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Gotu Kola

(Centella asiatica)

is a small herbaceous annual plant of the family Mackinlayaceae or subfamily Mackinlayoideae of family Apiaceae, and is native to India, Sri Lanka, northern Australia,Iran,Malaysia,Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, and other parts of Asia.

is a slender, creeping plant that grows commonly in swampy areas.

is regarded as perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs.

Medicinal effects

mild adaptogen mildly antibacterial anti-viral anti-inflammatory anti-ulcerogenic anxiolytic a cerebral tonic a circulatory stimulant a diuretic nervine vulnerary

Benefits

aid intelligence and memory

strengthens the adrenal glands and cleanses the blood to treat skin impurities

can relieve high blood pressure and helps the body defend against various toxins

used to treat rheumatism, blood diseases, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases,and hepatitis

help shrink swollen membranes and aid in the elimination of excess fluids

helps wound healing and skin lesions

Precaution

Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use this herb

Do not take gotu kola orally without first talking of your doctor if you have diabetes or high cholesterol levels

People with liver disease should not take gotu kola

Not recommended for children

How to useGotu Kola leaves

As a tea:

Steep one teaspoon of dried gotu kola leaves in a cup of boiling water and sweeten with honey as desired. Sipping a cup of gotu kola tea before bed will help induce a deep, restful sleep. It’s also useful in relieving headaches and indigestion.

As a balm :

Combine ¼ cup dried gotu kola leaves with ¼ cup dried chamomile leaves and steep in ½ cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Strain and blend the remaining mixture with cornstarch to make a thick paste. Apply to skin and once it has dried, rinse with room-temperature water.

As an oil :

Boil ½ cup dried gotu kola leaves in two cups of water until the volume is reduced by half. Remove the leaves and add one cup of almond or sesame oil, then let the mixture simmer until all the water evaporates and you are left with the herbalized oil. This is also a wonderful oil to use for your daily self massage.