Because Gotu Kola is a rejuvenative nervine, it is often recommended for balancing the nervous system. Gotu Kola leaf & root contain key constituents that help the body to maintain healthy neurotransmitter function, while also promoting normal levels of mental alertness and a sound memory. Gotu kola also supports the body’s inherent ability to acclimate to temporary stress. Gotu Kola leaf & root have long been used to support the health of skin, hair, and nails in Asia, India and in other native cultures.

Numerous clinical trials have shown that Gotu Kola indeed has beneficial dermatologic effects by helping to help support the connective tissue that line many of the external surfaces of the body including the scalp and skin. These supportive actions include supporting normal integrity of skin tissue and connective tissue maintenance, healthy formation of connective tissue structural components, and healthy keratization of the skin. Because Gotu kola supports healthy connective tissue, it also supports blood vessel strength and integrity as well as normal circulation of blood.

Gotu kola contains essential oils, tannins, and saponins (also called triterpenoids) known as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acid.
Gotu kola is believed by alternative practitioners to have antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and memory-enhancing properties. It is widely sold as a dietary supplement in capsule, powder, tincture, and topical formulations.

Use: Gotu kola can be infused in hot water, 1 teaspoon for a cup for about 8-10 minutes
It should not be consumed by people with diabetes.

Caution! Goto kola interacts with drugs that act as sedatives of the central nervous system and therefore should not be co-administered. Increased sedation and drowsiness may occur. Do not use Centela if you are taking medicines that adversely affect liver function at the same time as there is an interaction and liver damage may occur.

The use of Gotu kola during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided due to lack of adequate data on its safety.