Gotu Kola: 13 Wonderful Benefits of Gotu Kola, Uses, How To Consume & Side Effects

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) also known as Brahmi is a medicinal herb with various benefits. The leaves of the plant are prized for its uses and are made into gels, creams, capsules, supplements and ointments.  It has been used in Tai-chi and Ayurvedic sciences to improve cognitive functions and promote healing. The herb also improves potency of sex hormones and lowers inflammation.

Benefits of Gotu Kola (Brahmi)

1. Promotes hair growth

Gotu Kola is known to reduce stress and free radicals and hence prevent hair loss. To improve hair growth, a mixture of gotu kola along with false daisy, basil and amla can be applied on hair.

2. Benefits skin

Antioxidants and saponin present in the herb reduces scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and blemished on the skin. It is also helpful as an anti-aging medicine.

3. Assists in healing wounds

Gotu Kola or Brahmi has several organic compounds that stimulate blood flow to the cells and protect against infections. It therefore, speeds up the healing process of a surgery scar or any other type of scar.

4. Boosts blood circulation

Gotu Kola protects and strengthens walls of blood vessels and capillaries while stimulating blood flow. This optimizes the circulatory system and provides oxygen in different parts of the body preventing swelling, heaviness in leg and pain. It also prevents blood clotting.

5. Treats skin disorders like psoriasis

The effect of Gotu Kola is not very potent in this case but might be helpful in treatment of psoriasis.

6. Anti-inflammatory

Gotu has anti-inflammatory properties which fights bacterial infections and reduces pain and swelling.

7. Cures stomach ulcers

Gotu Kola works as anti-gastric ulcer drug because of the asiaticoside component present in it.

8. Treats anxiety and depression

Gotu kola increases serotonin and dopamine levels thus decreasing signs of depression, despair and anxiety.

9. Boosts cognitive functions

Antioxidants present in the herb stimulate neural pathways and have a positive impact on the circulatory system which boosts cognitive functions.

10. Prevents nervous disorders

Gotu Kola calms nerves, induces sleep and enhances mood. It has a powerful effect on improving the quality of life and its anxiolytic activity also helps people suffering from epilepsy.

11. Improves memory

Gotu kola has been used for a very long time in Ayurvedic medicine to improve memory. It’s memory enhancing property also helps in treating diseases like Alzheimer and dementia.

12. Detoxification of the body

The mild diuretic property of this herb is effective in removing excess toxins, salts and fat through urination. It improves gut, colon and kidney health, keeping energy levels high and balancing fluids.

13. Enhances sex drive

Gotu Kola increases libido and energy thus helping you improve your sex drive.

Also Read - Bael Benefits

Uses and How to Consume Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola can be consumed with water or can be made into tea. Other than consuming it as a tablet, the leaves of the plant or a powdered form can also be used in order to prepare a skin or hair mask.

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Gotu Kola Nutritional Value

Dosage of Gotu Kola

1000 mg of Gotu Kola per day in a capsule form can be taken. Gotu Kola tea can also be made with 1 gm per cup of the herb.

Side Effects of Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola has interactions with several medicines, hence, it must be taken under professional guidance. Other precautions and side effects are as follows:

• Should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women
• People undergoing surgery should avoid it
• People having liver diseases should avoid it
• Some people might face an allergic reaction like redness, itching and hives on skin
• Upset stomach, nausea and strangely coloured stool might also occur
• Dizziness, drowsiness and headaches are also possible side effects
• Children must avoid using the herb
• Diabetic and cholesterol patients must avoid its use
• People using sedatives for sleep and anxiety must avoid its use

Buyer’s Guide for Gotu Kola

Brands Available

• Himalaya
• Herbal Hills
• Organic India
• Narayani Naturals
• Geo-Fresh
• Now Foods
• Planet Ayurveda
• Naturz Ayurveda
• Nature’s Answer

Where to Buy

• 1mg
• Biovea IN
• iHerb
• Shop healthy

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