Welcome to your comprehensive guide on Gotu Kola, the herb also known as Centella Asiatica. Over centuries, Gotu Kola has been utilized for its energizing properties, medicinal properties, and natural contribution to overall health and wellness. It's a staple within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic practices in India, and other areas across Asia. In this blog post, we'll discuss the numerous benefits of consuming it, uses, and potential side effects! So sit back and relax - here comes everything you need to know about Gotu Kola!
What is Gotu Kola?
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) has been used for centuries in traditional Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian medicine. It is commonly referred to as the 'natural stimulant' or 'Asian pennywort' due to its penny-shaped leaves. Gotu Kola is widely known for its ability to improve cognitive function, circulation, and boost the immune response and alleviate the side effects of stress. It was traditionally used to treat various ailments, including respiratory disorders and skin conditions such as psoriasis. Today Gotu Kola is an essential ingredient in many dietary supplements, energy drinks, and beauty products. Both clinical trials and anecdotal evidence suggest that Gotu Kola may be beneficial in promoting overall health when taken in moderation with proper supervision from a healthcare professional.
Potential Benefits of Gotu Kola
It is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including:
- Improving cognitive function and memory: Studies have demonstrated that Gotu Kola enhances cognitive function and memory. It is believed that its active components, particularly triterpenoids and flavonoids, contribute to this advantage.
- Reducing anxiety and stress: It has traditionally been used as a relaxing herb and may aid in anxiety and stress reduction. According to research, chemicals in it may have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and aid in anxiety and stress reduction.
- Improving circulation and helping to prevent blood clots: It may help avoid blood clots by enhancing circulation. Studies have demonstrated that it can increase blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and improve blood vessel function.
- Promoting wound healing and reducing the appearance of scars: It has historically been used to promote wound healing and diminish the appearance of scars. According to studies, chemicals in it may enhance collagen formation, which is essential for wound healing.
- Assisting in relieving varicose veins and other vein-related symptoms: Gotu Kola may promote vein health and ease the symptoms of varicose veins and other vein-related disorders. Studies have demonstrated that Gotu Kola can increase blood flow and decrease inflammation in veins, which may treat symptoms such as edema, discomfort, and exhaustion.
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Potential Adverse Effects of Gotu Kola
The following are some of the studied adverse effects of gotu kola:
- drowsiness
- gastric distress
- skin issues
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
When put on the skin, gotu kola has the potential to irritate the skin. Before putting on the whole thing, you should always do a patch test. The FDA doesn't keep an eye on herbs, and heavy metals have been found in gotu kola because it was grown in contaminated soil. Choose to buy things from places you can trust. Before consuming gotu kola, it is essential to visit a doctor. Ensure that the physician is aware of all current medications and therapies.
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How to Take Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola can be consumed in a variety of forms, including capsules, pills, tinctures, and teas. The suggested dosage varies depending on the kind of Gotu Kola used and the reason for use. Before beginning any new supplement regimen, always consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using other drugs. A standard dose of Gotu Kola capsules or pills for general health is 300-680 mg per day. Tea can be made by adding 1-2 tablespoons of dried Gotu Kola leaves to a cup of boiling water, steeping for 10-15 minutes, and drinking up to 3 cups per day.
It's crucial to note that, like any supplement, the effects of Gotu Kola can take time to manifest. Some people may notice benefits right away, while others may need to take the supplement for several weeks or even months before they notice any difference.
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Where To Find High-Quality Gotu Kola
To ensure the highest quality, it is advisable to check the ingredients list carefully before making your purchase. It can often be found in health food stores and online retailers; however, make sure to shop at reputable sites with good reviews for maximum safety and effectiveness of Gotu Kola.
Gotu Kola Recipe
This blend is useful for creating relaxation throughout the day, as the herbs are not sedative but rather tend to improve attentiveness. Tulsi, gotu kola, and milky oats are traditional nerve tonics used to alleviate anxiety, stress, and forgetfulness. Lemon verbena imparts a zesty flavor and is a classic cure for promoting relaxation.
- 3 tbsp dried milky oat tops (Avena sativa)*
- 1.5 tbsp tulsi, flowering herb (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
- 1.5 tbsp gotu kola, herb (Centella asiatica)
- 2 tsp lemon verbena, herb (Aloysia citriodora)
Produces 32 ounces (1 L)
Directions: Bring 32 ounces of water (1 L) to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, add all of the herbs, and cover for 30 minutes. Enjoy warm or at room temperature after straining. If desired, sweeten with honey or maple syrup. Consume 1 to 3 cups every day. These proportions are for dried, chopped, and sieved herbs (store-bought). If you are using homegrown or fresh herbs, increase the quantity. If you are unable to locate milky oat tops, you may use oatstraw, which is essentially a different portion of the same plant.
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Growing Your Own Gotu Kola
Growing your own Gotu Kola is a great way to always have this helpful herb on hand. Gotu Kola grows best in warm, humid places, but it can be grown in many types of soil as long as they drain well. It is a hardy plant that can grow in sun or shade, but it does best in partial shade. Gotu Kola should be planted in the spring or early summer. It can be spread by seeds or stem cuttings. Once it's grown, Gotu Kola doesn't need much care and can be picked all through the growing season. It is best to pick the leaves and stems before the plant flowers. After being picked, the leaves can be dried and stored for later use or used fresh in cooking or as a supplement.
Using Gotu Kola
So, there you have it—everything you need to know about Gotu Kola! This powerful herb has a wide range of potential benefits that can improve your health in many different ways. If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being, then it may be the perfect solution for you. If you’re searching for new herbal supplements to try, be sure to check out our website to learn about our Kratom & Kava Shot—a delicious and effective way to get more energy.
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