BEST FOR MATURE SKIN

INGREDIENT FEATURES

antioxidant

antibacterial

collagen stimulating

USER BENEFITS

protecting

cleansing

firming

healing

active

The above-ground portions of Gotu Kola are used for their rejuvenating properties such as strengthening connective tissue and stimulating collagen production. It also promotes wound and scar healing by stimulating cellular mitosis; increases protein growth in the skin; and promotes tensile integrity of the tissue. Gotu kola is used topically to help burns, eczema, psoriasis, varicose veins, and in scalp oils to deter baldness. Its properties for skin include: antibacterial, antisporiatic, vulnerary, and contains many antioxidants. Gotu kola’s active constituents are gingerols, which have analgesic, sedative, antipyretic (fever reducing) and antibacterial effects; and saponins (also called triterpenoids), which beneficially affect collagen, flavonoids and terpenes. It is often used in baths, salves, lotions and moisturizers. It may also be taken internally in the form of tea, tincture or capsules to treat age spots, burns, dermatitis, eczema, leprosy, psoriasis and scars (even the keloid variety). Gotu kola even boosts mental activity, and helps nervous disorders.

Introduction

Gotu Kola, also known as Indian Pennywort is one of the most widely used and important Ayurvedic herbs on the market today. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is thought to be one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda. It is also thought to increase psychic sensitivity. This ground cover species is weed like, especially in parts of India and Hawaii where it grows prolifically in unusual conditions, such as drainage ditches, gutters and neglected areas. Don’t let its wild predomination scare you, Gotu Kola is also one of the largest cultivated crops in India and thrives under organic farming conditions. While popularly used as a food source rich in vitamin C in the form of leafy greens within Bangladesh, Thailand and Sri Lanka it also has been internationally recognized within many countries pharmacopoeias and has been a valid, recognized, botanical medicine since 1884.

Constituents

Mainly consisting of triterpenoid saponins, sapogenins

Parts Used

Leaf. Either fresh or dried.

Typical Preparations

Tea from the dried leaves, encapsulated dry leaf, liquid herbal extract and, using fresh leaves from your garden in your salads, beverages and medicines.

Summary

Gotu Kola is popularly used as a food source within Bangladesh, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. It is rich in vitamin C, and is often served with rice, curries, and other vegetarian dishes. It also has been internationally recognized within the pharmacopoeias of many countries as a valid, botanical medicine since 1884. It is used to support healthy veins and circulation. It is also used externally for minor wounds and burns. The herb is traditionally used to promote calmness and relaxation, but there is little clinical data to support this. One study did however show that gotu kola attenuates the acoustic startle response in healthy subjects.