The Gotu Kola Herb

The gotu kola herb and gotu kola extract are used for many medicinal purposes and are even reputed to enhance longevity. It has been used for thousands of years in India and China and has properties that are used to treat skin conditions, digestive upsets, mental clarity, anxiety, insomnia and even varicose veins.

The gotu kola herb is native to India, Japan, China and the South Pacific. It is a perennial weed that prefers a swampy habitat. Unlike most other herbs, it has no taste or odor. It has fan shaped leaves with small white - purple flowers. The gotu kola extract is made from the leaves and stems of the plant.

This versatile herb can be used medicinally when taken internally or externally.

When ingested, the gotu kola herb has been used to treat varicose veins and improve mental clarity. It has properties that improve blood flow and strengthen veins, thus minimizing varicose veins. It also has sedative properties and can be used for insomnia and anxiety. Having been used as a memory enhancer in China for centuries, the gotu kola extract has shown promise in improving the memory of patients with alzheimer's, and also in aiding children with learning disabilities.

When applied topically, the gotu kola herb extract is reputed to help treat several skin ailments. This herb contains triterpenoids which help in healing wounds. It has been used to treat psoriasis and heal burns as well as to help decrease scarring.

The gotu kola herb can be taken in many forms and is readily available to be used in teas, ointments, tinctures and pills. The standardized gotu kola extract should contain 1 to 2 percent madecassoside, 29 to 30 percent Asiatic acid, 29 to 30 percent madecassic and 40 percent asiaticoside.

Use of the gotu kola herb should be limited to less than 6 weeks at a stretch. The herb should not be taken continuously and you should have a break of at least 2 weeks where no herb is taken. Side effects are rare and may include skin allergy or rash when used externally and nausea, dizziness and drowsiness when taken internally. Side effects usually only show up when excessive amounts of the herb are used so follow the directions on the label and consult your physician to be sure you are not over dosing.

Of Interest