One thing we humans all have in common is our lust for life, our instinct to prolong it, and fill it with all things good and pleasant. This lust for life is probably what inspired our Ancient Ayurvedic scholars to be so efficient in accepting the gift of life. Trying to find ways to promote an ideal lifestyle, one where the mind, body, and soul are all healthy, ended up in the discovery of hundreds of magical herbs. These herbs seem to be given to us humans as though they are meant to complement the gifts of our lives. Gotu Kola, if you have not heard of it before, is one of these herbs.

So well-loved is this herb that it does not just boast its ancient uses for holistic wellbeing in Ayurveda, but in places away from our land, in China, in Indonesia, and now in the modern era – all over the world. The health benefits of certain natural herbs are so undisputed that modern science has come around accepting them. The proof of this claim lies in the fact almost every big health and wellbeing blog today has a blog briefing the benefits and goodness of this resilience-inducing organic herb. One by one, we attempt to discuss the multifaceted holistic benefits of this amazing herb.

What is Gotu Kola?

“Gotu Kola” or Centella Asiatica (its scientific name) is a plant species believed to have medicinal properties by alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. It is a member of the parsley plant family and a perennial plant that can grow in regions around the world, although it is more commonly found in Southeast Asia. All it needs is a good wetland and a shady climate. Depending on where you mention or read about it, it is known by various names such as Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny, Mandukaparni, and Ji Xue Sao. We will use the names Gotu Kola and Mandukaparni as the former is its more popular name while the latter is its Ayurvedic name.

The leaves of the Gotu kola plant are shaped like little green fans. The flowers may be white, pink, or violet, and grow in clusters. You can easily plant a Gotu Kola in your home garden.

How Is Gotu Kola Used?

This riveting herb may have been used traditionally by several medicine systems, but its growing popularity in the west is fairly recent. As time is passing by, more and more people are going back to organic treatments for their problems, trying to find comfort in mother nature. Herbal supplements are part of this trend.

Today, markets contain supplements of Gotu kola in many different forms such as capsules, powders, hair oils, shampoos, and ointments.

However, this herb has been part of Indian culture before it started ending up in the big markets. In fact, many traditional regular food recipes contain the leaves of Mandukaparni. You could probably find a delicious chutney recipe involving the leaves of this herb with a few small clicks. The plant is also used in certain spices.

The Fascinating Health Benefits of Gotu Kola 

Enough with the technical details, let’s get to the real question – why is Gotu Kola so loved by medicinal systems? Historically, it is often associated with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant effects. But the one thing that stands out the most about Gotu Kola is its supposed brain-related benefits. Ayurveda traditionally recommended consumption of Gotu Kola to enhance memory, improve cognitive functions, and prevent brain damage. Here is the major health benefits of Gotu Kola, as said by traditional medicine practitioners combined with current research findings.

Reduces Mood and Anxiety Problems

Traditionally, Gotu kola is known to have calming effects on the body making it a good remedy for anxiety and stress. Researchers have attempted to examine this benefit of Gotu kola in many animal studies, where it has proven to have anti-anxiety effects. For example, an animal study conducted in 2017 found Gotu kola to affect anxiety symptoms within an hour of consumption.

A compound called Asiatic acid is discovered to be the secret to Gotu Kola’s apparent mood and anxiety-related benefits. The compound is said to have an impact on the production of an important neurotransmitter known as GABA, which is responsible for inhibiting excitatory responses by the Central Nervous System (CNS). To rephrase in simpler words, Gotu kola reduces the amount of GABA in your nerves, causing your CNS (brain and spinal cord) to be more alert. When your CNS is not clouded by anxiety you experience a better mood and have better functionality. This keeps one at emotional peace. Further, a key symptom of depression is insomnia, which is directly associated to be improved through the consumption of Centella Asiatica.

To conclude, Gotu Kola can help you get better sleep and rest that could be getting lost on you due to everyday stress. This can in turn help you be in a better mood and health.

Mind & Brain Health

Ayurveda, centuries ago, used to call Gotu Kola a “brain tonic”. It was said to make the brain more alert and quicker. Unsurprisingly, recent studies have proved this to be true. As we have already discussed, Gotu kola has anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects on the body. This has a direct impact on cognitive functioning including memory, concentration, speech, and improved CNS alertness. The consumption of Gotu kola is associated with the production of a protein called BDNF, which is said to help in the growth of nerve cells in the brain. Therefore, consuming Gotu kola can make your brain physically stronger!

Gotu kola is also known to have an impact on neural transmissions and better nerve health. This is helpful for a healthier brain. In the long term, some experts have claimed that it can prevent Alzheimer’s since it is associated with the prevention of damage to the brain cells which can be caused by aging.

Improves Blood Circulation

Our body consists of arteries that take blood from the heart to the organs, and veins that take the blood in the organs back to the heart. This process is called blood circulation and it is essential for survival.

There is increasing evidence that Gotu Kola may be effective in treating a condition called Chronic Venous Inefficiency, which is characterized by the inefficiency of the walls of one’s veins, particularly those present in the legs. This makes it difficult for blood to flow back to the heart and may cause swelling when one sits for too long. Gotu kola has chemical compounds called triterpenes, consumption of which can improve this condition by increasing the force of the heart.  Similarly, Varicose veins, which refers to a condition where one’s veins are enlarged and start to appear on their legs and feet, are popularly treated by the Gotu kola herb.

Improves Immunity

Gotu kola is associated with the management of several diseases including anemia, asthma, and arthritis. Because of its vast effects and unique nutritional composition, it is believed to help in improving one’s overall immunity.

