Gotu Kola Facts

Gotu Kola is a member of the same family as Carrot and Dill and is native to northern Australia. Gotu Kola is a popular medicinal herb in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines.

The stems of the Gotu Kola are thin and creeping and the plant flowers with small pinkish to red flowers.

Gotu Kola Benefits

A few interesting beliefs and thoughts about can be found including other names. Gotu Kola is also called Indian Pennywort and thought to be named such because the leaves are about the size of a British penny. It is thought that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived to over 250 years by taking Gotu Kola along with other herbs.

Gotu Kola has been used medicinally for thousands of years and is thought to heal wounds and skin conditions including leprosy. Gotu Kola is still used today medicinally to treat ailments, stimulate memory and general wellness. Gotu Kola is often confused with the Kola nut; however, there is no relation and Gotu Kola does not contain caffeine.

Gotu Kola Tea

Gotu Kola tea is prepared by steeping 1 teaspoon dried herb in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 – 10 minutes.

Gotu Kola Uses & Herbal Remedies

Gotu Kola can be used topically to treat and speed the healing of wounds and to lessen scars. Gotu Kola has been shown to be effective in speeding the recovery from an episiotomy as well as hemorrhoid tears at the anus.

Gotu Kola has been used to lessen varicose veins and is proving to be an effective treatment.

Gotu Kola tea is thought to decrease anxiety and increase mental clarity.

Gotu Kola is often used in meditation and spiritual works and is said to open the crown chakra as well as balancing the right and left sides of the brain.

Gotu Kola has been used with children suffering from attention deficit disorder by relaxing the overactive nervous system and promoting focus.

Gotu Kola Side Effects & Cautions

Gotu Kola should not be used during pregnancy and there are insufficient studies to verify its safety in breastfeeding mothers.

Gotu Kola should not be used by persons with overactive thyroids.