India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific
Colors
Brown when ripe
Shapes
3.5 × 3 mm, laterally flattened, round or ellipsoid, ribbed
Taste
Sweet, Sour, Bitter, Astrigent, Acrid
Health benefits
Good for Dental Health and control blood pressure
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) commonly known as centella is a small, slender, low-growing perennial, creeping herb from the Apiaceae family of plants, right alongside carrots, celery and parsley. It is also known as Brahmi, Spadeleaf, Indian pennywort, hydrocotyle, mandukaparni, madecassol, TECA, centelase, tsubo-kusa, luei gong gen, idrocotyle, kaki kuda, antanan, pegaga, chi-hsueh ts’ao, man t’ien hsing and Tiger’s Herb. It is native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific but it also grows widely in many other parts of the world, particularly tropical areas. It is used as a culinary vegetable and as medicinal herb.
It has been called “the fountain of life” because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of taking gotu kola. This ayurvedic medicinal plant is used as buddhi-vardhak or the enhancer of Intellect and wisdom. It is great for intellect and wisdom because the leaves have a strong closeness to the human brain. For centuries, the leaves and stems have been used as a natural remedy treats everything from depression to gastric ulcers.
Plant Description
Gotu Kola is a small, slender, low-growing perennial, creeping herb that grows up to 20 inches in height. The plant is found growing in old stone walls and rocky sunny places in lowland hills and especially by the coast, shady, damp and wet places such as paddy fields, and in grass thickets. It prefers boggy soil, damp rocky areas and shady conditions. Stems are shallowly grooved, sometimes purplish. Leaves occurs solitary or in groups of 2-5, kidney-shaped to almost circular, distinctly and broadly cordate at the base, up to 1 inch thick, 6 inches long and 7 cm wide, hairless or with hairs on the petiole; margin crenate.
Flower & Fruit
Flowers are white or pinkish to red in color, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the surface of the soil. Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are minute in size, less than 3 mm (0.12 in), with five to six corolla lobes per flower. Each flower bears five stamens and two styles. The plant bears fruit which is 3.5 × 3 mm, laterally flattened, round or ellipsoid, ribbed, brown when ripe. Its taste can range from sweet, sour, bitter, astringent, acrid and it is virtually odor-free. Entire plant is used as a medicinal herb and as a culinary vegetable.
History
Gotu kola has a rich history in its use as a medicinal herb. Native primarily to Southeast Asia, it has been a staple natural remedy for centuries. Historically, it has been used for everything from promoting lactation to treating herpes, as well as a myriad of other conditions. In addition to its medicinal effects, gotu kola was also respected in India and China for its ability to enhance spirituality. In fact, many still refer to it as the “Herb of Enlightenment.”
Today, while gotu kola remains a prominent part of many traditional Asian cuisines, people from around the globe appreciate it for its potent health-promoting properties.
Gotu Kola is a very small herb, special to India. This particular plant grows in swampy areas and also near natural water. This herb can be eaten as a vegetable every day and it can also be used as an herbal medication. There are a lot of health benefits of eating Gotu Kola. Some of these benefits have been valid by the scientists and others are still open to debate! Below is some of the health benefits attached with this herb.
1. Circulatory System
Gotu kola actually plays important roles in the circulatory system, both of which benefit our bodies. Firstly, gotu kola extract can strengthen the wall of blood vessels and capillaries, which help to prevents blood leakage and optimize the circulatory system. Secondly, it encourages the flow of blood, which increases oxygenation in different parts of the body and important organ systems.(1)
2. Good for Dental Health
Regular use of Gotu kola is a natural way to get rid of the inflammation of the tissues around the teeth, often causing shrinkage of the gums and loosening of the teeth. It helps to improve overall dental health. Research has proven that extracts of gotu kola and pomegranate improves clinical symptoms of chronic periodontitis.(2)
3. Relief from Joint Pain
Gotu kola is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps provide relief for those suffering from joint pain related to problems like arthritis. It’s supposed to improve joint function and relieve common arthritis symptoms, according to research published in the June 2009. After taking an active constituent of gotu kola for 21 days, participants experienced reduced joint damage and lower levels of pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2 enzymes, as well as reduced levels of inflammation, leaving researcher to conclude the plant may serve as an effective natural treatment for some forms of arthritis.(3)
4. Skin Health
Saponins found in gotu kola are mainly adept at improving the appearance of the skin. Many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies are concerned in it because of its ability to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and other blemishes. It prevents the accumulation of scar tissue, which helps to keep your skin beautiful, even after an injury or a surgery. This antioxidant activity to reduce signs of aging is one of the reasons gotu kola is becoming so popular in the west.(4)
