What is gotu kola and what is it for?
The gotu kola or asiatic hydrocotyl (Hydrocotile asiatica), known in Hindi as gotu kolaconstitutes a first-rate Ayurvedic remedy, and has been used since ancient times to treat ailments as diverse as tuberculosisthe hemorrhoids and the leprosy.
The gotu kola is a modest, climbing plant or prostrate, with peltate leaves, crenate margins and tiny flowers, with white or pink petals. Is native to southern Indiatypical of swampy environments.
It is presented in dried plant for infusionbut more frequently in liquid extract, tincture, powders and the infusion for external use in poultices.
What are the properties of gotu kola?
The leaves and flowers of centella asiatica They contain an essential oil, triterpene saponins (asiaticoside, brahmoside), alkaloids (hydrocotiline), tannins, phytosterols, vitamin K and mineral salts (magnesium, calcium and sodium). Their virtues stand out astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and dermoprotective.
Triterpene derivatives stimulate the formation of fibroblasts, essential cells to repair tissues damaged by wounds or tears. In addition, they regulate the incorporation of collagen into the skin and stimulate the hair and nail growth.
Centella asiatica for skin
All this explains the effectiveness of centella preparations to protect, repair and firm skin tissue, in the healing and relief of burns, scalds, eczema, wrinkles, stretch marks, pimples, scratches, wounds, sores and ulcers.
Centella asiatica for the eyes
Preparations with gotu kola are also indicated on mouth and corneal ulcersin parendopathies, conjunctivitis and keratitis or inflammation of the cornea, and are part of the formulation of several mouthwashes and eye drops.
Centella asiatica for circulation
The spark, like venous tonicis very active in case of venous insufficiency, for the treatment of varicose veins, phlebitis, hemorrhoidsnumbness of hands and feet, tingling, crampsetc.
Centella asiatica for the brain
More recent studies, based on the knowledge of the ayurvedic medicinethey attribute properties as a nervous stimulantuseful to promote the memory and the ability to concentrate.
How to use gotu kola
Homemade tonic to regenerate damaged skin
There is an excellent astringent and re-epithelializing formula to wash and disinfect wounds that associates leaves from centella to yarrow, white horehound and thyme.
How to prepare it: Boil two tablespoons of the mixture per half a liter of water for 1 to 2 minutes, let it rest for another 10 and strain it. The wound is wet directly or compresses soaked in the infusion are applied.
Infusion with gotu kola for circulation
To improve poor circulation and stimulate venous return You can prepare a mixed infusion of gotu kola, red vine, ginkgo and witch hazelin equal parts.
How to prepare it: Add a tablespoon of the mixture to each glass of water, boil it for 1 or 2 minutes, let it rest and strain it. This infusion is taken twice a day, on an empty stomach.
Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”