GOTU KOLA

BENEFITS OF GOTU KOLA

The benefits of Gotu Kola come from a slender creeping plant. The herb grows in the swampy areas, Sri Lanka,. Its Botanial /Latin  name is Centella Asiatica.Gotu Kola is also grown in Australia, South America, and even the south eastern United States.

USES FOR GOTU KOLA

Some uses for Gotu Kola include

·        reduction of fatigue, 

·        strengthening of memory,

·        and in treating venous insufficiency. Varicose veins, circulation, and wound healing are also aided by Gotu Kola.

·        Increase longevity, prevents memory loss,

·        Used as an aphrodisiac. Substances called Triterpenoid Saponis in Gotu Kola aid in wound healing; (This is done by decreasing venous pressure in venous insufficiency).

BENEFITS OF GOTU KOLA

Asiatocide and madecassoside have anti-inflammatory properties and may promote wound healing by stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. The herb has preventative and therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal ulcers.

Gotu Kola be anti-ulcer, as a result of the strengthening action on gastric mucosal lining, and the suppressing of free radical damage. The herb has been used as a sedative, an anticonvulsant, and analgesic (pain reliever). Gotu Kola may also have antibacterial activity against various bacteria, such as pseudo moans, pyocyaneus, trichidermia, and mentogrophytes.

Other areas that might benefit from the use of Gotu Kola include aging, arteriosclerosis, depression, and headaches. High blood pressure, hypoglycemia, chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins and wound healing can all be helped with the use of Gotu kola.

FURTHER BENEFITS OF GOTU KOLA

The herb Gotu kola is known widely for promoting:

·        healthy skin, and helping in the aid of skin irritations, such as burns, scar tissue, psoriasis, and similar conditions.

·        Improving mental acuity, combating and aiding in memory deterioration, and improving ones blood flow by strengthening numerous blood vessels.

A book we recently came across from Reader's Digest called "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs" says that: "In one study, 30 developmentally disabled children were found to have significantly better concentration and attention after taking gotu kola for 12 weeks..." and "In more than a dozen studies observing gotu kola's effects on veins...about 80% of patients with varicose veins and similar problems showed substantial improvement."

KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE HERB

 Some side effects we did come across are:

·        extra sensitivity to sunlight and more susceptible to headaches.

·        When the herb is applied on the skin, gotu kola can cause rashes on certain individual

·        If you are looking to supplement with Gotu, stay with a reasonable dosage of around 75 mgs to 100 mgs.

·        Women who are Pregnant or nursing should avoid taking gotu kola extract, unless advised otherwise from their physician.