Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has thousands of years of history behind it. It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years and was considered one of the “miracle elixirs of life”. Gotu kola grows in parts of Asia, South Africa, and Eastern Europe, preferring more tropic, wet areas. Commonly used for mild and chronic diseases, this plant has become more and more popular worldwide.

Gotu kola is an adaptogenic herb meaning it can positively affect many different systems in the body, likely contributing to its growing popularity. It is helpful for wound healing, venous insufficiency, and it is anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that gotu kola helps collagen heal faster and stronger versus placebo. In the case of blood vessel support, it can help improve microcirculation. It’s important to know blood flow is what carries oxygen and nutrients into, then wastes and toxins out of cells throughout the body, improving overall health. Research has also found gotu kola may be helpful for chronic venous insufficiency, potentially improving cramps, pain, edema, and heaviness in the lower legs.

Studies are actively being conducted around the world on this health-promoting herb. So far they have found, gotu kola is sedative and helpful with anxiety, supports the brain and nervous system, and has antioxidant properties. Additionally, it can reduce arthritic pain*, is antiepileptic, and can be protective against some radiation damage.

Gotu kola can be taken in tea, capsule, or tincture form. It is also generally recognized as safe. Keep in mind, it is not recommended to take this herb in high doses with medications that promote sleep or reduce anxiety because gotu kola can cause sedation. As always, seek the opinion of a health professional before adding gotu kola to your lifestyle.

Image attribution:wirestock/free pik.com

Resources:

Chong, Nyuk Jet, and Zoriah Aziz. 2013. “A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Centella asiatica for Improvement of the Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency.” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, eCAM 2013: 627182. doi:10.1155/2013/627182

Gohil, Kashmira J et al. 2010. “Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all.” Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 72(5): 546-56. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.78519