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Gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica)
Gotu kola has been used in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean for centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy.
It is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics.
Part Used: Entire herb
Properties: Alterative, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, blood purifier,
diuretic, nervine Primary nutrients: Catechol, epicatechol, magnesium,
theobromine, vitamin K
Gotu kola has been used in India and the islands
of the Indian Ocean for centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy.
It was believed to increase longevity and improve energy. Anciently,
it was used to treat leprosy, calm the nerves, increase mental and
physical power, to stimulate and rejuvenate the brain, to prevent nervous
disorders, mental fatigue and senility.
Gotu kola is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics. A tonic is
a substance that works to put the body into balance or normality. To be
in balance means to work properly and to be in a healthy state. An herbal
tonic helps to promote an optimum state in the body systems. Gotu kola
helps to gradually build the nervous system as a nervous system tonic.
It has been used for many different ailments including nervous disorders,
deficient mental function, memory problems, epilepsy and schizophrenia.
It works by cleansing and purifying the blood by neutralizing acids and
helps the body defend itself against toxins.
Studies have shown that the
ingredient, asiaticoside, speeds the healing of wounds. It is considered
a blood cleanser and is also effective for diseases of the lungs as well
as leprosy.
246
It stimulates the capillaries and helps to improve brain
function, varicose veins, and hypertension.
Gotu kola is often used to increase mental function and performance.
Many studies have confirmed the usefulness of gotu kola in improving brain
function. It is commonly prescribed in Europe and India to improve mental
function. Research done in India found the water extract of fresh leaves
to help improve memory and learning. It was also found to help improve
and overcome the negative effects associated with stress and fatigue.
247
Other clinical trials in India have found that gotu kola can help increase
the I.Q. and mental ability of mentally retarded children. The children
involved in the study showed improved mental capacity as well as improved
behavior. It was given to the children in combination with capsicum and
ginseng.
248
This improved behavior and mental capacity can help individuals
with mental and learning disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life.
Another study found improvement in the memory of rats when given the gotu
kola extract. The learned behavior retention improved dramatically in the
rats. The conclusion of the study was that gotu kola improves learning and
memory.
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Some natural health professionals recommend gotu kola for ADD.
Gotu kola is considered food for the brain and nervous system and can help
improve brain function which is a condition common among children suffering
from ADD. Many have reported great improvement from using gotu kola such as
improved memory, mental alertness, and longer attention span.
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Gotu kola was used anciently to heal wounds and soothe cases of leprosy.
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Probably the first studies done using gotu kola were with cases of leprosy.
The asiaticoside content of gotu kola has been used for years in Europe and
the Far East to cure leprosy and tuberculosis.
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Studies done recently on
gotu kola have centered around this healing ability. It seems to be able to
accelerate the time to heal wounds and skin diseases.
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Gotu kola has shown
to be beneficial in helping to repair tissue after surgery and trauma. It has
the ability of strengthening the veins and repairing connective tissue. It
also nourishes the motor neurons.
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Researchers in Madagascar began the modern studies on gotu kola in 1949.
An extract was injected into the leprosy patients directly on nodules and
ulcerated areas. The extract was found to aid in dissolving the covering
to promote eventual healing in the subjects. This opened the door to the
use of gotu kola for healing skin ailments.
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There have also been excellent results from
studies done in treating burn patients with second and third degree burns
due to boiling water, electrical rent, or gas explosions. The gotu kola
extract helped limit the swelling and shrinking of skin which is a result
of burning. It reduced infections and scarring and increased healing time.
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Gotu kola contains two saponin glycosides known as brahmoside and brahminoside
which are known to promote relaxation. A study done on animals showed large
doses caused a sedative action.
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PRIMARY APPLICATIONS
Aging
Blood pressure, high
Fatigue
Hypoglycemia
Memory, loss
Nervousness
Arteriosclerosis
Circulation, poor
Heart problem
Leprosy
Mental problems
Senility
Depression
Fevers
Insomnia
Menopausal symptoms
Psoriasis
Schizophrenia
Thyroid problems
Toxins, effects of
Vitality, lack of
This is brought to you
by Louise Tenney
Louise Tenney has dedicated much of her life to the pursuit of natural approaches to health. She has enjoyed immense success as an author, with her publications equaling over 1 million sales. Louise attended Portland State University, studying applied chemistry and biology,
and earned her Master Herbalist degree in 1986.
This article on Gotu kola is from the book
Today's Herbal Health
M.H. Louise Tenney's best-selling title Today's Herbal Health is the ultimate herb reference guide, taking a comprehensive look at herbs and their healing potentials. The book covers both single herbs and herbs used in combinations, with up-to-date information on over 150 herbs. It contains comprehensive listings of herbs, ailments and body systems.
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