Gotu kola has been called the herb of longevity and the fountain of youth. It is well known as an Asian herbal remedy. Gotu kola benefits for health are diverse. From hair health to skincare, anxiety management to stretch marks, Gotu kola herb tackles multiple health problems head-on.
Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica is a powerful herb, well known for its revitalizing and rejuvenating properties. It is well-known as an herbal remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Gotu kola herb can boost cognitive abilities. It is also great for skin, kidney, and liver health. Many studies provide support for this contention. Let’s find out why Gotu kola benefits for health are beneficial and the nutritional facts
What is Gotu kola good for
Gotu kola is nervine, anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants. It reduces inflammation in the body. It also heals wounds and boosts circulation in the body, making it excellent for combating varicose veins. The herb increases collagen production, which helps in staving off cellulite. Gotu kola is good for managing sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression, cognitive problems, skin problems, and fighting free radical damage
What Are the Benefits of Gotu Kola
Gotu kola offers a host of health benefits. Here are the most important ones.
Boost Cognitive Functions
One of the most significant benefits of Gotu kola extract is its capacity to boost brain power after a stroke. The research found those taking 1000 mg of the Gotu kola herb over two weeks benefited more than those taking 750mg of the herb, or 3 mg of folic acid when it came to memory capabilities. It also wards off dementia. The extract also has a moderate impact on protecting brain cells from toxicity or plaque formation associated with Alzheimer’s. Around 30 to 60 drops of the liquid extract of Gotu kola benefits your health if it is taken a day thrice.
Manage Anxiety & Depression
Gotu kola is also beneficial for managing anxiety in the face of sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep causes oxidative damage, stress, and neural inflammation. Studies on antianxiety herbal medicines also found Gotu kola has an acute effect in dispelling anxiety.
Research has found up to 2K mg of Gotu kola per day alleviates extreme anxiety and depression. Gotu kola health benefits also include antidepressant action. A review found in 33 individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, those taking Gotu kola as against antidepressants reported less depression, anxiety, or stress.
Prevent Inflammation, Improve Circulation
Research has found Gotu kola reduces problems linked to fluid retention, circulation issues, and ankle swelling. Those with varicose veins can also derive Gotu kola benefits for improved health because it impacts connective tissues of the vascular walls positively.
About 60-100 mg of this extract thrice a week can help. A topical cream containing about 1 percent Gotu kola extract can also be used. However, do perform a patch test before attempting to use this remedy topically.
Gotu Kola Benefits for Skin
According to studies, Gotu kola cellulite removal is an effective remedy. Terpenoids in goto kola increase collagen production in the body. This prevents stretch marks from forming and heal existing marks. Applying a topical cream containing 1 percent Gotu kola extract to the affected area many times a day. Inflammation-reducing capabilities of this herb make it ideal for combating arthritis, joint swelling, cartilage, and bone erosion. Antioxidant effects also impact immunity positively.
Potent Antioxidant
New research has examined how Gotu kola benefits for liver and kidney toxicity are well-grounded. According to a study, Gotu kola is used to suppress the toxic side effects of antibiotics like isoniazid used to treat TB. For best results, 60 drops of Gotu kola extract need to be taken for two weeks, at least.
How to Use it?
The parts of the Gotu kola herb which can be taken include leaves, stem, flower, and fruit. Medicinal preparations of Gotu kola range from tea to tincture, infused oil or butter, broth, smoothies, fresh juice, poultice, and compresses.
Dosage
Fresh leaves should be in the ratio 1:2, wth 95% dried leaves 1:5. Such preparations of 2-5 ml can be used thrice in a day.
For infusions, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of cut and dried Gotu kola leaves infused in 240 ml of boiling water thrice a day.
Pair the flavor of juiced Gotu kola pairs with veggie juices like kale, lemon, and apple. Substitute concentrate Gotu kola for beverages and make a tea as well. You can also use it as a base for soups, chili, marinades and stews or gravies.
Side Effects
This herb is generally well tolerated for most. Begin with a mild dosage and work up to higher doses, to reduce dosage side effects. Gotu kola is used for 2-6 weeks only. It may cause skin irritation. Hence perform a patch test to check the products Gotu Kola is not advisable for women who are pregnant, nursing, or affected by hepatitis or other liver diseases.
While Gotu kola is safe to use, check with your doctor before opting for it. Gotu kola, if used without medical guidance, can trigger side effects. The herb itself is excellent for combating skin issues, inflammation, and free radical damage, or anxiety and depression.
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