Dubbed as the “herb of longevity”, gotu kola is valued as a cleansing and revitalizing herb that is useful to treat skin problems and digestive disorders as well as to strengthen nervous function and memory. Practitioners of alternative medicine utilize gotu kola for its anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and healthy brain function properties. Perfect for treating a range of complaints from arthritis and depression to eczema and anxiety. Today, gotu kola is most often used to treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. It is also used in ointments to treat psoriasis and minor wounds.
History & Folklore
Gotu kola is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that has found its way into western medicine after years of use and research treating wounds and improving brain function. Historically, it was used to treat syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. However, it is prized primarily as a revitalizing herb that treats skin problems and digestive disorders while also supporting nervous function and memory.
Habitat & Cultivation
Gotu kola is native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific. It thrives in tropical and subtropical environments near marshy areas and riverbanks in places such as Australia, southern Africa, and south America. Gotu kola is a member of the parsley family, and similarly has no smell or taste. It can grow to be nearly 2 feet tall, with fan-shaped leaves, white or light-purple flowers, and small oval fruit. However, it is the aerial parts (leaves and stems) with valuable cleansing properties which are used as medicine. Gotu kola is typically gathered in the wild and harvested for use throughout the year.
Uses
Wound Healing is the main traditional use of Goku; Goku promotes healing of skin ulcers and other skin problems and prevents scarring; can be taken internally or externally to promote tissue repair
Tonic used to aid concentration and memory, support healthy brain function, slow aging, and calm anxiety
Parts used
Aerial Parts (fresh or dried) valuable tonic and cleansing propertie
Key Actions
Wound healer
Tonic
Anti-inflammatory
Sedative
Peripheral vasodilator
Constituents
Triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, brahmoside, thankuniside)
Alkaloids (hydrocotyline)
Bitter principles (vellarin)
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 76.
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