Botanical Name: Centella asiatica, syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica | Family: Apiaceae
Common name(s): Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort
GROWING
- Perennial/Annual; herbaceous | Zone 8-11 | 6-8 inches tall | Greenish flowers sit underneath the leaves and bloom in early spring
- Partial shade to full sun | Rich garden soil preferred | Likes moisture | Propagate via root divisions or layerings. Hard to grow from seed.
- Common to India
HARVESTING
In the tropics, harvest during the growing season. If growing indoors, harvest year round. (Aerial parts are harvested.)
PREPARATION / DOSAGE
Infusion: Take 35ml, 2x/day (dose for rheumatism)
Tincture: 30 drops with water, 3x/day
Powder: Use 1-2 gram/day with water as a tonic
External: mix 2 teaspoons powder with 25 ml water and apply to skin.
Food: Can be used like other leafy greens.
Caution: can sometimes cause sensitivity to sunlight
MEDICAL
Constituents: Triterpenoid saponins, alkaloids, bitter principles
Actions: Adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, sedative, mild diuretic, peripheral vasodilator, stimulant, tonic, wound healer
Uses: Repairing tissues (promotes healing, reduces scarring), leprosy, eczema and other skin disorders, tones and strengthens veins, helps body respond to stress, strengthens memory and concentration, rheumatism
SOURCES
- Herbal Remedies, Andrew Chevallier
- Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Andrew Chevallier
- Homegrown Herbs, Tammi Hartung
- photo credit: eFF-BKK Gotu Kola ใบบัวบก via photopin (license)
I have no experience with this plant and had never even heard of it before my herbal studies. But it seems to be pretty powerful and diverse! Interested in learning more about it and if I ever get a greenhouse I will grow it!
