Gotu kola is a common creeping herb, rooting at the nodes. It is also famously known as Asiatic pennywort, Centella Asiatica, Centella, and Brahmi. The plant grows in tropical, wet areas and bears a small white or pinkish red flower from a leaf that looks like a fat half-moon.

Its leaves, which are the most valuable and commonly used in herbal medicine, are kidney-shaped, mildly-toothed, and palmately nerved. They can be made into capsule supplements, ointments, gels, creams, and other forms to treat various health issues from anxiety to cardiovascular conditions. The reason behind the plant’s power is the high concentration of unique triterpenoid compounds (also known as saponins) found in its leaves.

Health Benefits Of Gotu Kola

Treats Anxiety And Depression

Gotu kola lowers cortisol, which is a stress hormone and increases serotonin and dopamine levels thereby providing positive effects on anxiety issues.

The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb can also lower the signs of depression and despair.

Skin Care

The plant’s richness in antioxidants and its saponins can improve and reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, and wrinkles. It also prevents the accumulation of scar tissue, thereby keeping your skin beautiful even after an injury.

Boosts Circulation

Gotu kola extract prevents blood leakage and optimizes the circulatory system by protecting and strengthening the walls of blood vessels and capillaries. It also stimulates the blood flow, thus increasing oxygenation in different parts of the body and important organ systems.

Treats Cancer     

Gotu kola has anti-proliferative nature, which is beneficial in curing various types of cancer including breast cancer.

Speeds Wound Healing

Gotu kola has saponins and other organic compounds that stimulate the healing process of the site of wounds. It rapidly speeds up the healing process by stimulating the blood flow to the cells and protecting it against infections.

Psoriasis

Gotu kola can prevent skin cell reproduction. It can be used in treating psoriasis, which is a hyperproliferative skin disorder.

Prevents Thrombosis

Thrombosis, which is blood clotting in the blood vessels, can be prevented by Gotu Kola.

Prevents Hair Loss

Aside from lowering stress levels, Gotu kola also reduces free radicals, which are known to be the cause of hair loss. Just apply a mixture of Gotu Kola, amla, holy basil, false daisy, and aloe vera to achieve a healthier hair growth.

Anti-inflammatory

Its anti-inflammatory properties can fight infections and reduce swelling and pain due to inflammation.

Boosts Cognition

Gotu kola extract has a positive impact on the circulatory system, thus oxygenating more of the brain and allowing cognition to improve. Also, due to the antioxidant effects of this herb, it can stimulate neural pathways by eliminating plaque and free radicals from the brain.

Prevents Nervous Disorders

The anxiolytic activity of Gotu kola can help induce sleep, relieve stress, and enhance mood, therefore calming the nervous system.

Eradicates Herpes

Gotu kola, combined with mango helps treat and eradicate the herpes virus.

Stomach Ulcers

Gotu kola has asiaticoside, which acts as an anti-gastric ulcer drug. It increases cell healing and reduces the ulcers.

Protects Gastrointestinal System

Gotu kola leaves were traditionally used in treating severe pain in the stomach, which is now linked to gastric ulcers. The leaves’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can clearly improve the health of the gut and colon.

Enhances Sex Drive

Traditional evidence shows that Gotu kola can provide an energetic boost in the bedroom. In addition to eliminating mental fatigue and increasing energy stores in the body, it can also bring some fire back to your relationship.

Detoxifies The Body

Gotu kola has been known as a mild diuretic, thereby stimulates the release of excess salts, water, fat, and toxins from the body in the form of urine. This helps ease tension in the kidneys and removes toxins quickly while keeping your fluid balance and your energy up.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Gotu kola is able to regulate blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system by relieving anxiety and tension in the arteries and blood vessels. This protects the heart and prevents diseases like heart attacks, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

Side Effects

Those undergoing surgery, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and individuals with the liver disease are advised to avoid Gotu Kola. Some of its common side effects are as follows:

Drowsiness: Dizziness, headache, and drowsiness are possible side effects.

Gastrointestinal distress: Some may suffer from nausea, upset stomach, or a strangely colored stool.

Allergy: Include redness, itchiness or hives on the skin.