Experience The Potential Benefits of Gotu Kola Tea

Theresa Groskopp

gotu-kola-teaGotu kola has a long history of use in many ancient systems of medicine, and today it's commonly used for several potential benefits. People rely on gotu kola for everything from memory support to relaxation. There are several ways to add gotu kola to your diet, but if you're a tea drinker, gotu kola tea could be the way to go. In addition to offering potential health benefits, gotu kola tea has a sweet, pleasant taste.

Why Gotu Kola?

If you stumbled upon gotu kola growing in the wild, you probably wouldn't think much of it. Characterized by its red flowers, this low-lying, creeping plant grows in swampy areas in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, and other tropical climates. In Sri Lanka, it is said that elephants feasted on gotu kola in the wild. Because elephants typically enjoy a long life - for some species, up to 70 years - gotu kola has gained a reputation as a promoter of longevity. It was thought that eating some gotu kola leaves each day may provide feelings of health and wellness in body and the brain. Many civilizations have used gotu kola roots and leaves to support circulation, healthy-looking skin, mental clarity, and more. Fortunately, today we can look to medical research to learn a little more about how gotu kola actually works. If you pull up a simple gotu kola search on Pinterest, you'll see that plenty of people are touting the benefits of using this plant for healthy-looking skin. That's not just a fad. A 2013 study in the international peer-reviewed journal Postepy Dermatol Alergol, concluded that Centella asiatica (Gotu kola) that support the development and maintenance of skin in several ways. The study note that there are mechanism of action in gotu kola that are involved in promoting fibroblast proliferation and increasing the synthesis of collagen as well as acidic mucopolysaccharides, increasing intracellular fibronectin content and mitotic activity in the germ layer, significantly improving the tensile strength of newly formed skin as well as by inhibiting the inflammatory phase of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Along those same lines, some people believe gotu kola can help the skin's appearance by minimizing varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins show up when blood vessels lose their elasticity, causing fluid to leak out of the vessels and blood to pool in the legs. This can also cause the legs to swell. According to the several studies (including one in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacological Research), gotu kola may support the circulatory system, including support for the normal appearance and function of veins at or below the surface of skin. While ancient civilizations used gotu kola to ease the mind and provide a sense of calm, we don't have sufficient modern-day scientific evidence to back up that claim. However, we do know that gotu kola contains chemicals called triterpenoids, which seem to ease feelings of nervousness and help promote mental function. One study found that people who used gotu kola were less likely to get startled by a new noise than those who didn't use gotu kola. Because this startle response can be a way to determine if someone is feeling nervous, researchers believe gotu kola may be able to help calm the nerves.

Potential Benefits of Gotu Kola Tea

You don't have to eat plain gotu kola leaves to gain these potential health benefits. Today, gotu kola extracts, supplements, and teas are available to help you achieve your health goals - and we have you covered in all of those areas. However, if you instinctively reach for a hot cup of tea when you feel under the weather or need help relaxing, you might consider trying gotu kola tea sometime soon. For starters, medical research backs up the potential health benefits of drinking tea. Of course, tea consumption isn't necessarily a magic bullet for perfect health; however, many teas have important properties that can support healthy stress levels, promote immune system function, and contribute to overall wellness. If you need help calming your nerves, clearing your mind, or simply promoting healthy-looking skin, research shows that gotu kola tea may be a great option for you. When shopping for gotu kola supplements, Natural Healthy Concepts offers several varieties of gotu kola tea that could help you tap into potential health benefits. Give it a try!
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About the Author

Theresa Groskopp

Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin,Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.

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