5. Anxiety
Although the exact chemical pathways are still being researched, there is significant evidence that gotu kola can have a positive effect on anxiety issues for a broad range of patients. Research has revealed that it reduced the frequency and harshness of anxiety attacks and episodes in a group of subjects who suffered from some form of GAD (General Anxiety Disorder). (5)
6. Blood Pressure
Research has linked gotu kola with a decrease in many diseases like congestive heart failure, and one of the positive associations with the herb was blood pressure. By relieving tension and anxiety in the arteries and blood vessels, it is able to control blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system. This lengthens the “life cycle” of the heart and prevents diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes from occurring. (6)
7. Nervous Disorders
Calming effects of gotu kola that can reduce stress and stimulate healthy sleep can also calm the nervous system directly. For those who suffer from disorders like epilepsy or premature aging, it can have a powerful effect on the quality of life and the severity of the conditions if taken regularly.(7)
8. Gastrointestinal System
Traditional medicine used gotu kola leaves to treat severe pain in the stomach, which we now link to gastric ulcers. This treatment is still considered practical, and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the leaves can visibly improve the health of the gut and colon.(8)
9. Detoxify the Body
Gotu kola has long been known as a mild diuretic and can, thus, stimulate the release of excess toxins, salts, water, and even fat from the body through urination. This release helps to ease tension on the kidneys and generally remove toxins quickly while keeping our energy up and our fluid balances even.(9)
10. Sex Drive
There is even some traditional proof showing that gotu kola is used for an energetic boost in the bedroom. Increasing libido is often a side effect of other herbal remedies, and gotu kola is no exception. In addition to eliminating mental fatigue and increasing energy stores in the body, gotu kola can also bring some fire back to your relationship.
11. Beneficial For Hair Loss
Gotu Kola is very famous for the treatment of hair loss. This herb also acts as a platform for hair re-growth. Hair loss happens when the hair follicles become weak due to malnourishment. This herb plays a very important role in strengthening the hair follicles and nourishing the scalp. It strengthens the blood vessels in the area and allows the small hair follicles to expand.
12. Wound Healing
Gotu kola leaves and salves have long been used in the topical treatment of the skin. The saponins and other organic compounds found in the plant stimulate the healing process at the site of wounds. By stimulating blood flow to the cells and protecting against infections, it can speed the healing process.(10)
13. Cognition
Studies have connected gotu kola consumption to increased cognitive abilities. The main explanation for this is the positive impact gotu kola extract can have on the circulatory system, thus oxygenating more of the brain and allowing cognition to improve. The antioxidant effects of gotu kola are also somewhat responsible, as they can stimulate neural pathways by eliminating plaque and free radicals in the brain. This has also made it a popular supplement for aging populations, as there is some evidence to suggest that it can slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.(11)
Traditional uses and benefits of Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is an outstandingly important medicinal herb that is widely used in the Orient and is becoming increasingly popular in the West.
It is a useful tonic and cleansing herb for skin problems and digestive disorders.
It is mainly valued as a revitalizing herb that strengthens nervous function and memory in India.
Whole plant is alterative, cardio-depressant, hypotensive, weakly sedative and tonic.
It is a rejuvenating diuretic herb that clears toxins, reduces inflammations and fevers, improves healing and immunity, improves the memory and has a balancing effect on the nervous system.
It has been recommended that regular use of the herb can rejuvenate the nervous system and it thus deserves attention as a possible cure for a wide range of nervous disorders including multiple sclerosis.
Research has shown that gotu kola reduces scarring, improves circulatory problems in the lower limbs and speeds the healing process.
It is used internally in the treatment of wounds, chronic skin conditions (including leprosy), venereal diseases, malaria, varicose veins, ulcers, nervous disorders and senility.
The herb is applied to wounds, hemorrhoids and rheumatic joints externally.
It was used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis.
It is effective in cold, cough, swine flu, H1N1 and tuberculosis.
It lowers sugar level in blood and is a good herb for Diabetes.
It is beneficial for Elephantiasis and Schistosomiasis.
Gotu Kola is a rejuvenative, nervine recommended for nervous disorders, including epilepsy, senility, and premature aging.
It aids intelligence and memory. It is used as an aid for meditation that is said to balance the two sides of the brain.
It strengthens the adrenal glands while cleansing the blood to treat skin impurities.
It is a mild diuretic that can help shrink swollen membranes and aid in the elimination of excess fluids.
It has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, leg cramps, and abnormal tingling of the extremities.
It reduces scarring when applied during inflammatory period of the wound.
