Gotu Kola

March 1, 2017Plant Profilesadaptogen, stimulant

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 

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!