The plant known as Gotu kola (Centella asiatica L.) has been the focus of natural medicine enthusiasts for centuries due to its unique properties. Among its many benefits are its unique ability to regulate the nervous system, promote relaxation and reduce stress. As a result, it has become a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies to improve mental well-being and ensure restful sleep. Additionally, gotu kola is considered an outstanding adaptogen, which refers to a plant material that can help the body adapt to the daily stresses and pressures of life. Taking a closer look at the properties of this plant, it is clear that it can effectively contribute to internal balance and promote healthy sleep habits.
In a nutshell:
- For more than three millennia, gotu kola has served as a remarkable herb in Ayurvedic medicine. The plant is a key aid to the overall health of the body, with particular benefits for the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems.
- In addition to its wide range of health-promoting properties, gotu kola also exhibits beneficial effects on skin health. Its ability to accelerate the regeneration process is due to the stimulation of fibroblast and collagen fiber production.
- The benefits of gotu kola are well known, especially with regard to its effects on mental abilities. The herb stimulates the generation of new brain cells, resulting in an overall improvement in cognitive function. Additionally, it improves the ability to process thoughts, enhances memory and increases attention span. It is also an excellent option for those looking to enhance their creative abilities.
- Thanks to its strong adaptogenic properties and its ability to enhance the brain’s neurotransmitter economy, gotu kola effectively counteracts the negative effects of stress on the body. In addition, this herb helps regulate mood and affects emotional stability, making it a valuable tool for maintaining mental well-being.
- Gotu kola is a helpful companion in achieving inner peace and good sleep. It alleviates symptoms of mental fatigue, reduces anxiety and nervous tension, and helps achieve a state of relaxation of both the psyche and body. These attributes of gotu kola influence easier falling asleep and raising the standard of sleep.
Contents
- 1 Gotu kola – a gem native to Eastern medicine as a guardian of well-being
- 2 Gotu kola and the nervous system – helping to maintain psychological stability and reduce stress levels
- 3 Using gotu kola to improve sleep – why reach for Asian anthrax for insomnia?
- 4 Gotu kola and cognitive function – memory, concentration, high mental performance
- 5 Gotu kola supplementation effects. What ailments can Asian anthrax alleviate?
- 6 Use of gotu kola. How to properly dose and consume gotu kola?
- 7 Gotu kola as a balm for the skin. An invaluable solution for various skin problems
- 8 Contraindications and possible side effects associated with gotu kola supplementation
- 9 Gotu kola – cultivation
Gotu kola – a gem native to Eastern medicine as a guardian of well-being
The medicinal plant gotu kola, also known as tiger grass or Asian mustard, is highly regarded for its ability to restore homeostasis in the body. Its powerful adaptogenic properties have a positive effect on the central nervous system and can even stimulate the production of new nerve cells, ultimately improving mental performance. These remarkable properties have made gotu kola an essential component of traditional Indian medicine, known as Ayurveda, as well as other Asian healing systems, including Chinese medicine. Recently, it has also gained interest in Europe.
Gotu kola’s place of origin is Asia. The plant is firmly established in countries such as India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. It is also found in other areas of the world, including parts of Africa, Central and South America and Australia, where it is also cultivated. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic and herbal sectors are the main industries where gotu kola is used.
Gotu kola is mainly found in wetlands, moist grassy areas and in the vicinity of water bodies. It can also be found in rocky areas. The plant belongs to the celery (umbelliferous) family and is a perennial. It has an undersized, slender, creeping stem and small, kidney-shaped leaves that are dense and have crimson edges. The flowers are globular in shape, white or reddish and gathered in umbels.
Gotu kola is very versatile, as almost every part of it is used in industry, including roots, leaves, flowers and seed pods. The main ingredient used in the creation of herbal medicines and dietary supplements is the gotu kola herb, which includes all parts of the plant above ground,
The herb known as gotu kola has a number of beneficial health properties, as well as a unique composition. Its constituents include triterpenoids, flavonoids and asiaticoside, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and recovery-enhancing effects. In addition, gotu kola has been linked to improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety.
gotu kola’s active ingredients, such as madecassoside and asiaticoside, give it potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-edema and anti-aging properties. The same ingredients also exert beneficial effects on the skin, accelerating the regeneration process, stimulating the production of collagen fibers and soothing irritation.