It is the best rejuvenative herb for brain cells and nerves, promotes intelligence.
Leaves have been used around the world for centuries to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis.
When taken over time, gotu kola may also support the endocrine system, which may lead to increased vitality.
Extract of the Centella asiatica is said to improve the general health of leprosy patients and has also been found to break up leprosy nodules.
Ayurvedic benefits of Gotu Kola
Diabetes: Have plant extracts twice a day.
Anemia: Take a tsp of Indian Pennywort extract twice a day.
Amnesia: Take dried Indian Pennywort leaves, crushed almonds and a pinch of black pepper powder. Grind and mix them well. Have one tsp with milk daily in the morning.
Leprosy: Prepare a decoction of Indian Pennywort leaves and take it twice a day.
Blurred Vision: Powder the dried leaves of Indian Pennywort. Add one tbsp of honey with ½ tsp of Indian Pennywort. Have it with cow’s milk or butter milk.
Wounds: Prepare a paste of the leaves of Indian Pennywort. Apply on the affected area.
Baldness: Take Indian Pennywort and coconut oil in equal amount. Boil and put it in a tight lid bottle. Use it twice in a week.
Varicose Veins: Take 2 tsp leaves extracts of Indian Pennywort once a day.
Bipolor Disorder: Drink 30 ml plant decoction of Indian Pennywort thrice a week.
Depression: Add 4 to 5 fresh leaves of Indian Pennywort in a cup of water. Boil it for 5 minutes on low flame. Strain and have it thrice a day. OR Collect Indian Pennywort leaves. Dry them in shade. Put half a tsp of powder in a cup of water. Boil it for 10 minutes on low flame. Strain and have it twice a day.
ADHD: Prepare a decoction of the leaves of Indian Pennywort. Have one cup times a day.
Insomnia: Pour 3 grams of dried Indian Pennywort leaves in 500 ml of cow milk. Grind them. Strain and drink it for one week.
Rheumatism: Have half cup decoction of Indian Pennywort once a day.
Sinusitis: Prepare a decoction of Indian Pennywort. Take 2 tbsp thrice a day.(You may add sugar and Black pepper)
Indigestion: Prepare a tea made from Indian Pennywort. It helps in case of Indigestion.
Headache: Drink one cup tea made from Indian Pennywort.
Ulcers: Grind fresh Indian Pennywort with little water to make a paste. Apply it on the affected parts.
Cough: Powder Indian Pennywort leaves. Take half tsp with honey once a day.
Appetizer: Have a cup of tea made from Indian Pennywort.
Urinary Tract Infections: Squeeze out the juice of Indian Pennywort or buy from market. Drink half cup once a day.
Nervous Disorder: Chew 2 fresh leaves of Indian Pennywort daily. It calms down the nerves and takes them out of the problems. OR Dry Indian Pennywort leaves in the shade. Powder them. Have half a tsp with milk or water at bed time.
Syphilis: Crush dried leaves of Indian Pennywort to make a powder. Sprinkle it over Syphilitic sores.
Dysentery: Chew few leaves of Indian Pennywort with cumin seeds and sugar. It gives instant relief.
Autism: Take extract of Indian Pennywort twice a day. OR Prepare leaves decoction of Indian Pennywort. Have a glass two times a day.
Low Platelet count: Have half glass of the juice of Indian Pennywort twice a day.
Blood Impurity: Take 2 or 3 fresh leaves of Indian Pennywort. Crush them. Add half tsp of honey and clarified butter to it. Consume it once a day.
Nootropic: Take fresh plant. Extract its juice and drink it. It acts as a Nootropic and promotes brain growth. It helps improving the learning.
Interstitial Cystitis: Extract the juice of Indian Pennywort leaves by grinding and squeezing them. Consume half cup of the juice once a day.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Chew 2-3 fresh Indian Pennywort leaves daily.
Hair fall: Take dried Indian Pennywort leaves and grind them to make a fine powder. Consume one tsp of it daily in the morning and evening with one glass of water.
Cellulite: Take dried Indian Pennywort leaves and grind them to make a powder. Add water in it to make a paste. Gently massage over the affected areas with the paste prepared and leave it overnight. Next morning rinse it with water.
HighBlood pressure: Take one tsp each of Brahmi leave juice and honey. Mix them well. Consume it.
Aphrodisiac: Prepare a tea made from Indian Pennywort leaves.
Skin Diseases: Make a paste of dried Indian Pennywort leaves and apply on the affected skin. Repeat the process two times a day.
Memory Enhancer: Consume one tsp of crushed Indian Pennywort leaves with one glass of milk per day.
