Gotu kola, also known as the “longevity herb”, is a staple in traditional Indonesian and Chinese medicine. It is believed that the herb effective for healing skin problems, boosting mental capacity, and promote kidney and liver health.
Gotu kola can be made into creams, ointments, gels, capsule supplements, and various other forms to improve overall wellness, including alleviating anxiety and heart-related health conditions. In fact, the herb’s potency is largely attributed to a high concentration of saponins, also known as triterpenoid compounds, present in it.
Health Benefits of Gotu Kola
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the impressive health benefits of gotu kola.
Boosts Blood Circulation
As a matter of fact, gotu kola plays two vital roles in the circulatory system. Firstly, the herb extract can help protect and fortify the walls of blood vessels and capillaries which, in turn, inhibit blood leakage and improve the functions of the circulatory system. Secondly, it encourages blood flow, which increases oxygenation in various body parts and essential organs in the body. Gotu kola also treats the health issues resulting from poor blood circulation such as pain, swelling, and leg heaviness.
Enhances Memory
Traditionally, gotu kola extract is used to enhance memory, and therefore, it can delay the effects of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and schizophrenia.
Treats Anxiety and Depression
Gotu kola is effective for treating anxiety as it can lower cortisol, the stress hormone as well as increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin. The herb is also effective for lowering the severity and number of anxiety episodes in people who suffer from some type of General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The anti-inflammatory capabilities of gotu kola can reduce the symptoms of depression too.
Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties
Gotu kola contains anti-inflammatory properties that help combat bacterial infections. The herb also helps in reducing the pain and swelling caused by inflammation.
Prevents Hair Loss
Gotu kola reduces stress and eliminates free radicals, which are known to lead to hair loss. Thus, to ensure hair growth, apply a mixture of aloe vera, Centella Asiatica, Eclipta Alba, holy basil, and Amla would do the trick.
Improves Cognition
Gotu kola extract oxygenates the brain and as such significantly boosts cognition. Due to its antioxidant properties, the herb helps to can stimulate neural pathways by removing free radicals and plaque from the brain.
Hastens Wound Healing
Organic compounds such as saponins present in gotu kola can help stimulate the healing process of wounds. It does this by stimulating the flow of blood to the cells and staving off infections, thus, speeds up the healing process.
Skin Care
Gotu kola is a rich source of antioxidants and has saponins which help improving skin appearance. In fact, pharmaceutical and companies make use of the herb because of its ability to reduce the appearance of spots, scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. In particular, it prevents the buildup of scar tissue, which helps maintain the youthfulness of the skin, even after a surgery or injury. Yes, gotu kola reduces the visible signs of aging.
Detoxifies the Body
Gotu kola is popular for being a mild diuretic that stimulates the elimination of excess fat, toxins, water, and salts from the body via urination. This elimination helps reduce pressure on the kidneys while keeping energy levels up and encouraging fluid balance.
Treats Psoriasis
Gotu kola is effective for preventing the production of skin cell. The herb can help treat psoriasis, which is actually a hyperproliferative skin disorder.
Prevents Blood Clots
Gotu kola helps prevent thrombosis or blood clotting. Yes, the treats thrombosis, which is a situation where blood clots in the blood vessels.
Treats Stomach Ulcers
Gotu kola contains a component known as asiaticoside. This component functions as an anti-gastric ulcer medication. As a matter of fact, it improves cell healing and reduces the incidences of ulcers.
Prevents Nervous Disorders
Gotu kola contains an anxiolytic activity which is effective for improving mood, relieving stress, and stimulating sleep, thus soothing the nervous system. People who suffer from disorders such as epilepsy can use gotu kola to enjoy the potent effect of the herb on their general wellbeing.
Enhances Sex Drive
Traditionally, it is believed that gotu kola can be used as an energetic boost for sex. The herb can effectively increase libido as well as eliminate mental fatigue in the bedroom.
Treats Cancer
Gotu kola’s anti-proliferative abilities are effective for curing some types of cancer, including breast cancer.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Gotu kola helps to relieve anxiety and tension in the blood vessels and arteries as well as control blood pressure and lower the tension on the heart. This protects the heart and inhibits diseases such as heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and strokes from happening.
Prevents Stomach Upset
Traditionally, gotu kola was used to cure chronic pain in the stomach, which may be as a result of gastric ulcers. This is a treatment option that is still regarded as viable as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb can evidently improve the gut and colon health.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Generally, gotu kola is well-tolerated. However, in some cases, it can lead to dizziness, headache, and upset stomach. Also, when applied topically, gotu kola could result in skin irritation.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, have liver disease, taking sedatives, have high cholesterol, scheduled for surgery, taking diuretics, under 18 years of age, or have skin cancer, should talk to their doctor before using gotu kola.
The Bottom Line
While gotu kola is generally considered safe for use, it is advised that people still check in with their doctor before use. To prevent potential side effect, the herb should not take the place of doctor-approved treatments.
Mild side effects can be avoided if the use of gotu kola is started in small amounts and the dosage is gradually increased over time.
