Centella asiatica
Common name: Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Indian Water Navelwort
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae (there is some debate)
Part used: Aerial parts
Habitat: A creeping perennial with reddish stems and kidney shaped leaves, Gotu Kola is native to India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Africa, Australia, China, and Indonesia.
Constituents: Triterpene saponins, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids.
Actions: Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anti-fibrotic, depurative, nootropic, nervine, venotonic, vulnerary
Traditional and current uses:
Gotu Kola has traditionally been used for reducing fatigue, anxiety, depression, improving memory and intelligence, venous insufficiency including varicose veins, wound healing, skin complaints and increasing longevity.
It is also used for the common cold and influenza, swine flu, sunstroke, tonsillitis, pleurisy, urinary tract infection (UTI), hepatitis, jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, dysentery, trauma, shingles, leprosy, cholera, syphilis, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, asthma, anemia, and diabetes.
Gotu Kola is also traditionally used for contraception, amenorrhea, elephantiasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), tuberculosis and as an aphrodisiac.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.
