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Health benefits of Gotu Kola

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Health benefits of Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola Quick Facts
Name: Gotu Kola
Scientific Name: Centella asiatica
Origin 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.

Health Benefits of Gotu Kola

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

Ayurvedic benefits of Gotu Kola

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.

Recipe with Brahmi leaves

1. Brahmi Leaves Chutney

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Cut the ends of the stalk and clean the leaves well.
  2. 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.
  3. Then add grated coconut as well as switch of.Saute the coconut within the heat the dwells there.
  4. Cook it and grind it into a fine paste along with salt into a fine paste.Add little water if required.
  5. Serve for idli/ dosa or simply mix along with rice and eat it.

2. Brahmi health shake

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

Directions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Serves two, best served fresh and chilled.

3. Brahmi Herbal Drink 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Clean and wash brahmi leaves.
  2. In a pan add few drops of ghee and roast jeera,pepper and green chilli.Fry for the minute.
  3. Grind raw brahmi leaves,coconut,roasted spices and salt into a very smooth paste in the mixer with the addition of little water.
  4. Pour the mix into a bowl and add buttermilk .Mix well.Alter the consistency as required.
  5. Heat the remaining ghee in a tiny pan.Add mustard seeds and jeera ,when it splutters add curry leaves .Pour the tempering around the thambli .
  6. Serve along with hot steaming rice or relish as such like a drink.

4. Brahmi soup

Ingredients

Directions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix half cup of water together with the mashed dal. Once the keerai is cooked soft add the dhal and boil.
  4. 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.

5. Brahmi Leaves Thuvaiyal

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Chop small onion and garlic to two. Adding Garlic gives nice flavor to thuvaiyal.
  2. Heat oil in the pan. Add Cumin seeds, channa dal, pepper and red chili into it. Adjust the spice in accordance with your taste.
  3. When they splutter add onion and garlic.
  4. Saute till they’re cooked and take everything out in a plate.
  5. Add washed keerai to the same pan and saute it,
  6. 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.
  7. Take a Blender. Add the things which we’ve taken already in the plate to it and blend for a while.
  8. 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.
  9. Add little water if needed.
  10. 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

Precautions

References:

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/kew-2708815

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ceas

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=29612#null

https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/64222/

http://www.hear.org/pier/species/centella_asiatica.htm

http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Centella+asiatica

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/gotu-kola

http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/12048

http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/gotu-kola

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centella_asiatica

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