Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a small herbaceous plant and is often identified by its large, sprawling clusters of frilly, fan-shaped leaves. In summer the plant blooms are a purple to pink colour, which later produces oval fruit. Gotu Kola is found in swampy, wet habitats, often growing in and around ponds, lakes, streams or paddy fields.
Gotu Kola originated in East and South Asia, where the temperatures are tropical and subtropical. However, the plant can be found throughout most of the tropics, such as India, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Malaysia, and South America. This herb has been a valuable herb in traditional Chinese medicine, often having been referred to as the ‘Elixir of Life’ or the ‘Fountain of Youth’, crediting its long list of traditional and modern health benefits. It’s also traditionally noted to be used in Ayurveda and in Thai cuisine as a vegetable, with its other common names being ‘asiatic pennywort’, ‘Indian pennywort’, ‘spadeleaf’, ‘coinwort’, ‘pegaga’, and ‘antanan’.
Traditional Medicinal Benefits
In Ayurveda it is said that it supports left & right hemisphere balance, and it is traditionally related to the representation of the shape of the leaves. Its direct impact on the right and left hemispheres is yet to be confirmed, but the plant does benefit the brain and its system in some incredible ways. It is known to improve the function of the brain by increasing alertness, focus, memory and energy while also reducing hyperactivity in the brain without containing caffein or theobromine (common natural stimulants for the brain).
Gotu Kola contains many active compounds, amino acids, vitamins and minerals– particularly the B-vitamins, magnesium and vitamin C, which are known to play an important role in healthy cognitive function and to help symptoms of anxiety and depressive states.
Gotu Kola is also a gentle adaptogenic herb that helps to reduce oxidative stress and bring balance to the body. The vitamins, proteins and amino acids in this herb are said to support healthy cells, hormones and the nervous system by restoring nerve cells and alleviating stress. Traditionally it has been used over time, touring back balance into the body & mind, particularly for the emotional state.
In Ayurveda and TCM, Gotu Kola has been used as a regenerative herb for its potential to support blood flow, strengthen the blood vessels and repair connective tissues, resulting in healthy skin. Traditionally it was given for chronic venous insufficiency and to tone the vein walls, which improves the flow of blood through the body and reduces swelling. For tissue regeneration, it was traditionally recognised that a poultice of the herb increased the skin’s ability to heal quicker, and research later noted this was due to active saponins in the herb and is today said to potentially increase collagen production to promote healthy skin and healthy wound healing. These saponins present in Gotu Kola are also the reason why it’s currently said to support the function of the immune system and assist the breakdown of diseased cells, helping to fight off and kill microbes.
Gotu Kola is traditionally enjoyed as a cup of tea 1-2 times per day for up to 6 weeks. Its earthy, slightly grassy and mild flavour makes it an easy ally to combine with other herbs.