• Gotu kola is high in antioxidants which are compounds that prevent the body from the ill effects of free radicals, which if left unchecked, can lead to the formation of cancer cells. This is a stretch but implies that the herb can be effective in preventing serious cell damages.
• Since it is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can improve joint pain in older people. Moreover, its nutrient constitution can help strengthen bones and joints. This may ensure the longevity of bone health.
• The herb is rich in iron and thereby can help conditions like anemia. Further, its blood circulation aid is also helpful for anemics.
• Gotu kola has also been associated with digesting fatty acids in the blood better, which in the long run can prevent heart attacks, diabetes, and strokes.
• Its anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects improve the overall functioning of the body because stress is associated with weakening the immune system in general. Cortisol (the stress hormone) is also associated with weight gain, acne, poor cognition – all of which can be prevented by the herb.

Skin And Hair Benefits of Gotu Kola

What’s good for your body tends to be also good for your skin and hair, improving their conditions from within. Herbs like the Gotu Kola are blessed with numerous nutrients that can help both your skin and hair. Here are the main benefits of Gotu kola on skin and hair:

Slows Aging

Free radicals are constantly flowing within our bodies as a by-product of metabolism. They may increase the signs of aging on the skin. In worse cases, they can lead to skin cancer. Gotu Kola is highly antioxidant in nature, which allows it to fight the growth of and damage caused by free radicals. This slows the process of aging.

To add, Gotu Kola is associated with an increase in collagen production, which refers to the protein responsible for keeping your skin plump and youthful! More collagen means less loose skin, more resilience, and fewer chances of premature aging.

Heals Scars and Wounds

If you think about what we talked about in the health benefits section, you will recall that we discussed how Gotu Kola has a role in improving blood circulation. Essentially, your skin heals by attracting blood (which contains loads of healing nutrients) to your wounds and regenerating skin cells.

Gotu Kola is a popular ingredient in certain herbal ointments because of its healing properties. It speeds up blood circulation and nutrient absorption on the skin. Its property of boosting collagen production ensures fewer chances of scarring.

Speaking of scars, Gotu kola’s direct application on the skin can reduce the appearance of your stretch marks too! It is an ingredient present in many organic oils designed to help the healing of scars and marks.

Promotes An Even Skin Tone

The herb of Centella Asiatica is popularly used to treat burns and wounds because of its healing properties. These healing properties are precisely what makes it a great skincare ingredient that can aid you in getting the even skin tone you want. It can heal acne scars, reduce hyperpigmentation, and in turn give you a clear skin glow. This can make your skin smoother and healthier in the long run.

Prevents Hair Loss

The Mandukparni herb can often be seen as an ingredient in organic shampoos and oils. This is because it improves the oxygen and nutrient intake of the hair follicles on your scalp. This makes way for healthier, stronger, resilient hair strands that shine bright and black. This prevents both hair loss and hair breakage.

Because it provides your roots with optimum nourishment, Gotu kola may be effective in prolonging the age of your hair strands. This can help prevent premature greying of the hair.

Gotu Kola – Side Effects and Risks

If you are someone who reads up on health and wellness blogs a lot, you must already know that there is always a catch with flawless-seeming ingredients. Indeed, there is no ingredient in the world that is completely safe to overuse and consume limitlessly. We as human beings are part of nature and we must always follow the rules it prescribes us.

Gotu kola is certainly an herb with multitudes of benefits but this does not spare it from having risks and side effects. Here are risks to always keep in mind before going full in with your consumption of this lifegiving herb: –

• If you are starting to dose strong Gotu kola supplements like capsules, do not consume them in heavy quantities on the first go. The herb is strong and therefore can cause headaches or stomach issues in some people. Let your body get used to the supplement over time. It is also advisable to speak to your physician about it first.
• Never consume Gotu kola supplements for longer than six weeks at a time. This can backfire and overdo the effects of the herb. Make sure to take a 2-week break from the herb every 2 to 4 weeks of continuous consumption.
• Gotu Kola is not safe to consume if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Enough consumption of the herb during pregnancy can lead to adverse effects like a miscarriage. It is also not to be consumed if you are breastfeeding.
• Before using an ointment with Gotu kola, do a patch test. This applies if you have never used this ointment before. Not only are some people allergic to new ingredients, but its strong effects on the skin give it the potential to hurt skin. Therefore, it would be wise to be careful with it.
• People with high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and liver diseases should strictly refrain from consuming Gotu Kola supplements before talking to their physicians.

Conclusion – Is Gotu Kola Truly the Herb of Longevity?

It has a long, long history of being used as a health supplement. An ancient belief defines it as the ultimate herb for spiritual wellbeing. Ayurveda classifies the herb as a Rasayana that helps in aiding the physical and mental wellbeing of a person. The Mandookaparni herb is said to balance all three of the doshas (pitta, vata, and kapha).

The belief that Gotu Kola is the herb of longevity comes from the fact that sages and gurus who consumed this herb in ancient times lived long and healthy lives. Of course, whether this was because of the herb or the general lifestyle of saints in ancient times is disputable. However, Gotu kola has proved time and time again to be effective in dealing with and preventing health risks. Other ways it functions include acting as an adaptogen, which essentially makes one healthy enough to be resilient to general life stressors.

The Gotu kola herb reduces stress, anxiety, and nourishes the body with nutritious elements that preserve its youth. Not only does it aid the physical body, but one’s spiritual being, one’s soul, and mind. By this logic, one can certainly conclude that it is indeed the herb of longevity.

However, it is important to understand that these claims are not exactly as literal as they are said to promote a certain way of being. Leading a certain ideological lifestyle to optimize the gift of life is something that exists at the core of ayurvedic treatments. Literally speaking, it would be wise to not overdo the consumption of this mystical little herb. Instead, bask in its goodness in reasonable amounts according to your individual needs