Rumored to be the cause of the elephant's excellent memory, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is an herb to add into the back-to-school routine. Here's why:
1. Anxiety Axing: Gotu kola's effect on the nervous system is as calming as it is nourishing. Classified as a nervine and a nootropic, gotu kola provides subtle relief from anxiety.
2. Brain Boosting: Gotu kola improves circulation throughout the body, most notably the brain. Frequently used to improve a poor memory, gotu kola increases mental clarity and prevents irritability. Gotu Kola is often fed to Indian children before they go back to school (Groves, 2016).
3. Cut Care: Applied topically, gotu kola provides healing and strength to connective tissue, collagen , and the vascular system.
4. Hormone honing: As a mild adaptogen, gotu kola prevents the increase of cortisol and adrenaline making it a good mild option for long term stress reduction.
5. Perfect Pick-Me-Up: While calming, this herb also energizes without over-stimulating. In Thailand, gotu kola is used mid-day when energy is low.
How to use: Gotu kola is quite palatable and can be used dried or fresh. It can be used as a tea, tossed in salads and even smoothies. Or use 4-5 mL of 1:2 liquid extract.
Ironically, in Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola is used for insanity, making it all the more fitting to be used for this busy time of year. Best of luck in this new school year!
Safety: Gotu Kola should be used with caution during pregnancy. If taken in high doses it may cause headache or palpitations. It may increase the effects of barbiturates, sedatives, and analgesics (Winston &Maines, 2007). Gotu kola is listed by the American Herbal Products Association as a Safety Class 1 and as an Interaction Class of A. This means gotu kola has the highest safety rating and is unlikely to cause adverse reactions or interact with pharmaceutical medications.