Juicing For Health - Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)
Name
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) also known as Asiatic Pennywort, Indian Pennywort, Luei Gong Gen, Takip-kohol, Antanan, Pegagan, Pegaga, Vallaarai, Kula kud, Bai Bua Bok, Brahmi and Rau Má.
Parts Used
Nuts, Roots, Seeds.
Information
Gotu kola is a perennial plant native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific. A member of the Mackinlayaceae family, gotu kola has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties.
Gotu kola is a mild adaptogen, is mildly antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, anxiolytic, a cerebral tonic, a circulatory stimulant, a diuretic, nervine and vulnerary.
Traditionally gotu kola has been used in the treatment of sleep disorders, poor appetite, chronic venous insufficiency, kidney stones, connective tissue disorders, fatigue, cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, leprosy, stimulating central nervous system, depression, increase libido, wound healing, syphilis, rheumatism and high blood pressure.
Benefits
- Anxiety
- Connective Tissue
- Insomnia
- Scleroderma
- Venous insufficiency
- Varicose Veins
Gotu Kola is considered a rejuvenative nervine herb recommended for all kinds of nervous disorders. It is also considered a mild adaptagen and adrenal gland aid. Triterpenoids (the compounds found in gotu kola) seem to decrease anxiety and increase mental function in mice. One human study found that people who took gotu kola were less likely to be startled by a new noise than those who took placebo.
Although it stimulates the central nervous system it is not a CNS stimulant thus adrenal friendly and useful in releiving depression, fagtigue and other nervous disorders.
Gotu Kola contains a chemical which stimulates the growth of connective tissues such as collagen and elastin, which are needed for supporting and strengthening the walls of your veins. Gotu Kola also helps to improve blood flow and strengthen the arteries. This inturn helps the speed of wound healing and injuries.
Gotu Kola has sedative properties and is often recommended to help those with insomnia.
A single study of 13 women with scleroderma found that gotu kola decreased joint pain and skin hardening, and improved finger movement.
Gotu Kola has often been recommended as an aid for chronic venous insufficiency. Several small studies suggest gotu kola may help reduce swelling and improve circulation. In a study of 94 people with venous insufficiency, those who took gotu kola had a significant improvement in symptoms compared to those who took placebo.
Studies have shown those with varicose veins showed improvements in the vascular tone when taking gotu kola.
Side Effects/Precautions
Gotu kola is generally considered safe to use, some minor side effects reported are nausea, stomach upset, dizziness and drowsiness. Although rare allergic reactions have been reported. Stop taking gotu kola and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Gotu Kola in large doses may raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels so individuals with high cholesterol or diabetes should not consume gotu.
People with liver disease, or who take medications that affect the liver, should not take gotu kola.
May cause dermatitis if applied topically.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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