Are you over-stressed, anxious, depressed? These properties make topical application useful for minor wound healing, burns, psoriasis, stretch marks, scars, cellulite, and scleroderma. Gotu kola acts like a traditional brain tonic, offering many neuroprotective and mental health benefits.
Gotu kola activates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF , a protein that acts like fertilizer for your brain, encouraging new brain cell formation.
Gotu kola also increases nerve growth factor NGF , a protein which stimulates the growth of new nerve cells and safeguards existing ones.
Gotu kola is well regarded for its ability to improve circulation. This is important because maintaining optimal brain circulation is one of the most important things you can do to keep your brain healthy and fit. A steady flow of blood to the brain delivers life-giving oxygen and nutrients and removes carbon dioxide, toxins, and other waste products. Most plants have some antioxidant capacity, but gotu kola excels as a neuroprotective antioxidant.
Studies show that it protects the brain from neurotoxins like lead, arsenic, aluminum, and glutamate. Glutamate is also found in some foods, especially those that contain added monosodium glutamate MSG. Gotu kola protects the brain from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radical damage, also known as oxidative stress, occurs when unattached oxygen molecules attack cells, in much the same way that they attack metal, causing it to rust. Research indicates that gotu kola increases levels of the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, while reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
By bringing balance to these brain chemicals, gotu kola can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Chronic inflammation of the brain is now thought to be an underlying cause of depression. In human studies, gotu kola increased calmness, contentedness, and alertness and significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
It has been shown to lower symptoms of anxiety and stress in persons with generalized anxiety disorder. Gotu kola significantly reduces the startle response caused by sudden noises within minutes after ingestion.
Since the acoustic startle response is a reliable way to tell if someone is anxious, this is another indicator that this herbal remedy may be useful for treating anxiety. Researchers have found that one bad night of sleep can impair your mental faculties as much as being drunk. Chronic insomnia is a common modern malady, but the usual solution, sleep medication, is a bad idea since it robs you of restorative sleep and can cause significant memory loss.
We hear this question often. Gotu kola is also a good source of dietary fiber, providing 8 percent of the RDI for women and 5 percent of the RDI for men. It distinctive sweet and bitter flavor and a slight grassy scent. Gotu kola is a central ingredient of one of Sri Lanka's most popular dishes, gotu kola sambol , which combine shredded gotu kola leaves with shallots, lime juice, chili, and grated coconut.
It is also used to make Indian curries, Vietnamese vegetable rolls, and a Malaysian salad called pegaga. Fresh gotu kola can also be juiced and mixed with water and sugar to create the Vietnamese beverage nuoc rau ma.
Fresh gotu kola is difficult to find in the United States outside of specialty ethnic grocers. When purchased, the lily pad-shaped leaves should have a bright green color without any blemishes or discoloration. The stems are edible and similar to that of cilantro. Fresh gotu kola is temperature-sensitive and can quickly turn black if your refrigerator is too cold. If not used immediately, you can place the herbs in a glass of water, cover with a plastic bag, and refrigerate.
Fresh gotu kola can keep this way for up to a week. If chopped or juiced, gotu kola should be used immediately as it can quickly oxidize and turn black. Gotu kola supplements are available in most health food stores and shops that specialize in herbal remedies. Gotu kola can be taken in capsule, tincture, powdered, or tea form. Ointments containing gotu kola are available to treat wounds and other skin problems. Although side effects are rare, some people taking gotu kola may experience upset stomach, headache, and drowsiness.
Gotu kola is metabolized by the liver. If you have liver disease, it is best to avoid gotu kola supplements to prevent further injury or damage. Long-term use may also induce liver toxicity. Also, be aware that gotu kola's calming effect may be amplified when taking sedatives or alcohol. Avoid taking gotu kola with Ambien zolpidem , Ativan lorazepam , Donnatal phenobarbital , Klonopin clonazepam , or other sedatives as this can lead to extreme drowsiness.
Due to the lack of research, gotu kola supplements should be avoided in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. How do you take a gotu kola supplement? There are no guidelines as to the appropriate use of gotu kola for medicinal purposes. Due to the risk of liver injury, the supplements are intended for short-term use only. Most manufacturers recommend no more than a milligram dose taken twice daily for 14 days. Others believe that doses of up to 2, milligrams per day are safe and effective for treating occasional bouts of anxiety.
What should I look for when buying a gotu kola supplement? Dietary supplements are not required to undergo the rigorous research and testing that pharmaceutical drugs do. Because of this, the quality can vary significantly. While many vitamin manufacturers will voluntarily submit their products for testing by an independent certifying body like the U.
Pharmacopeia USP. With respect to gotu kola, the plant is known to absorb heavy metals or toxins in the soil or water in which it was grown. To ensure quality and safety, only buy supplements from a reputable producer whose brand name you recognize.
If a product is labeled organic, check that the certifying body is one registered with the U. If you're considering taking a gotu kola or medicinal purposes, speak with your healthcare provider first.
Self-treating a condition and avoiding standard care may have serious consequences. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Hashim, P. Centella asiatica in food and beverage applications and its potential antioxidant and neuroprotective effect.
Int Food Res J. Pharmacological review on Centella asiatica: A potential herbal cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci.
You may be able to avoid mild side effects by starting with a small amount and gradually increasing the dosage over time. If you begin experiencing any unusual or prolonged side effects, discontinue use and see your doctor. Certain vitamins and fatty acids may help prevent memory loss. Learn what recent clinical studies have to say about vitamins and memory loss. An introvert is often thought of as a quiet, reserved, and thoughtful individual.
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Get the details on symptoms, treatments…. Plus, they make great gifts for stressed-out friends…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Keep reading to learn how gotu kola may help improve your overall health and well-being. It may help boost cognitive function. It may help reduce anxiety and stress. It may act as an antidepressant. It may improve circulation and reduce swelling. It may help ease insomnia.
It may help reduce appearance of stretch marks. It may promote wound healing and minimize scarring. It may help relieve joint pain. It may have a detox effect. Potential side effects and risks. The bottom line. Read this next. What an Introvert Is — and Isn't. Medically reviewed by Kendra Kubala, PsyD.
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