GOTU KOLA
Centella asiatica syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica Other common names for gotu kola: Man-t'ien-hsing This slender perennial is found throughout tropical regions of the world. Its nearly smooth surface and kidney-shaped or heart-shaped leaves accompanied by dark-purple flower petals make for a somewhat exquisite plant. But efforts to domesticate it have often failed, because its apparent obstinance requires human persecution in order to spread. Thus, when gotu kola is sprayed with herbicides, only the leaves die, while the root actually seems to thrive on these harmful chemicals. After one good spraying, the plant usually proliferates like crazy. Gotu kola - a slender creeping plant that is especially abundant in the swampy areas of India and Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the tropical regions of the New World. It is commonly called gotu kola but is also known as hydrocotyle or Indian pennywort. Scientific studies have shown that in relatively large doses the medication has a definite sedative effect in small animals. This activity comes from two saponin glycosides, designated brahmoside and brahminoside. Another glycoside, known as madecassoside, exhibits some anti-inflammatory activity, and still another, asiaticoside, apparently stimulates wound healing. However, there is currently no evidence to support the use of gotu kola as a longevity promoter or to substantiate any of the other extravagant claims for its use as a revitalizing and healing herb. Substantive data on its safety and efficacy are simply nonexistent. PARTS USED Aerial parts. USES Leprosy & skin disorders - Gotu kola has been used for thousands of years in India and still has a central place in Ayurvedic medicine. Gotu kola is used specifically to treat leprosy, skin ulcers, and other skin problems. Tonic herb - Gotu kola has a longstanding reputation in India as a "rejuvenator," helping concentration and memory. It is also taken for fertility and as a tonic for poor digestion and rheumatism. Other Indian uses - Fresh leaves are given to children for dysentery. The plant is also thought helpful for fevers, abdominal disorders, asthma, and bronchitis. An oil extract is used to promote hair growth. Western uses - Despite its reputation as a tonic herb, gotu kola is used mainly for skin problems and wounds. Gotu kola is now also considered to have an anti-inflammatory effect and is given for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor venous circulation. Other medical uses - Chronic venous insufficiency, Swollen Ankles.
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