AKA: Centella, March Pennywort, Indian Pennywort, Hydrocotyle, Brahmi, Luei Gong Gen, Kola Kud, Gotu Cola, Centella Asiatica (scientific name), brain food

Gotu Kola is a small herbaceous annual plant that can be found growing in the tropical and subtropical climates of Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and in some parts of the south eastern United States. It is a creeping vine that covers the ground like a weed and can be found in wet place like drainage ditches, gutters, and other neglected areas.

Gotu Kola is a member of the parsley family and its small leaves are green and fan shaped. It blooms flowers that are light purple, pink or white and bears a small oval fruit. The leaves and the stems are the parts which are used medicinally.

Gotu Kola has been used in India, China, and Indonesia for thousands of years as a n medicinal herb where is has been called a "miracle elixir of life" and "brain food". The "miracle elixir" moniker is attributed to the legend of an ancient Chinese herbalist living over 200 years because of the herb. Gotu Kola is called brain food because of its purported ability to work as a mild tranquilizer, relieving anxiety and stress as well as help improve concentration and memory skills. Also, despite its name Gotu Kola is not a soft drink and contains neither cola nor caffeine. This herb is one of the most important Ayuryedic herbs that is found on the market today.

Benefits and Uses

Anti-anxiety, Anti Stress, concentration, memory, depression, mental fatigue, blood purifier, detoxifier, skin conditions

Gotu  Kola improves concentration by helping to protect the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain. Clinical studies have even shown that students test scores have improved after taking the herb. It has an energizing effect on the brain cells, helping relieve mental fatigue, senility, and helps the body defend itself against toxins as well as keeps the blood pressure low. It also seems to help revitalize the nervous system and help fortify the immune system, both cleansing and feeding the system.

Indian herbalists have used Gotu Kola for a number of other disorders including leprosy, cancer, various skin disorders, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis. It is also used as a blood purifier, helping strengthen the heart and even deal with bowel problems.

Side Effects

Side effects are rare, but high doses of gotu kola have lead to headaches, upset stomachs, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness in some people. External use has led to skin allergies, rash, burning sensations and contact dermatitis. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant, nursing or using tranquilizers and sedatives as it may have a narcotic effect.
 
Dosage

Two capsule with a meal twice daily.

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