If all of the information for the Gotu Kola herb is true, then it must be wonderful supplement. I just ordered a tea leaves form, and have to test it for a few weeks or more.
Gotu Kola is an easy way to pack a concentrated dose of health benefits into your day. Click here to learn more the benefits of this powerful herb!
draxe.com
Gotu Kola May Help Boost Memory & Mood + More Benefits
Gotu kola contains many nutrients, which may contribute to its medicinal properties, including several B-vitamins,
vitamin C and a handful of phytonutrients such as flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols. (
1)
These phytonutrients supply it with antioxidants — beneficial compounds that prevent damage to your cells and help ward off disease.
However, the nutritional profile of gotu kola can vary significantly based on many factors, such as the way it’s processed or prepared.
1. Enhances Memory
One of the most well-known gotu kola benefits is its potential to
improve cognition and sharpen memory.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease revealed that gotu kola extract may be able to improve memory at the molecular level by enhancing the activity of a pathway that is associated with long-term memory formation. (
2)
This was demonstrated in a 2002 animal study in which rats were given gotu kola extract and put through a series of tests to measure their cognitive function. The extract was shown to improve learning and memory by increasing antioxidant levels in the blood. (
3)
Another study found that supplementation with gotu kola was able to boost both memory and cognitive function in elderly participants. (
4)
Thanks to
its strong memory-enhancing abilities, this powerful plant has found itself in the spotlight lately as a natural treatment to help slow age-related decline and the progression of conditions like
Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Improves Circulation
Poor circulation can be a result of many different causes, including
varicose veins, obesity, diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Decreases in blood flow can be behind symptoms like numbness, tingling and muscle pain.
3. Repairs Skin
Another remarkable benefit of gotu kola is its ability to repair skin cells and boost the health of your skin.
4. Eases Depression and Anxiety
In addition to being good for your physical health, some studies have found that gotu kola could benefit your mental health too.
This is because it possesses anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. This means it can naturally inhibit anxiety, help treat depression, calm nerves and even act as a sedative to
promote better sleep. (
8)
5. Prevents Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers are sores that form on the lining of the stomach, esophagus or small intestine. They cause symptoms like pain, nausea and bleeding.
6. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal biological response to injury.
Chronic inflammation, however, can wreak major havoc on the body and contribute to conditions like heart disease, obesity, arthritis, diabetes and cancer.
7. May Help Kill Cancer Cells
Though current research is limited to test-tube studies, some evidence shows that gotu kola could help kill cancer cells.
One study in 2008 treated human breast cancer cells with gotu kola extract and found that it successfully blocked cancer growth and induced cancer cell death. (
19)
Another study found that it was effective in causing cell death for several strains of cancer cells, including human breast cancer cells, mouse skin cancer cells, and rat brain cancer cells. (
20)
However, although this evidence is promising, more studies are needed to evaluate the potential effect of gotu kola on cancer cells in humans.
Gotu kola has the ability to speed wound healing, improve the health of the skin, boost cognition, soothe nervous disorders, alleviate respiratory issues, reduce toxicity
www.organicfacts.net
14 Health Gotu Kola Benefits
by
John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated - January 28, 2020 ✓ Evidence Based
The most interesting health benefits of Gotu kola include its ability to prevent
hair loss, speed
wound healing, aid in
skin care, boost cognition, soothe nervous disorders, alleviate respiratory issues, reduce toxicity, protect the
heart, enhance mood, and heal the circulatory system.
What is Gotu Kola?
Gotu kola is a small perennial herbaceous plant from the wetlands of Asia that can have remarkable effects on the body when consumed. This herb is also known as
Centella Asiatica, Centella,
Brahmi, and Asiatic pennywort. Centella Asiatica was used in ancient India, Africa, and China for its powerful medicinal properties. The plant grows in tropical, wet areas and bears a small white or pink flower from a leaf that looks like a fat half-moon.
[1]
Gotu kola is an herb in the parsley family.
These strangely shaped leaves are the most valuable part of the plant and are most commonly used in
herbal medicine. They can be made into gels, creams, capsule supplements, ointments, and other forms to help with several ailments from
anxiety to cardiovascular conditions. The high concentration of unique triterpenoid compounds (also known as saponins) found in it is the reason behind this plant’s power.
[2]
Health Benefits of Gotu Kola
Alzheimer’s Disease
A research study in the
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal shows according to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, gotu kola is one of the most important rejuvenating herbs for nerve and brain cells and is capable of increasing intelligence, longevity and memory.
[3]
Skin Care.
Gotu kola is rich in antioxidants and contains saponins which improve the appearance of the skin. Many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies are interested in it because of its ability to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and other blemishes. According to research, gotu kola is also effective in the treatment of wounds, burns, and hypertrophic scars. [4]
Boosts Circulation
Gotu kola actually plays two important roles in the circulatory system. Firstly, the plant extract can protect and strengthen the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, which prevents blood leakage and optimizes the circulatory system. Secondly, it stimulates the flow of blood, which increases oxygenation in different parts of the body and important organ systems. This also alleviates problems caused due to poor blood circulation such as swelling, leg heaviness, and pain.
[6]
Relieves Psoriasis Symptoms
Gotu kola can inhibit skin cell reproduction. Although not potent, it can be used as an herbal aid in providing relief from symptoms of psoriasis, which is a hyperproliferative skin disorder.
[7]
Some studies also suggest that the use of gotu kola or its components may be useful in the treatment of psoriasis and scleroderma. Gotu kola is a common ingredient of cosmetics applied to skin photoaging also in cellulite and striae.
[5]
Prevents Thrombosis
Gotu kola helps prevents blood clotting and as a herbal remedy may aid in alleviating the symptoms of thrombosis, which is defined as blood clotting in the blood vessels.
[8]
Stomach Ulcers
Asiaticoside present in the gotu kola acts as an anti-gastric ulcer drug. It increases cell healing and reduces ulcers.
[9]
Anxiety & Depression
Gotu kola can have a positive effect on anxiety issues as it lowers the stress hormone, cortisol, and increases serotonin and dopamine levels. It effectively decreases the frequency and severity of anxiety attacks and episodes in a group of subjects who suffered from some form of GAD (General
Anxiety Disorder). The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb can lower the signs of
depression and despair. It is also known to enhance spirituality, thus, sometimes referred to as the ‘Herb of Enlightenment’.
[10]
Boosts Cognition
Gotu kola extract has a positive impact on the circulatory system, thereby oxygenating more of the brain and allowing cognition to improve. The antioxidant effects of this herb are also somewhat responsible, as they can stimulate neural pathways by eliminating plaque and free radicals from the brain.
[11]
Prevents Nervous Disorders
Gotu kola has an anxiolytic activity that helps relieve stress, enhance mood, and induce sleep, thereby calming the nervous system. For those who suffer from disorders like epilepsy, it can have a powerful effect on the quality of life and the severity of the conditions if taken regularly.
[12]
Improves Memory
The gotu kola extract has been traditionally used to improve memory in India as Ayurvedic treatment. Studies done on lab rats confirm that it has a memory-enhancing property, and therefore it can slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and
dementia.
[13]
Eradicates Herpes
Gotu kola, combined with
mango, helps eradicate the herpes virus.
[14]
Prevents Stomach Upset
Traditionally, Centella Asiatica leaves were used to remedy severe pain in the stomach, which we now link to gastric ulcers. This treatment is still considered viable, and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the leaves can clearly improve the health of the gut and colon.
[15]
Detoxifies the Body
Gotu kola has long been known as a mild diuretic and can, therefore, stimulate the release of excess toxins,
salts, water, and even fat from the body through urination. This release helps ease tension on the kidneys and generally removes toxins quickly while keeping our energy up and our fluid balance even.
[16]
Regulates Blood Pressure
By relieving tension and anxiety in the arteries and blood vessels, gotu kola is able to regulate blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system. This protects the heart and prevents diseases like
atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes from occurring.
[17]
Gotu Kola Side Effects
Pregnant and
breastfeeding women,
those undergoing surgery, as well as individuals with liver disease are advised to avoid Gotu kola.
Some common side effects are as follows:
- Allergy: Allergic reactions to Centella Asiatica include redness, itchiness or hives on the skin.
- Gastrointestinal distress: Some may suffer from upset stomach, nausea or a strangely colored stool.
- Drowsiness: Dizziness, headache, and drowsiness are possible side effects.
From the article “
Secret Of The Optimized Brain“ book by David Tomen,
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is
one of the most important herbs in ancient Ayurveda medicine. Ayurveda uses it to reduce anxiety, reduce fever and treat skin conditions. It improves circulation and promotes longevity
Unfortunately, our brains also shrink as we age. Brain growth factor seems to diminish. But clinical trials show gotu kola extract can help spur growth in brain cells.vi
Users report gotu kola is at least as effective perhaps even more so – in reducing anxiety and relieving stress than Ashwagandha and Phenibut.
As an extract
dosage is 10 drops or 10-20 ml per day. As a
dried herb make a tea of the dried leaf and use 3-times daily.
As a powdered herb take 400-600 mg, three times per day.
