Gotu Kola, a therapeutic
herbal medicine
Gotu kola is a favourite food of elephants and because elephants are
notoriously long-lived animals, it might have led people to believe
that it can prolong life. Although research has not proven
that
it can indeed prolong your life, studies have found that this herbal
medicine have important health benefits.
This herbal medicine had its origins in India and today still forms an
important part of an ancient healing tradition called Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is defined as providing an integrated approach to
preventing and treating illness through lifestyle interventions and
natural therapies. In France, gotu kola has been prescribed
since the 1880's to treat burns and other skin wounds.
This herb with its bright red flowers thrives in hot, swampy areas and
grows naturally in India, Madagascar, middle and southern Africa,
Australia, China and the southern United States. The leaves
appearance depends on whether it is growing in water (large, fan-shaped
leaves) or on dry land (small and thin leaves). The leaves
are
the most important and most commonly used herbal medicine.
Gotu kola is also known as Centella
asiatica, talepetrako,
Indian pennywort, Indian water navelwort
or hydrocotyle. Although the names are similar, there is no
relationship between gotu kola and the kola (or cola) nut, which is
used in cola drinks. Gotu kola is caffeine free and does not
act
as a stimulant.
Whether you take gotu kola internally or use it externally, there are
many benefits to this herbal medicine. Some of the common
uses
include treating burns and wounds, building connective tissue,
strengthening veins and improving memory.
This herb's important
compounds are called triterpenes, which appear to enhance the formation
of collagen in cartilage, bones and connective tissue. In
addition, these compounds promote healthy blood vessels and help to
produce neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of the
brain.
Gotu kola promotes the healthy development of connective tissue and
prevents the formation of hardened areas. This is what makes
this
herbal medicine so important for treating many skin conditions.
It is used as a therapeutic treatment for burns, keloids
(overgrown scar tissue) and helps surgical incisions and skin ulcers to
heal quicker. Applying gotu kola topically to psoriasis lesions will
aid healing.
This herbal remedy is valuable in treating varicose veins by improving
blood flow and strengthening cells in the walls of blood vessels.
Studies conducted show that 80 percent of patients with
varicose
veins had a substantial improvement.
Patients with heart disease and high blood pressure show improvement
when using gotu kola herbal remedies when compared to patients who took
a placebo.
Gotu kola has been used for thousands of years to improve mental
alertness. Ongoing research has shown great benefit in using
this herb to boost memory, improve learning capability and most
importantly, reversing some of the memory loss associated with
Alzheimer's disease. In one study, mentally disabled children
were found to have better concentration and attention levels after
taking this herbal supplement for a period of 12 weeks.
Children
and adults who have ADD (attention deficit disorder) will also greatly
benefit by using gotu kola herbal remedies.
As a general herbal therapeutic and herbal tonic, gotu kola will
improve circulation and boost your concentration levels, making it
easier for you to retain information. Students and school
children benefit by taking this herbal medicine as they are able to
concentrate for longer periods and retain more of the material studied.
What are the side effects of
Gotu kola?
Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal
medications should you be under their care.
Internally or externally, gotu kola has little side effects.
Skin
rashes, light sensitivity and headaches are rare side effects, should
this occur, reduce
the dosage.
Pregnant and lactating women should not use gotu kola.
Taking gotu kola for an extended period of time is not recommended.
After taking the herb for a period of 6-8 weeks, stop taking
the supplement for a period of 2 weeks and then continue regular use,
following this pattern.
Gotu kola has a mild sedative effect and should therefore not be used
in conjunction with prescription sedatives.
How do I use Gotu kola?
When purchasing gotu kola supplements, ensure that it is standardized
to contain 10 percent asiaticoside, which is an active ingredient in
this herb. If you are unable to find the standardized
extract, substitute 400 to 500 mg of the raw herb for each 200 mg dose.
To treat varicose veins, take 200 mg of the standardized extract three
times a day.
For burns and other skin wounds, use 200 mg twice a day until the
wounds are healed.
To improve memory, concentration and slow the progress of Alzheimer's
disease, take 200 mg standardized extract three times a day.
Gotu kola can be taken internally or externally with or without meals.
Gotu kola tea can also be applied externally to treat burns
and wounds and psoriasis lesions. You can use both the oral
and the topical herbal treatments at the same time. Make a
paste of gotu kola by breaking open a capsule and mixing the dried herb
powder in a small amount of water. This can be applied
externally to the skin.
Steep one or two teaspoons of dried gotu kola leaf in a cup of boiled
water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink one or two cups a day.
|