Gotu Kola
Health Benefits

Gotu Kola Health Benefits

| Modified on Mar 23, 2014

An herb commonly used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, Gotu Kola is becoming a more widely utilized herb in a variety of medical practices. Most commonly employed in treating varicose veins or cellulitis, the herb can also be used to treat a wide range of other conditions. With applications ranging from the treatment of bacterial infections to that of common skin conditions, gotu kola is a widely effective health remedy.

What is Gotu Kola?

With a history dating back roughly 2000 years, gotu kola has a long history as a medical treatment. From the creeping plant Centella asiatica, the herb is a relative to the parsley family.

Among its first treatment applications are uses involving the treatment of leprosy, wounds and gonorrhea; however, it has also been used to treat more common conditions including fever and respiratory infection. Additionally, the herb has applications in treating cardiovascular issues as well as a host of other conditions.

Health Benefits of Asiatic Pennywort

Also known as Asiatic pennywort as well as a host of other names, gotu kola has a range of health benefits. The chemicals in the herb have been proven to decrease inflammation as well as blood pressure in the veins. The herb also contains active components that promote collagen production.

With these compounds and others, Asiatic pennywort is an effective treatment for a variety of disorders and conditions. The herb can be used to treat bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. Urinary tract infections, shingles, cholera, the common cold, influenza, leprosy and a variety of other infections can be treated using this herb.

Gotu kola is also successful at alleviating a range of cognitive and psychiatric disorders. The herb is often used to treat anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and others successfully. Likewise, the herb can be utilized to treat fatigue, memory loss, circulation problems and a variety of skin diseases as well.

With a range of active ingredients, gotu kola can be applied in a variety of ways to improve health. Gotu kola is often considered a cure-all by many holistic practitioners as it has such a wide array of applications.




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Posted by Kamal (Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India) on 01/17/2009
★★★★★

The apple cider vinegar is certainly a great recipe.

Let me add the curative qualities of Hydrocotyle Asiatica herb or Indian Pennywort. In the first place it is said to bestow longevity when taken for a prolonged period of time.

Hydrocotyle has proven to be a boon in the treatment of elephantiasis, otherwise known as filaria. The herb has no side effect and cures hypertrophy and induration of connective tissue. When there is no ulceration, it is a reputed cure for leprosy and lupus.

The irritable and agonising itching of vagina, leucorrhoea, ovarian and cervical pains are taken care of by Hydrocotyle.

It also cures psoriasis and itches, syphylitic and gonorrhoeal infections.Acne is effectively cured by this herb.

Take 2 to 4 leaves of the plant in the morning on empty stomach followed by a glass of water. If you can not arrange the green leaves, you can take the tincture (5 to 7 drops diluted in 1/2 cup of water) available with the homoepathic chemist which is equally good. A daily twice or thrice dosage is recommended. In normal health a single dose in the morning is enough to keep you fit. The herb or tincture is inexpensive.It is a highly serviceable herb and its importance should not be underestimated.

Try and see for yourself. I have personally experimented with this herb in a number of cases and seen its magical curative power.

Replied by Sheila
(North Carolina)
01/10/2014

Can you nebulize gotu kola extract in a nebulizer to increase lung capacity? Does this cause shortness of breath due to too much oxygen?

Replied by Timh
(Ky, Usa)
01/11/2014
2063 posts

Sheila: I have been considering the very remedy you propose (or suppose) to treat my lung fibrosis. Gotu Kola is the top herb for lung fibrosis so it seems the best administration would be nebulize, but I haven't got round to a try so cannot say of what the outcome.

It would help to serve you if you would disclose some info of your condition as there are many lung diseases of varying complexity and severity. Have you tried G.K. orally? If yes what was the outcome?

Anyway, I am a big fan of a complex of herbs or nutrients to treat specific diseases as the potential for positive effect increases. In my case, I get noticeable results w/ G.K., Hawthorn, and Glucosamine taken orally. So I will likely try these three for nebulization for maximum effect.

Replied by Sheila
(North Carolina)
01/17/2014

I have tried it orally and it is wonderful. Just make sure not to take too much during menstruation (sorry for TMI)! I have nebulized it before and I think it is ok but make sure to use a very small amount because too much makes you feel like you're going to have a panic attack.

I suggest for you to get the liquid tincture and rub a large pea sized drop on your chest. See if you start breathing too fast (if you do you can always wipe it off) and then based on that assess if you can handle it internally.

Replied by Faith
(Toronto, Canada)
03/22/2014

Can you use Gota kola for asthma?