Fever: Grind Indian Pennywort leaves to extract its juice. Consume five drops of this juice, three times a day.
Elephantiasis: Grind fresh Indian Pennywort leaves to extract its juice. Apply this juice on the affected area daily.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Prepare an infusion of Indian Pennywort leaves and fenugreek leaves in half cup of milk. Strain and drink it once a day.
Tuberculosis: Consume two tbsp of dried Indian Pennywort leaf powder after every two hours. It is helpful in treating Tuberculosis.
Hair problems: Grind Indian Pennywort leaves to extract juice. Mix this juice in coconut oil. Gently massage with this oil on the scalp. Leave it for 2 hours. After 2 hours wash off with your regular shampoo. This remedy promotes hair growth and will strengthen the hair follicles.
Swelling: Grind Indian Pennywort leaves to extract its juice. Apply this extracted juice on the affected area. It will provide relief from abnormal swelling.
Stomach Ache: Boil 1 cup of Acacia tree bark in 1 liter water and sieve it. Add Powdered Indian Pennywort in it. Also add the powder of 4 black Peppercorns, 2 cardamom, cinnamon, 2 cloves, ¼ Nutmeg and ½ tbsp of long pepper. Mix it and leave it for a month before it is taken for medicinal use. Take one tbsp twice a day.
Diarrhea: Boil 1 cup Acacia Nilotica bark in 1 liter water and sieve it. Add powdered Indian Pennywort in it. Also add the powder of 4 Black peppercorns, 2 cardamom, and cinnamon, 2 cloves, ¼ Nutmeg and ½ tbsp of Long pepper. Mix it and leave it for a month before it is taken for medicinal use. Take 2 tbsp twice a day.
Age spots: Add 1/8 tsp of the powdered Indian Pennywort with 1/8 tsp of Ginseng and a pinch of chili. Prepare a tea. Drink twice a day.
Alzheimer: Wash the leaves of Indian Pennywort in warm water. Make a paste by adding Black Pepper. Take 2 tsp with a glass of butter milk in the morning before breakfast. Use it for 3 to 6 months.
Alzheimer: Take equal amount of Celastrus Paniculatus, butterfly pea, Indian Pennywort, Bacopa Monnieri, Withania Somnifera. Grind them together. Have ¼ tsp with lukewarm water daily.
Alzheimer: Take 2 tbsp of dried Indian Pennywort leaves, one tbsp of Rosemary and 3-4 pinches of dried Ginseng American Powder. Put it in a covered pot. Make an infusion of tbsp of this mixture with one cup of hot water. Take regularly. (Do not take before bedtime.)
Dizziness: Mix 1 tsp of Withania Somnifera and Indian Pennywort with 20 ml of water. Consume it twice a day.
How to Use Brahmi
External Use of Brahmi
Oil: Brahmi oil (made out of possibly bacopa, gotu kola, or both) does apply on the exterior of your body to enhance healthy skin, proper healing, and freedom of movement within the joints. It could also be massaged in the scalp to support healthy hair growth and also to motivate any of the many benefits brahmi provides the brain, the nervous system, and also the mind.
Paste: A paste of brahmi (again, created using possibly bacopa or gotu kola) does apply on the exterior of the body to enhance healthy skin, and comfy movement of the joints.
Internal Use of Brahmi
Simply because taste performs such an important role within the digestive process as well as signals the body to initiate its very own supportive mechanisms, Ayurveda traditionally suggests tasting herbs. Brahmi could be used internally like a powder or perhaps a tablet. Banyan Botanicals makes both bacopa and also gotu kola obtainable in a powdered form and each of them is really a key ingredient in a number of Banyan tablets.
Culinary use
Centella is utilized as a leafy green in Sri Lankan cuisine, where it is called gotu kola. In Sinhalese, gotu is converted as “conical shape” and kola as “leaf”. It is frequently prepared as malluma, a traditional accompaniment to rice and curry, and goes particularly well along with vegetarian dishes, like dhal, and jackfruit or pumpkin curry. It really is regarded as quite nutritious. Along with finely sliced gotu kola, malluma typically consists of grated coconut, and can also include finely chopped green chilis, chili powder, turmeric powder and lime (or lemon) juice. A variation of the nutritious porridge referred to as kola kenda is also made out of gotu kola by the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. Kola Kenda is made from very well-boiled red rice (with extra liquid), coconut milk and gotu kola, that is pureed. The porridge is associated with jaggery for sweetness. Centella leaves are also utilized in sweet “pennywort” drinks.
Leaves raw or cooked are used in salads and in curries.
