Gotu Kola, Cut & Sifted (Hydrocotyle [Centella] asiatica)- Dried Herb, Organic

Gotu Kola also known as Indian Pennywort, Asiatic Pennywort, Brahmabuti, Hydrocotyle, Marsh Penny or White Rot. Gotu Kola is a small perennial plant, stems are slender with creeping stolons connecting plants to each other. It has small fan-shaped green leaves with white or light purple-to pink flowers.

Gotu Kola belongs to the Apiaceae (parsley) family, same as celery, carrot, dill, fennel or angelica. This plant grows wild in damp, shady areas along banks of rivers, streams and ponds. It also can grow along stone walls or other rocky areas in India and Sri Lanka. Gotu Kola is native to Southeast Asia, Indian subcontinent, Australia, Madagascar and South Africa. It is commonly used not only as a vegetable in local cuisine but also in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for thousands of years and sometimes also called “the fountain of life”. Chinese herbalist Li Ching-Yuen was known for his extreme longevity (256 years) and his diet daily consists of several herbs, including Gotu Kola.

Historically this plant was used to heal wounds, eczema or improve mental clarity. In Chinese medicine, Gotu Kola is used for treating jaundice, heatstroke, to resolve swelling or stones forming in kidneys, bladder or urethra. In Ayurveda it was used as an adaptogen to soothe mental turbulence, and balance all three body types, vata, pitta and kapha. Traditionally also used in India and Indonesia to treat varicose ulcers or various skin conditions including leprosy.

Properties:

Gotu Kola is sweet, bitter, astringent in taste with cooling energetics. This herb has affinity to circulation, blood vessels, connective tissues, liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, large intestine, heart, skin, memory and mental well-being. To boost your cognitive function combine Gotu Kola with Ginkgo, Rosemary, Ginseng, Bacopa or Ashwagandha. For troubles with poor blood circulation combine with Ginger, Hawthorn or Cayenne.

How to use:

1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Gotu Kola to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

Gotu Kola is generally considered safe. However in high doses it can cause sedation and should be avoided with people on medication to promote sleep or treat anxiety. Practice caution with Gotu Kola if you are allergic to parsley family, pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cautions & contraindications:

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.