Gotu kola contains flavonoids, which are considered one of the most essential ingredients for its health value. These flavonoids are responsible for beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. They strengthen and improve the function of blood vessels, while protecting cells from oxidative stress.
The medicinal properties of gotu kola are quite remarkable. The herb actively stimulates tissue regeneration and boosts the scarring process, which can lead to faster healing of stomach ulcers. Interestingly, studies have also shown that gotu kola has selective toxicity against cancer cells, making it a promising natural cure in the fight against cancer.
Gotu kola contains the following active compounds:
- triterpene saponins including: asiaticoside, tannoside, scefoleoside, braminoside, madecasoside and centelloside,
- monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes,
- asiatic acid,
- brahmic acid,
- alkaloids,
- coumarin compounds,
- essential oils,
- tannins,
- resins,
- phytosterols,
- flavonoids,
- polysaccharides,
- amino acids,
- Vitamins A, E, C and K,
- magnesium,
- potassium.
Properties of Centella Asiatica:
- anti-stress,
- adaptogenic,
- neuroprotective,
- antioxidant,
- anti-inflammatory,
- strengthening,
- regenerative,
- soothing,
- improving the digestive system,
- diuretic and support urinary tract health,
- anti-aging,
- protective for the cardiovascular system, strengthening the heart and blood vessels.
Gotu kola and the nervous system – helping to maintain psychological stability and reduce stress levels
The nervous system can reap the power of gotu kola’s benefits. Consistent use of this herb has shown positive results for mental health and well-being. Gotu kola is classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it enables the body to adapt to difficult and stressful circumstances.
As a result, it increases our resistance to stressors and subsequently reduces both physical and mental symptoms of stress, including sweating, racing pulse, hand tremors, irritability, concentration problems and more.
gotu kola has been shown to reduce cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, while reducing the sensation of stress. This allows it to better cope with the tensions of daily life, which can lead to an overall reduction in nervousness, mood disorders, irritability and insomnia.
Gotu kola is one of the most widely used herbs to restore emotional and mental balance and reduce stress. Its effectiveness in regulating mood by enhancing the mechanism of transmission of impulses between neurons makes the plant invaluable for those seeking alternative ways to maintain inner harmony.
Using gotu kola to improve sleep – why reach for Asian anthrax for insomnia?
For those experiencing sleep difficulties, Asian anthrax is a worthwhile herbal ingredient. Its adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-anxiety and mild sedative properties make it an effective aid in improving sleep quality.
The effect of gotu kola on the nervous system is to regulate neurotransmitter metabolism. Gotu kola normalizes levels of important neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are crucial for maintaining emotional balance. In this way, gotu kola helps stabilize mood and restore a sense of poise, calm and emotional stability. As a result, it counteracts sleep problems.
The effects of gotu kola on sleep are significant, especially in terms of its ability to reduce nervous tension. Nervousness, racing thoughts and anxiety are common elements that can hinder restful sleep. As an adaptogen, gotu kola is able to help the body cope with stress, resulting in faster sleep and calmer and more relaxing sleep. This in turn leads to a deeper and more restorative rest.
By regulating the nervous system, gotu kola increases sleep efficiency, which accounts for its growing popularity among people experiencing sleep difficulties. Its unique properties make it a valuable complement to other methods of improving overall sleep quality.
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Gotu kola and cognitive function – memory, concentration, high mental performance
The herb gotu kola has been found to initiate the production of new neurons and connections between them in the brain. This is achieved by activating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a specific protein that plays a fundamental role in the production of brain cells. By stimulating the growth of dendrites, which are fragments of neurons that transmit signals from other neurons, gotu kola also facilitates the expansion of neural networks.
Due to its unique properties, gotu kola enhances brain plasticity, thereby contributing to increased creativity and cognitive performance. In addition, gotu kola has been observed to be able to improve memory and concentration. The herb also shows protective effects on neurons, preventing free radical damage that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimera disease.
Gotu kola supplementation effects. What ailments can Asian anthrax alleviate?
gotu kola supplementation can improve overall physical and mental well-being. The herb provides many benefits to the body, including its ability to relieve high stress levels, mood disorders and sleep disorders.
