Gotu Kola. TOP 8 Benefits and Harms

Gotu Kola. TOP Benefits and Harms

Gotu Kola, or Centella asiatica, is a herbaceous flowering plant that is widely used as a medicinal and food product.

It grows in large numbers in Australia and Asia, it is found in India, Malaysia and Indonesia. Gotu Kola is of particular importance in Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian folk medicine.

The plant is prized for its antioxidant (anti-aging) properties, the ability to improve cognitive functions of the brain, and a number of other beneficial effects on the body.

What are the benefits of Gotu Kola?

As a tonic, Gotu Kola is recommended for everyone who has certain difficulties with concentration, problems with memory, attention and mental activity.

The plant also acts as a good relaxing agent for the nervous system, so it will be useful for excessive anxiety, stress, fatigue, and sleep problems.

The interesting name of the plant is directly related to its characteristics: “Gotu” indicates the bell-shaped plant, and “Cola” means “leaf”.

The Latin name comes from lat. Centum, which means “100”. This illustrates the abundance of petals in this plant.

Gotu Kola extract contains many useful substances, among which are especially important:

• Rutin. It has antioxidant properties, improves blood circulation, prevents blood clots.
• Quercetin. A substance from the category of flavonoids, which belongs to strong antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. It also increases the number of mitochondria in brain cells, which improves brain function, including after traumatic brain injury.
• Flavonoids. They have an antimicrobial effect, reduce capillary permeability and fragility, especially in combination with vitamin C. Flavonoids also improve the digestion process and have an antitumor effect.

The list of beneficial properties of the Gotu Kola plant also includes:

• Healing wounds. Gotu Kola contains triterpenoids and saponins, which improve regenerative processes and, in general, have a positive effect on the appearance of the skin, reducing the severity of wrinkles, stretch marks and scars.
• Restoration of damaged hair. Gotu Kola is useful for hair because it stimulates metabolic processes in the scalp, strengthens hair follicles and enhances their blood supply.
• Reducing the impact of stress on the body. Gotu Kola reduces levels of cortisol, which is considered a stress hormone. Additionally, the plant increases dopamine and serotonin levels, thereby improving mood.

Also, the beneficial properties of Asiatic Centella will be irreplaceable:

• With increased pressure;
• Varicose veins;
• Prolonged insomnia;
• Venous insufficiency;
• Difficulty healing wounds, scars, burns and ulcers
• Scleroderma;
• Poor circulation;
• Joint pain.

Gotu Kola and Brain

 

In Asia, Gotu kola is used as a tonic and stimulant. It is prescribed for bronchial asthma and bronchitis, and is also used as a metabolic stimulant.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Gotu Kola is one of the main anti-aging agents. The plant is believed to stimulate and strengthen brain and nerve cells. And for good reason, since Gotu Kola improves cognitive function.

As a result of research, scientists have come to the conclusion that centella has an effect on the post-stroke state, comparable to the effect of folic acid.

Gotu Kola has anti-apoptotic effects. Apoptosis is the death of cells and neurons. The plant prevents this process.

Gotu Kola is useful for the brain not only for post-stroke disorders. It has a positive effect on cognitive function in healthy people as well.

It stimulates mental activity and restores brain cells, and also increases the length of dendrites – the processes of neurons that receive information.

Benefits for pressure

The benefits of taking Gotu Kola with pressure is explained by the fact that the plant has a vasodilating effect.

Another plant relieves vasospasm in the brain. As a result of taking Centella, intracranial pressure is normalized, headaches disappear.

Gotu Kola not only dilates blood vessels, but also strengthens their walls, which is very useful for varicose veins.

Additionally, the plant eliminates tachycardia, helping to normalize the work of the cardiovascular system.

Weight loss benefits

Often Gotu Kola is recommended for weight loss. The vaso-strengthening and lymphatic drainage properties of the plant are useful here.

They help to cope with vascular “asterisks” and cellulite, which occurs in 9 out of 10 women, even slim physique.

The advantage of Gotu Kola over other remedies for cellulite is considered an additional effect in the form of a general improvement in the condition of the skin.

It becomes more elastic and thickens over time, which reduces the likelihood of cellulite returning.

How to take it?

 

Before you start taking it, you should study the list of contraindications for Gotu Kola. The plant extract is not recommended during pregnancy and planning, as well as breastfeeding.

Centella is also not used for cancer and diabetes mellitus (due to an increase in blood sugar). The combination of centella with diuretics is not allowed, since they also remove fluid from the body, which ultimately can lead to dehydration and imbalance in water and electrolyte balance.

The sides effect

 

The side effects of Gotu Kola are few. Among them, allergies occasionally appear in the form of itching and redness, digestive problems, headaches and drowsiness.

In this case, you need to reduce the dosage, and if the symptoms persist, then stop taking the supplements and consult a specialist.

Our Top Picks of Gotu Kola

 

How to drink it?

 

The plant comes in a variety of forms, including dry herb, tinctures, and capsules. The latter are especially convenient to take, including due to the absence of any unpleasant taste.

How to drink Gotu Kola capsules:

1. 2 capsules 1-2 times a day.
2. Consume in the morning with meals.
3. The duration of the course is 1 month. It is not recommended to use it for more than 6 weeks without a doctor’s prescription, as the liver may suffer.