Gotu Kola is also known as Centella Asiatica. It is an herb native to the wetlands in Asia. Gotu Kola’s benefits are mainly linked with the treatment of various brain ailments. This herb is used in both culinary vegetables and medicinal herbs.
Benefits Of Gotu Kola
1. Treats Stomach Ulcers
Gotu kola contains the property that can strengthen the gastric mucosal barrier and reduce the damaging effects of free radicals. Which can support to treatment of stomach ulcers. According to studies, this herb extract displayed gastroprotective effects against gastric mucosal injury.
2. Help Reduce Stretch Marks
Saponins, specific compounds in the gotu kola are said to be effective in treating postoperative scars. This herb also helps improve skin health and appearance. It has a tightening and firming action on the skin. However, this characteristic can help reduce stretch marks.
3. Improve Cognitive Function
According to research, the ingredient called pentacyclic triterpenes present in gotu kola is found to improve the cognitive function of the subjects involved. They also mentioned that the herb was found to boost learning performance and memory retention. It is also said that gotu kola is far better than folic acid which was used in the study for similar purposes. Gotu kola even activates certain antioxidant response genes that can further enhance one’s cognitive ability.
4. Supports Wound Healing
Gotu kola contains attribute phytoconstituents that can help in healing wounds. It can facilitate wound healing in both incisions and burn wounds. While the herb increased the wound-breaking strength in an incision wound model, asiaticoside isolated from the herb had increased collagen content in a punch wound model. However, wound dressings containing gotu kola were found to have healing effects on multiple types of wounds.
5. Treat Varicose Veins
Gotu kola can help treat varicose veins and venous insufficiency. According to studies an individuals consuming regularly experienced improvements in the health of their veins. That individuals all had conditions with significant vein involvement, such as severe venous hypertension and ankle swelling.
6. Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Gotu kola contains the ability to enhance memory and nerve function. That gives it support in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Gotu kola extract was also shown an effect on protecting brain cells from toxicity. This can even protect the cells from forming the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s.
7. Reduce Anxiety And Stress
It has been found in research that gotu kola had an anti-anxiety effect. In that research, it was seen that individuals diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder were withheld from antidepressant medication and given gotu kola tablets instead. On that individual, it was seen improvement. Scores for stress, depression, lack of attention, and anxiety got decreased.
According to research, this herb can reduce problems with fluid retention, ankle swelling, and circulation tied to taking flights that last longer than three hours. It is also mentioned that gotu kola can be useful in treating varicose veins. It is because this herb has a positive metabolic effect on the connective tissue of the vascular wall.
9. Help Relieve Joint Pain
Gotu kola contains anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful in treating arthritis. This herb’s antioxidant effect also has a positive effect on the immune system. In research, it has been found that oral administration of gotu kola reduced cartilage erosion, bone erosion, and joint inflammation.
10. Help Ease Insomnia
Side Effects Of Gotu Kola
1. Issues During Surgery
It can happen that gotu kola can cause excessive sleepiness if combined with those medications usually used during or after surgery. Make sure to avoid using gotu kola at least two weeks prior to scheduled surgery.
2. Liver Issues
An individual suffering from liver disease should stay away from gotu kola. More importantly, they must consult their doctor.
3. Allergies
Gotu kola can cause allergies in some individuals. The symptoms are itchiness, swollen lips, tongue, face, or throat, difficulty in breathing, and skin redness. Stop using the herb immediately if you notice any of these signs.