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, supports meditation, benefits the skin, and helps 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...
JOIN ME in an exploration of the healing herb, Gotu Kola (Ji Xue Sao). Dive deep into the benefits and applications of Gotu Kola, from Eastern and Western perspectives, and so much more!
Western
Western Name: Gotu Kola
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, increases collagen production, cold and flu, indigestion, jaundice, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections, improves cognitive skills, increases libido.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Ji Xue Sao
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 with no odor. It 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.
Habitat:
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 supports 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 to support 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. It is often used in Indian curry dishes. Fresh leaves should be bright green with no blemishes. The stems are also edible with a flavor similar to cilantro.
As a member of the Apiaceae family, gotu kola is related to cumin, carrots, fennel, angelica, and cilantro.
Elephants
Gotu kola is famous for its ability to improve memory and counter aging. In Sri Lanka, it is commonly eaten by elephants, who are also famous the world over for their amazing memories and long lives. Locals make a point of eating a few leaves every day.
Tri-doshic
In Ayurvedic medicine, there are three body types: vata, pitta, and kapha. Gotu kola is an herb that brings all three of these back into balance.
Fountain of Life
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, gotu kola is referred to as the “fountain of life.” One legend says an herbalist who ate the plant daily lived to be over 200 years old.
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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