Gotu Kola Scientific Name
Centella asiatica
Gotu Kola Other Names
English: Cella, Goyu cola, Goyu kola, Indian pennywort, Marsh pennywort, Pennyweed, Sheeprotm, Spadeleaf
Spanish: Hierba de clavo, Sombrerito
French: Écuelle d’eau, fausse violette, Hydroctyle asiatique
Chinese: Ji xue cao
Spanish: Hierba de clavo, Sombrerito
French: Écuelle d’eau, fausse violette, Hydroctyle asiatique
Chinese: Ji xue cao
What is Gotu Kola?
Gotu Kola is an herb that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The part of the Gotu Kola plant that is above-ground is used to make medicine. Gotu Kola has also been known to aid burns and help to increase circulation, but it could lead to varicose veins if used excessively. Additionally, Gotu Kola is used to minimize the visibility of scars, stretch marks, and many other conditions but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Common forms of Gotu Kola
Powder, liquid extract, capsules
Gotu Kola is commonly used for:
- Boosting cognitive function
- Cellulite
- Hangover (Veisalgia)
- Treating Alzheimer’s disease
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Acting as an antidepressant
- Improving circulation and reducing swelling
- Easing insomnia
- Reducing the appearance of stretch marks
- Promoting wound healing and minimize scarring
- Realing joint pain
- Creating detox effect
- Poor Circulation
- Varicose Veins
Gotu Kola Dosage
Extract: 60mg orally two to three times daily
Dried leaves: 600mg orally three times daily
Tea: 1 cup orally three times daily; 600 mg dried leaves/150 ml water
Dried leaves: 600mg orally three times daily
Tea: 1 cup orally three times daily; 600 mg dried leaves/150 ml water
Gotu Kola Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: If you have liver disease, it is best to avoid gotu kola supplements to prevent further injury or damage.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Not known.
Warnings:
Do not use Gotu Kola if you are pregnant, are breastfeeding, have hepatitis or other liver disease, have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks, are under 18 years of age, or have a history of skin cancer. Gotu Kola contains chemicals that appear to decrease inflammation; therefore, decrease the blood pressure in veins. Gotu Kola also seems to increase collagen production, which can be important for wound healing. Gotu Kola may cause itchiness and redness.
When taken by mouth: Gotu Kola is mostly safe for most people when taken by mouth for up to 12 months. It can cause nausea and stomach pain. Rarely, gotu kola may also cause liver problems if taken by mouth.
When applied to the skin: Gotu Kola is mostly safe for most people when applied to skin for up to 10 weeks.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Not known.
Warnings:
Do not use Gotu Kola if you are pregnant, are breastfeeding, have hepatitis or other liver disease, have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks, are under 18 years of age, or have a history of skin cancer. Gotu Kola contains chemicals that appear to decrease inflammation; therefore, decrease the blood pressure in veins. Gotu Kola also seems to increase collagen production, which can be important for wound healing. Gotu Kola may cause itchiness and redness.
When taken by mouth: Gotu Kola is mostly safe for most people when taken by mouth for up to 12 months. It can cause nausea and stomach pain. Rarely, gotu kola may also cause liver problems if taken by mouth.
When applied to the skin: Gotu Kola is mostly safe for most people when applied to skin for up to 10 weeks.
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