Gotu Kola
(Botanical name: Centella
asiatica)
Tonic, anti-rheumatic, mild diuretic, sedative, peripheral
vasodilator. Traditionally used to improve fertility, but research shows
that its constituents may reduce fertility. Thins the blood and in large
doses, helps to lower blood sugar levels. Used in Ayurvedic medicine
to treat leprosy, skin ulcers, and other skin problems. Has a
long-standing reputation as a rejuvenator, helping concentration and
memory. Tonic for poor digestion. Fresh leaves are given to children
with dysentary. It is also thought to be helpful for fevers, abdominal
disorders, athsma, and bronchitis. The oil is used to promote hair
growth. Used mainly in Western medicine for skin problems and
wounds. Also has anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective
for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor venous circulation.
Gotu kola has been important in the
medicinal systems of central Asia for
centuries. In Sri Lanka, it was
purported to prolong life, as the leaves are commonly eaten by
elephants. Numerous skin diseases, ranging from poorly healing wounds to
leprosy, have been treated with gotu kola. Gotu kola also has a
historical reputation for boosting mental activity and for helping a
variety of illnesses, such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever,
and nervous disorders. Some of its common applications in Ayurvedic
medicine include heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis,
and coughs in children, and as a poultice for many skin conditions
Additionally, a review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola
can improve healing of burns and wounds. Clinical trials have also shown
it can help those with chronic venous insufficiency Another trial found
gotu kola extract helpful for preventing and treating enlarged scars (keloids).
Except for the rare person who is allergic to gotu kola, no significant
adverse effects are experienced with internal or topical use of this
herb
Traditionally used to improve fertility, but research shows
that its constituents may reduce fertility. Thins the blood and in large
doses, helps to lower blood sugar levels. Used in Ayurvedic medicine
to treat leprosy, skin ulcers, and other skin problems. Has a
long-standing reputation as a rejuvenator, helping concentration and
memory. Tonic for poor digestion. Fresh leaves are given to children
with dysentary. It is also thought to be helpful for fevers, abdominal
disorders, athsma, and bronchitis. The oil is used to promote hair
growth. Used mainly in Western medicine for skin problems and
wounds. Also has anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective
for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor venous circulation. 
centuries. In Sri Lanka, it was
purported to prolong life, as the leaves are commonly eaten by
elephants. Numerous skin diseases, ranging from poorly healing wounds to
leprosy, have been treated with gotu kola. Gotu kola also has a
historical reputation for boosting mental activity and for helping a
variety of illnesses, such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever,
and nervous disorders. Some of its common applications in Ayurvedic
medicine include heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis,
and coughs in children, and as a poultice for many skin conditions