Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola (Ji Xue Sao)
Botanical Name: Centella asiatica
Gotu kola has long been used in Asian cuisine and as a medicine in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Gotu kola improves brain function, meditation, skin condition, and helps to prevent colds and flu. It can help counter fatigue and improve circulation of blood and fluids. In China, it is considered a “miracle elixir of life.” Do not confuse gotu kola with kola nuts (Cola acuminata) which is a different plant with different properties.
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How to take FULL advantage of Gotu Kola's healing powers...
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Western
Also Known As: Brahmi, Centella, Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny
Organs/Systems: Nervous System, Brain, Skin, Lungs, Circulatory System
Key Actions: Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Sedative, Anti-aging, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Antidepressant, Moisturizing, Aphrodisiac, Rejuvenant, Anxiolytic, Astringent
Medicinal Uses: Stress, anxiety, depression, poor memory, edema, burns, swellings, bruises, varicose veins, diabetes, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, increase collagen production, cold and flu, indigestion, jaundice, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections, improves cognitive skills, increase libido.
Eastern
Also Known As: Brahmi
Meridians: Kidney, Liver, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Spleen
Key Actions: Clears Heat, Dries Damp, Purifies Blood (Xue), Cools Blood, Stops Bleeding
Medicinal Uses: Poor memory, anxiety, stress, depression, shingles, asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu, insomnia, stomach ulcers, diabetes, diarrhea, fatigue, blood clots, lowers blood pressure, stroke, varicose veins, cuts, bruises, edema, CVI (chronic venous insufficiency), swelling, fever, asthma, epilepsy, hepatitis, lupus, leprosy, psoriasis, amenorrhea, Summer Heat diarrhea, nosebleed, glaucoma, cataracts, pinkeye.
Basic Habitat/Botany:
Gotu kola is in the parsley family Umbelliferae Apiaceae. It is a low growing, perennial, herbaceous creeper, that has no odor and thrives in or around water. It has small fan-shaped leaves with white or light purple-to-pink flowers. It bears a small oval fruit.
Gotu Kola is indigenous to the tropical wetlands of Southeast Asia, It can be found growing near the Indian Ocean, South Africa, the South Pacific, and parts of India and Pakistan.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Stem
Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Acrid, Sweet, Astringent, Cooling
Caution: Considered safe, some people may experience photosensitivity when handling the plant or experience nausea or headaches.
Key Constituents: Triterpenes, Asiatic acid, Saponins, Brahmoside, Brahminoside, Tannins, Aspartate, Flavonoids, alkaloid, Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Mucilages, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Vitamin A (49%RDA), Vitamin C, Vitamin B2
History/Folklore: Gotu kola has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicines. It is known for improving brain function, healing the skin, promoting kidney and liver health, and lowering blood pressure. It is commonly used to Purify the Blood and to revitalize the nerves and brain cells. In Asia it is respected as a powerful longevity herb.
Gotu kola is considered the most spiritual of all herbs in India. It is used by yogis to develop the crown chakra. A cup of gotu kola tea before meditation can heighten awareness, improve focus, and calm the mind and emotions.
Gotu kola extract has been reported to show positive results in treating leprosy.
Gotu kola increases GABA, which in turn supports the herb’s traditional uses as an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant.
In India and China the herb is famous for revitalizing brain function, boosting attention span, concentration, and improving memory. In China, it is well known as a cooling herb that can help to remove toxins from the body.
The active compounds in gotu kola are the triterpene saponins. The brahmoside and brahminoside compounds are thought to be responsible for the CNS (Central Nervous System) and uterorelaxant properties.
Asiatic acid, found in gotu kola, has been shown in research to inhibit cell growth of certain types of cancer, including breast, liver, skin, brain, and gastrointestinal tumor cells.
Research is supporting gotu kola’s traditional use to help heal wounds, cuts, and burns faster and with reduced scarring.
Gotu kola combines well with calendula and turmeric for supporting immunity and healing. Combined with Holy Basil (aka Tulsi) it promotes tranquility, peace, and a calm mind.
Fresh gotu kola is often used in Asian cuisine. It has a sweet and slightly bitter flavor. It is a key ingredient in one of Sri Lanka’s most popular dishes, gotu kola sambol, which combines shredded gotu kola leaves, lime juice, shallots, chili, and grated coconut together. It is often used in Indian curry dishes. Fresh leaves should have bright green color and no blemishes. The stems are also edible with a similar flavor to cilantro.
As a member of the Apiaceace family, gotu kola is related to cumin, carrots, fennel, angelica, and cilantro.
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How to use Gotu Kola (Ji Xue Sao) and take FULL advantage of it's healing powers!
Find out how to safely use this powerful herb and get specific recipes you can make use of immediately. Dive deep into Eastern and Western perspectives about HOW and WHY this herb works. Includes uses, benefits, essential oils, gardening tips, and much, much more.
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