Gotu kola goes by many names. You may have heard it called Centella asiatica, Indian pennywort, brahmi, or spade leaf – but regardless of what you want to call it, this ancient plant is making a major comeback. Its continued popularity is attributed to its ability to provide optimal support for healthy-looking skin. Recently, doctors have taken on a new round of research to learn exactly why gotu kola may provide so many potential benefits.
Research into the properties of gotu kola (often called centella) have found that this plant provides amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and several phytochemicals. While modern science helps us to understand the importance of the properties that make up gotu kola, this medicinal plant has a long history – perhaps longer than any other similar antidote. There is even some evidence that gotu kola was used by prehistoric man.
The term gotu kola comes from Chinese medicine, where centella is listed as one of the miracle elixirs of life. The plant also has an extensive history in India (where it has many names, including brahmi), England (where it is known as pennywort for its penny-shaped leaves), and France. Many societies ingested gotu kola by making tea. When used this way, many people believed that gotu kola may support digestive challenges and reproductive health.
Modern Uses for Gotu Kola
Modern scientific research indicates that there are several potential benefits of using gotu kola for healthy-looking skin. For starters, a study from Kangwon National University in South Korea, indicates that when compared to other herbs, gotu kola is better able absorb into the skin for optimal support
A 2012 study from the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok examined the effects of gotu kola on different wound types in rats. While the study applied different varieties of gotu kola extracts the wounds, the results indicated that all extracts of gotu kola facilitate the wound healing process in both incision and burn wounds. Given this research, the potential for the healthy development of skin cells may be useful in humans, though further study would be necessary to validate these claims.
Aside from using gotu kola to support healthy-looking skin, research suggests that this medicinal plant may have several other potential benefits, including providing support for cognitive function. A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Alzheimers’s Disease suggests that gotu kola extract may provide a unique therapeutic mechanism and novel active compounds of potential relevance to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Further studies have found that gotu kola can provide support for feelings of relaxation, stress, and mood and behavior.
How to Use Gotu Kola
At Natural Healthy Concepts, we have several gotu kola extracts and complex blends, as well as gotu kola teas and supplements. We offer a wide selection of gotu kola products so that you are able to find something that will help you achieve your unique health goals. We also offer blends that include gotu kola extract as well as other ingredients to address specific needs, such as providing support for stress, memory, and cognitive function.
If you already use gotu kola, leave us a comment below to tell us about your experience. We’d love to hear what works for you!
