Gotu Kola (Indian Pennywort)

Gotu Kola is a type of Pennywort grown in India. Its botanical name is Centella Asiatica. It is also called Brahmi. In reality. Brahmi is a different plant 'Bacopa Monnieri'. In Ayurveda, both Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) and Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) are prescribed for similar ailments specially memory loss.
Gotu Kola should not be confused with Kola nut, Kola nut is entirely different plant 'Cola Nitida'. Kola nut is high in caffeine, Gotu Kola has no caffeine.
Use of Gotu Kola in Ayurveda dates back over 3,000 years for topical use to heal wounds.

Names

Latin name: Centella Asiatica
English name: Indian Pennywort
Sanskrit / Ayurveda name: Gotu Kola
Hindi: Brahmi

Ayurveda Properties

Rasa: Bitter Pungent Sweet
Virya: Cooling effect
Vipak: Sweet
Guna: Dry light
Dosha: It balances Pitta, without effecting Vata and Kapha.
Dhatu (Tissue entered): Plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, nerve
Srota (Channels): Nervous, Circulatory, digestive

Internal Medicine Uses

Gotu Kola is supposed to improve memory and cognitive functions, improve blood circulation,
improve memory and cognitive functioning, rejuvenating, general purpose tonic.
- In the form of tea, it is used as a mild sedative, reduce stress and anxiety. Large amounts of Gotu Kola may cause drowsiness. It may also increase the effects of many sedatives

- Treat venous insufficiency by increasing blood flow from feet to legs to the heart. - Prevent blood clots in legs during long plane flights
- Long term use will improve blood circulation, helpful for Diabetics.
- Stabilize Atherosclerosis, prevent plaques to break off that may form clot and cause heart attack or stroke.
- Anti aging tonic by Increasing red blood count, decreasing urea and phosphate levels in the blood.
- Detoxify body by destroying toxins accumulated in the brain, nerves. It helps cleanse body of heavy metals.
- Women may use to prevent pregnancy by delaying menstruation period. It also acts as a aphrodisiac

Topical applications

Gotu Kola formulations are applied topically for various skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, burns, cuts, and revitalize connective tissue..
In India and Europe, creams formulated with Gotu Kola extract are available that could be applied during last six months of pregnancy to reduce or prevent stretch marks associated with pregnancy. Gotu Kola extracts are also added to Acne creams to reduce scarring.
In India, oils are formulated with Gotu Kola extract to massage scalp to increase blood circulation, prevent hair loss, and promote hair growth. The generic name of such oils is 'Brahmi Oil'. The massage is also supposed to help with memory.

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