Gotu Kola benefits uses home remedies
What is gotukola and its benefits?
For centuries, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been celebrated in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and folk healing practices around the world. Often called the “herb of longevity,” it has gained new popularity in modern wellness circles for its ability to support memory, skin health, and stress relief. From old Sanskrit texts to modern medical journals, Gotu Kola continues to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science.
Latin Name: Centella asiatica
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Bengsag/ Brahmi booti
- Bengali: Thulkudi
- Tamil: Vallari Kirai
- Telugu: Sarasvathy Aku, Manduka brahmi
- Kannada: Ondelaga soppu
- Malayalam: Muttil
- Marathi: Karivan, Karivana
- Gujarati: Khanda Brahmi
- Punjabi:
- English : Himalayan Cedar
Sanskrit Names:
Mandukaparni – leaves resemble shape of frog
Manduki – available in moist places, similar to frogs, Herb information was propagated by Manduka Rishi (Sage), The herb spreads all over the ground like frog
Sarasvati – found in watery, moist places, improves intelligence
Mahaushadhi – One among the best medicinal plant
Tvashti – Mandukaparni is believed to be an abode of goddess Laxmi
Brahmi – This synonym is controversial as Bacopa monneri is identified as Brahmi.
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Gotu Kola
Ras
- Tikta (Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Pitta and Kapha dosha
Classical Categorization
In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as
- Vayasthapana : Group of herb that are used for anti aging treatment
- Tiktaskandha: Group of herb that have bitter taste.
- Prajasthapana: Useful to protect pregnancy
In sushrut samhita – It is categorized as
- Tikthvarga : Group of herbs having bitter taste
Health Benefits of Gotu kola
Helps improve memory & cognitive function
One of the most well-known gotu kola benefits is its potential to improve cognition and sharpen memory
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease revealed that gotu kola extract may be able to improve memory at the molecular level by enhancing the activity of a pathway that is associated with long-term memory formation.
Modern research suggests neuroprotective effects of gotu kola t may benefit in conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Useful in skin health & wound healing
Another remarkable benefit of gotu kola is its ability to repair skin cells and boost the health of your skin.
It effectively enhances antioxidant activity in your tissues. This aids in wound healing and skin regeneration. Antioxidants can help neutralize harmful free radicals. These are compounds that accumulate over time to cause oxidative damage and accelerate aging.
Helps to ease anxiety & depression
In addition to being good for your physical health, some studies have found that gotu kola could benefit your mental health, too.
This is because it possess anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. This means it can naturally inhibit anxiety, help treat depression, calm nerves and even act as a sedative to promote better sleep.
A 2010 study gave 33 participants 500 milligrams of gotu kola twice a day for 60 days. Not only did this cause a reduction in anxiety levels, but it also decreased level of stress and depression as well.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology produced similar findings and showed that elderly participants supplementing with gotu kola showed improvements in both mood and memory.
Aids in healing of Gastric ulcers
Gastric ulcers are sores that form on the lining of the stomach, esophagus or small intestine. They cause symptoms like pain, nausea and bleeding.
Some studies suggest that gotu kola can help prevent and treat these harmful lesions by strengthening the intestinal barrier and blocking damage from harmful free radicals.
In animal study it was found that the active compounds of gotu kola were able to decrease gastric ulcer size after just three days.
Paired with other gastric ulcer treatments, such as reducing stress, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding foods that irritate your stomach, gotu kola could aid in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers.
Improve circulation
Poor circulation can be a result of many different causes, including varicose veins, obesity, diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Decreases in blood flow can be behind symptoms like numbness, tingling and muscle pain.
Traditional treatments to help improve circulation include exercising, elevating your legs and avoiding long periods of immobility. Supplementation with gotu kola may also help, as it has been studied extensively for its unique ability to naturally improve blood circulation.
One study gave 87 participants with poor circulation a dosage of 30 milligrams or 60 milligrams twice a day for 60 days. This was found to significantly improve circulation compared to a placebo.
Actions (Karma) of Gotu kola in Ayurveda
Rasayana – anti aging, rejuvenating.
Bala- It improves strength
Varna – skin quality
Svara – voice strength
Agni – digestive power
Medhya – improves intelligence
It is useful in
Raktapitta – bleeding disorders like menorrhagia, nasal bleeding, bleeding per rectum etc.
Hrudya – good for heart, cardiac tonic
Kushta – skin diseases
Meha – Prameha – diabetes, urinary tract disorders
Jwara – fever
Shwasa – asthma, COPD, wheezing, breathing difficulty
Kasa – cough, cold
Aruchi – anorexia, lack of interest in taking food
Smrutiprada – improves memory
Vishahara – useful in treating poisoning
Shothahara – relieves inflammation
How to use Gotu kola
Gotu kola can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Decoction: To make the decoction you need 2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of coarsed powder of gotu kola. Now add this powder in 2 cup of water and boil till one glass is left. Then filter it, your decoction is ready.
- Dosage : 20 to 30 ml two times a day.
- Gotu kola powder: 1-2 teaspoon two times daily after meals
- Gotu kola fresh juice : 1o to 15 ml two times a day with equal quantity of water.
- Part Used : Whole plant.
What are the side effects of Gotu Kola
Like any other Ayurvedic herb devdaru is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Nausea
Dizziness,
Headaches
Skin rashes if taken in high doses.
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming gotu kola
Avoid consuming gotu kola during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use gotu kola in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using gotu kola. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use gotu kola continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store gotu kola in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Gotu kola
1. Gotu Kola Decoction to relieve stress
To make decoction you will following ingredients:
Gotu kola fresh leaves – 5 to 7
Water – 4 cups
Tulsi leaves – 4
How to make the decoction:
Boil all ingredients together in 4 cups of water until reduced to 1 cup. Strain and drink warm.
It helps to improve brain function, boost memory, calm the mind and relieves stress.
2. Fresh juice remedy to relieve cough
To make the skin paste you need following ingredients:
Fresh leaves of gotu kola : 250 gms
How to make the juice:
Take 250 gms of fresh leaves of gotu kola and wash it. Put it in juicer to extract juice. Now filter this juice and add little water to it. Drink 50 ml of this fresh juice in whole day with milk.
This juice is very effective in treating various respiratory problems such as chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, tuberclosis, and others.
This remedy is mentioned in ayurvedic text of Asthang hrudya in Kasa chikitsa chapter.
3. Promotes wound healing
To make the you need following ingredients:
Gotu kola powder – 2gms
Neem oil – 1 teaspoon
How to make the oil:
Mix both the ingredients and apply on wounds, cut, scars two times a day.
This remedy promotes wound healing and reduces mark .
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does gotu kola take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly gotu kola powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Conclusion
Gotu Kola is truly a bridge between ancient Ayurveda and modern medicine. From improving memory and reducing anxiety to healing skin and boosting circulation, gotu kola benefits has stood the test of time. But like any powerful natural remedy, it should be used wisely.
Whether as a tea, a paste, or part of your skincare routine, Gotu Kola can be a gentle yet effective way to bring balance and vitality into your life.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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