It also helps fight inflammation and neutralize harmful microorganisms. In addition, it positively affects veins, arteries and heart function.
Centella Asiatica has also been used in cancer prevention. This is due to its high concentration of antioxidants, which are able to neutralize free radicals that can lead to the development of cancer cells. In addition, there are intriguing findings that suggest that aqueous extracts derived from this plant have a toxic effect on breast cancer cells. There is a possibility that these extracts may also be useful in the fight against skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
Gotu kola is a versatile herb that is used to treat a wide range of skin ailments resulting from various causes. These include bacterial infections, acne, ulcers and the natural loss of firmness and elasticity that comes with aging.
Gotu kola has the potential to provide beneficial assistance in treating various ailments, such as:
- excessive stress levels.
- Mood disorders (characterized by sudden and often unpredictable changes in emotional state, such as joy, sadness, anger and anxiety),
- anxiety and neurotic disorders.
- sleep-related problems (e.g., difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful and restorative sleep), may be categorized as sleep problems.
- The presence of infections, colds and inflammation,
- circulatory disorders (such as poor circulation in the lower extremities, irregular heartbeat, weakened blood vessels),
- venous problems such as varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency,
- hemorrhoids,
- blood pressure tending to spike,
- overwork, extreme physical or mental fatigue,
- significant physical or mental exertion,
- joint pain, joint stiffness,
- deteriorated work of the immune system,
- difficulty concentrating, decreased cognitive abilities,
- wounds that are difficult to heal,
- senior age,
- neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in the function and structure of neurons in the brain,
- skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, eczema.
Use of gotu kola. How to properly dose and consume gotu kola?
Gotu kola is available for sale mainly in capsule form. It sometimes also appears in stores in the form of dried herbs for brewing health-boosting infusions or as a powder suitable for mixing into smoothies, yogurts or vitamin supplements.
There are also quite a few multi-ingredient gotu kola preparations on the market containing various adaptogenic and nootropic elements. You can also find gotu kola extracts for sale online and in-store in the form of oral drops and liquids.
The amount of gotu kola that should be taken varies depending on the formulation and the doses of active ingredients present in 1 serving. Typically, the recommended daily dose of gotu kola is two capsules, equivalent to 600-1000 mg of powdered herb.
Gotu kola as a balm for the skin. An invaluable solution for various skin problems
Gotu kola is known for its remarkable properties for the skin and offers it a very wide range of support. It serves as a shield against harmful free radicals and other destructive elements, while nourishing and calming the skin. It also possesses strong anti-inflammatory, soothing and regenerative properties, thanks to which it soothes irritation and stimulates the wound healing process. In addition, it provides the skin with a revitalizing effect.
Gotu kola is equipped with strong skin rejuvenating properties. It has the ability to stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, leading to a noticeable increase in skin elasticity and tone.
In addition, it has the ability to counteract the formation of wrinkles. It can also help reduce the appearance of various skin imperfections, such as discoloration, wounds, ulcers, abrasions, burns, acne scars, cellulite and stretch marks.
Contraindications and possible side effects associated with gotu kola supplementation
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is not recommended to consume gotu kola. Also, people with serious liver or kidney conditions should refrain from using Centella Asiatica.
It is also not recommended to take this herb while being treated with medications such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. As a general rule of thumb, it is wise to consult a doctor before reaching for gotu kola if you are currently taking any medications or suffering from any medical conditions.
Side effects from the use of gotu kola occur occasionally. Cases of gastrointestinal discomfort, migraines and hypersensitivity reactions are extremely rare. Other symptoms have not been observed.
Gotu kola – cultivation
The process of growing Centella Asiatica involves several steps. First, the soil must be properly prepared, watered and fertilized to provide the plant with optimal growing conditions. Seeds are sown into the soil, and young plants should be carefully monitored and nurtured as they grow.
Through regular watering and pruning, the plants are encouraged to thrive and grow vigorously. Once the plants mature, they are harvested and processed to extract valuable bioactive compounds known for their numerous medicinal and therapeutic properties.
The ideal environment for gotu kola is fertile and constantly moist soil, regularly fertilized. The herb is best suited for semi-shade. It likes warm positions.
Also check out other sleep aid herbs:
- Heartwort
- Blister of swallowwort
- Baikal thyroid
- Common heather