Hydrocotyle Ariatica
Historically, Gotu Kola is considered a prime nervine tonic as it promotes both mental clarity and calm. In India where Ayurvedic medicine is practiced, this plant is used to treat insomnia, stress, nervousness, disturbed emotions, and many nervous system disorders. Some yogis use the herb to assist them in their yoga and meditation practice. India, China, and other Far East countries also consider Gotu Kola a herb of longevity, and a proverb of India is “two leaves a day keep old age away”.
Gotu Kola is a nerve tonic and a brain food that both increases mental activity, while also acting as a mild tranquilizer. It improves blood circulation in the brain, which is an energy enhancer of those cells, and when used proactively can help avoid and treat a nervous breakdown. This plant is also useful in the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and loss of memory.
Modern Science
Modern science, while investigating its use in longevity and brain capacity, discovered that Gotu Kola is of great value in fever and inflammatory conditions. The most active constituents of Gotu Kola are triterpene, saponins, asiaticoside, Brahmoside, and Brahminoside. Asiaticoside, in particular, exhibits the wide range of antibiotic activity of the herb. It has been found to be in bactericidal, fungicidal, ameobacidal, insecticidal, and syphlitic skin diseases.
The latest research suggests that the asiaticoside in Gotu Kola is among the most promising treatments for one of history’s most devastating skin diseases, leprosy.
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The volatile oils in Gotu Kola produce a diuretic and blood-purifying effect by producing a purge stimulus in the kidneys. The volatile oils also contain cholesteremic steroids like Beta-sitosterol that help lower serum cholesterol levels. This plant is also beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Areas And Diseases Where Gotu Kola Can Be Beneficial:
Age Spots, Aging, Arteriosclerosis, Blisters, High Blood Pressure, Circulation to Brain, Clear Voice, Depression, Dysentery, Energy, Exhaustion, Mental and Physical Fatigue, Fever, Headaches, Strengthens Heart, Hypoglycemia, Inability to Concentrate, Insomnia, learning Problems, Leg Circulation, Leprosy, Liver, Longevity, Measles, Memory Problems, Menopause, Mental Troubles, Nervous Breakdown, Pituitary Gland, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Schizophrenia, Scrofula, Senility, Inflammatory Skin Conditions, Sore Throat, Spinal Meningitis, Stamina, Stomach Problems, Stuttering, Tonic, Tonsillitis, Ulcerations, Ulcers, Varicose Veins, Wound Healing
References:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley