Gotu Kola

Gotu kola has been used for: wound healing, better circulation, memory enhancement, cancer, vitality, general tonic, respiratory ailments, detoxifying the body, treatment of skin disorders (such as psoriasis and eczema), revitalising connective tissue, burn and scar treatment, clearing up skin infections, slimming and oedema, arthritis, rheumatism, treatment of liver and kidneys, periodontal disease, strengthening of veins (varicose veins), blood purifier, high blood pressure, sedative, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, an aphrodisiac, immune booster, anabolic and adaptogen etc.
Gotu kola's main active ingredients are asiaticoside (a triterpene glycoside) (triterpenoid), brahmoside and brahminoside (both saponin glycosides), madecassoside (a glycoside with strong anti-inflammatory properties), and madecassic acid.
Gotu kola is used extensively to increase energy and vitality. The reason for this might be because Gotu kola is said to assist with increasing blood sugar level, which in turn would prevent hypoglycemia, mental fatigue, depression, confusion as well as schizophrenic tendencies.
In animal testing it was also shown that Gotu kola (together with capsicum and Siberian ginseng) can assist in overcoming the negative effects of fatigue and stress.
Gotu kola has been used for the treatment of leprosy (the asiaticoside content dissolves the waxy coating of the leprosy bacteria - allowing the immune system to destroy the bacteria), bronchitis, asthma, syphilis and wound healing; Gotu kola is used in Ayurvedic medicine for wound healing, a mild diuretic, increasing concentration, alertness, as well as anti-anxiety and anti-stress; in the Far East Gotu kola is used for treatment of depression, longevity, (in China it is called the "Fountain of Youth").
Gotu kola is often used in tonics, oral slimming formulas, body-beautiful preparations, body firming products, wound healing, anti-aging skin care products (independent studies have shown the topical effectiveness of Gotu kola in treating stretch marks).
Gotu kola can help for bedridden and post-operative patients for a few reasons - wound healing, preventing bedsores, epithelial ulcers, as well as helping prevent muscular atrophy.
Gotu kola's beneficial effect on the venous system is of great help to people suffering from problems such as varicose veins, gastric ulcers, phlebitis, haemorrhoids, etc. by strengthening the capillaries and veins and in so doing assisting with better blood circulation.
With Gotu kola's effect on connective tissue leads to thickening of the skin (a great anti-aging property - as we age our skins become thinner), increasing the tensile strength of the flesh, wound healing, repair of damaged tissue as well as promoting hair and nail growth.
Gotu kola was found to have a significant healing effect when used after episiotomy - a surgical cut of the vulva to prevent tearing during childbirth.
Other anti-aging properties that Gotu kola is said to promote is an increase in haemoglobin, and a decrease of urea and acid phosphate levels in the blood.
Gotu kola has also shown great promise in improving mental retardation and increasing IQ.
Gotu kola has been used for centuries in the treatment of liver and kidney problems, and has once again become popular as an alternative treatment for people suffering from hepatitis as well as alcoholic liver disease.
Gotu kola assists with destroying toxic accumulation in the brain as well as the nerves, while it helps to clear the body from heavy metals as well as drugs - including recreational drugs.
Gotu kola is used to treat tumours and cancerous growths, without suppressing the auto immune system or creating toxic wastes.
Nausea has been reported at very high levels of intake of Gotu kola.
Gotu kola should not be taken internally as a supplement by children under 4 or breast-feeding / pregnant mothers. People taking sedatives should also not use Gotu kola as a supplement.