Gotu kola sambol is a common Sri Lankan side salad composed of gotu kola, grated coconut, onions and chili peppers.
You can sip on a soothing cup of gotu kola herbal tea.
In Myanmar cuisine, raw pennywort is used as the main constituent in a salad made also with onions, crushed peanuts, bean powder and seasoned with lime juice and fish sauce.
In Indonesia, the leaves are used for sambai oi peuga-ga, an Aceh type of salad, and are also mixed into asinan in Bogor.
Leaf is used for preparing a drink or can be eaten in raw form in salads or cold rolls in Vietnam and Thailand.
Leaves of this plant are used for ulam, a type of Malay salad in Malay cuisine.
It is one of the constituents of the Indian summer drink thandaayyee.
In Bangladeshi cuisine mashed centella is eaten with rice.
Centella is widely used in various Indian Regional cuisines.
Cut the ends of the stalk and clean the leaves well.
Heat oil in the pan add onion ,garlic as well as green chilly.saute up until the onion becomes translucent.Then add chopped tomato and green .Saute till raw smell of the leaves goes.
Then add grated coconut as well as switch of.Saute the coconut within the heat the dwells there.
Cook it and grind it into a fine paste along with salt into a fine paste.Add little water if required.
Serve for idli/ dosa or simply mix along with rice and eat it.
2. Brahmi health shake
Ingredients
1 cup brahmi leaves with roots, thoroughly washed and chopped
Put cumin seeds, brahmi leaves, and coconut in the blender and grind it into a smooth paste. Add 1/2 cup of water to this paste and pass it through a fine sieve in a large bowl.
Put the gist within the sieve back to the blender, add yogurt and rest of the water. Pulse them couple more times, till yogurt becomes really smooth and blends together with the other ingredients within the blender.
Pass this mix from the sieve again on the same bowl utilized earlier. Add jaggery and salt, mix until well combined. Add some ice cubes if using.
Toor dhal – 1 tbsp (Softly cooked and mashed to paste)
One small piece of amla or lemon juice – 1/4 tsp
Directions
In a vessel add cumin seed, vallarai keerai, sesame oil, turmeric, amla, pepper and salt. Fry up until the raw smell of the leaves goes off.
Add 1.5 cups of water to keerai and then leave it to boil with the ingredients. Keep the vessel covered once the soup is boiling.
Mix half cup of water together with the mashed dal. Once the keerai is cooked soft add the dhal and boil.
Switch of the flame in case you didn’t add amla within the begining add the lemon juice at this stage and serve hot. It is possible to make, contains the flavor and taste of keerai can also be made within 10 mins in case you have boiled toor dhal.
Chop small onion and garlic to two. Adding Garlic gives nice flavor to thuvaiyal.
Heat oil in the pan. Add Cumin seeds, channa dal, pepper and red chili into it. Adjust the spice in accordance with your taste.
When they splutter add onion and garlic.
Saute till they’re cooked and take everything out in a plate.
Add washed keerai to the same pan and saute it,
After the keerai have been cooked, You can observe the keerai changing color. switch off the flame and add grated coconut and tamarind. Let everything cool.
Take a Blender. Add the things which we’ve taken already in the plate to it and blend for a while.
Now add cooked keerai , enough salt and jaggery on the blender and mix it coarsely. We’re blending coarsely because we are making thuvaiyal from it.
Add little water if needed.
Enjoy your thuvaiyal along with hot steaming rice and ghee. Additionally, it tastes good along with Chapathi / Rice.
Remedies
Main preparations: Capsules, infusion, ointment, poultice, tincture
Capsules: This popular supplemental form provides a consistent dosage of gotu kola’s active ingredients.
Infusion: The dried leaves can be brewed into a warm tisane. Gotu kola tea improves circulation and eases digestion.
Ointment: This preparation can be applied over the skin to reduce irritation, and it is also used for cosmetic purposes.
Poultice: Water can be mixed with gotu kola powder to make a paste for skin ailments.
Tincture: 30 – 60 drops of this concentrated preparation should be diluted in a glass of water and taken two to three times daily.
Precautions
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Pollen may cause allergic reaction.
Caution should be observed since excess doses cause headaches and transient unconsciousness.
People with liver disease, or who take medications that affect the liver, should not take gotu kola.
Gotu kola is not recommended for children.
Avoid use during pregnancy and breast feeding.
Excess use may cause headache, Nausea and dizziness and to counter these effects eat dried coriander.
Long term use may cause liver problems and even coma.
Don’t use gotu kola if you have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks.
Don’t use gotu kola if you have a history of skin cancer.
