distinguishing it from species of Hydrocotyle which have smooth, ribbed or warty fruit.


Actions

Adaptogen, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Circulatory/Capillary/Venous tonic, Nervine, Sedative, Mild anti-rheumatic, Mild diuretic, Hypoglycaemic, Peripheral vasodilator. 

Historical

One of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda; believed to enhance yoga and meditation practices. Develops crown Chakra, and balances the left and right hemispheres of brain.
Ayurveda – revitalises nerves and brain cells, fortify immune system, and strengthen the adrenals. Promotes healthy skin, aids in restful sleep, high blood pressure, mild diuretic. 
Used for centuries to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis. 
Used to cause Relaxation, enhance memory, and remedy mental and physical fatigue. 
Termed “Food for the brain”: Mild tranquilizing, anti-anxiety, anti-stress effects. 
Stimulating effect on brain which increases focus while soothing and relaxing overactive CNS. 

Medicinal Actions
Gotu Kola chiefly supports the CNS (Central Nervous System). 
Helpful in ADHD
Adaptogen and tonic for the nervous system. 
Raises energy levels during stress, anxiety, and fatigue; enhances the body’s ability to cope under pressure. 
Enhances mental concentration
Head injuries, poor memory
Promotes peripheral circulation – varicose veins, varicose eczema, dementia, etc. 
Repairs damaged tissue, particularly skin – photo-aged skin, eczema, psoriasis, slow-healing wounds, dermatitis, bruising. Particularly useful when exacerbated by stress. 
Great for scarring. 
High blood pressure (stress related)
 
Cautions & Contraindications

Pregnancy, in high doses could cause headache or palpitation. 

Combinations

To increase energy during times of stress, combines well with: panax, withania, rhodiola, eleutherococcus, avena, and/or licorice. 
Combines with many herbs, can be used in a general endocrine formula or as a circulatory addition. In herbal blends, a circulatory herb is almost always beneficial, as they increase the potency/reach of the rest of the herbs by increasing blood flow simultaneously.  

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This Post was all about Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)..

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Justin McArthur
Herbalist

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