Benefits Of "Gotu Kola" Supplements
Benefits Of “Gotu Kola” Supplements
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| Benefits | Chemical & Nutrient Content |
Growing | Suggestions |
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Genus: Centella
Species: C. asiatica Also known as: Sheep rot, Indian pennywort, marsh penny, water pennywort, hydrocotyle Parts used: Leaves |
Gotu kola is excellent for both internal and topical application. It nourishes the mind-body connection. It also supports the formation of quality blood, bone marrow and nerves. It is used in Thailand for opium detoxification.
Herbalist traditionally used gotu kola like ginseng; to promote longevity and treat problems of aging. However, over time this herb became popular for both internal and external use to treat skin diseases, including leprosy.
Preliminary evidence suggests that gotu kola may be used to re-vitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration, and combat aging. It also has antioxidant properties.
Gotu kola has a sedative effect on laboratory animals; but this has never been reported in humans. It might, however, help fight insomnia; just don’t use more than the recommended amounts. The FDA considers gotu kola an herb of undefined safety.
As with all herbal nutrition supplements, gotu kola supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.
CHEMICAL & NUTRIENT CONTENT:
Catechol, epicatechol, calcium, magnesium, theobromine and vitamin K.
GROWING:
Several species of this herb grow in Europe. It was believed to cause foot rot in sheep, (hence, its once popular name sheep rot), though there is no evidence of this.
Although it is not cultivated in North America, several related species grow wild. It is related to carrot, dill, parsley, and fennel, but has neither the feathery leaves in the umbrella arrangement of small flowers. Gotu kola grows in marshy areas, has a creeping stem, produces fan shaped leaves and flowers develop near the ground.
SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs containing antioxidant actions include balm, basil, chaparral, comfrey, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, kelp, licorice, purslane, sage, and tea.
| A 3:03 video of a herbalist explaining why you should use gotu kola and what this powerful herb can do for you. |
