Centella, Gotu Kola

Madagascar Centella (Leaves) Madagascar (Centella Asiatica L.), Pennywort

Wildcrafted from the jungles. Recently and traditionally included in formulas for building good blood, strengthening the circulatory system and enhancing immune response (especially with infections). It is being studied for its restorative effect on connective tissue and for boosting memory and learning. It reduces cellulite and helps replace scars with healthier, more normal tissue.

Asiaticosides & Triterpenes, Trace Elements.

Centella asiatica is great in helping and treating the following problems and conditions:

general tonic, anti-rheumatic, anti-arthritic, sedative, vasodilator, energy, vitality, virility, thins the blood, boosting brain power, lowering blood sugar levels, skin disorders, rejuvenation, anti-ageing, leprosy, skin cancers, circulation, concentration, strengthening veins, fighting varicose veins, rheumatoid arthritis

GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica) rebuilds the energy reserves, and is useful after a nervous breakdown and to help prevent nervous breakdown. Gotu Kola is sometimes called "food for the brain". It helps to combat stress, improve reflexes, and increase mental and physical power. Gotu Kola is used for high blood pressure, senility, aging, and to help the body protect itself against toxins.

Centella asiatica has been found to induce levels of antioxidants in wounds and newly formed tissue, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Centella asiatica improves collagen formation and angiogenesis (Shukla et al. 1999a).

Coinwort (Asiatic or American) can be grown around the edges of a water feature, incorporated into a wet low maintenance, mixed species lawn, or kept in a well-irrigated corner of the herb garden. The leaves may be used in salads.

Under the name "gotu kola", Centella asiatica is revered as one of the great multi-purpose miracle herbs of Oriental medicine. It has been in use for thousands of years and has been employed to treat practically every ailment known to man at one time or place or another. Gotu kola is considered the most powerful of the rejuvenating herbs in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, where it is called "brahmi" meaning "greatest of the great."

In the Ayurvedic tradition, it is recommended for treatment of mental disorders, immune system deficiencies, circulatory problems, skin conditions, liver ailments, epilepsy, asthma and bronchitis, hair loss, tetanus, inflammation, rheumatism, and intestinal complaints. In Chinese medicine, gotu kola is regarded as the primary herb for promoting longevity. Its use is traced to LiChing Yun, a legendary healer who is said to have lived 256 years as a result of drinking gotu kola tea.

In Western medicine, gotu kola is acknowledged to have value in strengthening the blood vessels and thereby improving circulation, in combating stress/depression/fatigue, in decreasing inflammation, in healing wounds and burns, and in treating rheumatism and intestinal and urinary disorders. It is regarded as particularly valuable in promoting circulation, healing, and positive attitude in the bedridden. In India, gotu kola is considered "the herb of enlightenment" and is sometimes burned in incense prior to meditation. It is thought to have great value in supporting spiritual practices by improving meditation, promoting clear dreams, and enhancing past life recall. It is regarded as useful in developing the crown chakra and in balancing the right and left hemispheres of the brain.