Gotu Kola – 10 amazing health benefits

The health benefits offered by Gotu kola include, among others, accelerating wound healing, improving skin health, increasing cognitive skills, alleviating anxiety-related nervous disorders, treating respiratory problems, cleansing the body, protecting the heart and supporting the circulatory system.


Gotu kola - Asian pennywort

It is highly probable that you have not had contact with this inconspicuous plant so far. Nothing lost yet! In the articles below, we will show you a number of health benefits that this little-known herb is able to bestow on you.

Gotu kola, or the Asian pennywort, has been used in traditional medicine in India, China and Africa for centuries. In the scientific literature, however, it appears under the Latin name Centella asiatica. It grows in wet, humid and warm areas (climate is definitely tropical). Blooms with tiny flowers of white or pale pink. However, the most important part of the plant are its leaves with a characteristic, round shape, reminiscent of small clouds.

In addition to medical use, gotu kola is also a frequent visitor in oriental cuisine. It is added to salads, soups. Also, liquors are made of Gotu Kola.

Stems and leaves of the gotu kola can be used alone as a medicine or with the addition of leaf extract, which is characterized by the highest concentration of all active ingredients in the Kola. You can also make gels, creams, capsules, ointments and other forms from it to treat almost any ailment, from anxiety disorders to cardiovascular diseases. The high concentration of unique triterpenoid compounds (also known as saponins) that can be found in it is responsible for its powerful healing properties.

Now let's look at some of these impressive health benefits of Gotu kola.


1.
Wound treatment

Leaves and stems have long been used in topical skin treatment. Saponins and other organic compounds found in the plant stimulate the healing process at the wound site. By stimulating the flow of blood to the cells and protecting against infections, it can accelerate the healing and regeneration of skin damage.


2.
Skin health

Saponins contained in gotu kola are particularly effective in improving the appearance and condition of the skin. Many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies are interested in it because of the ability to reduce the visibility of scars, reduce wrinkles and other imperfections. In particular, it inhibits the accumulation of scar tissue, thus helping to maintain beautiful skin even after injury or surgery. Its antioxidant activity, which reduces the signs of skin aging, is one of the reasons why Gotu kola becomes so popular in the west.


3.
Cognitive functions

Studies have shown a direct correlation between the consumption of gotu kola and the increase of cognitive abilities. The main explanation for the effect of this plant on the brain is the fact that it improves the functions of the circulatory system, the oxygenated brain works more effectively. Its properties and ability to reduce the number of free radicals make it often used in medicine in the production of supplements for the elderly. In addition, some studies have shown that it slows down the progression of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.


4.
Digestive system

Traditional medicine uses gotu kola to treat severe pain and stomach ulcers. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of leaves can clearly affect the comfort and health of the small intestine and large intestine.


5.
Circulatory system

Gotu kola can play an important role in maintaining the cardiovascular system in good condition. First of all, the gotu kola extract can strengthen the walls of the blood vessels that prevent blood leaks and optimize the circulatory system. Second, it stimulates blood flow, which increases the oxygenation of various parts of the body and important organs, thus maintaining their function at a high level.


6.
Anxiety Disorders

Although the exact chemical properties of this plant are still being studied, there is significant evidence that the Gotu kola can have a positive effect on patients' anxiety problems. Studies have shown that it reduced the frequency and severity of anxiety attacks and episodes in a group of people who suffered from any form of GAD (general anxiety disorder).


7.
Cleansing the body of toxins

Aswan has long been known as a slightly diuretic substance and therefore can stimulate the excretion of unnecessary toxins, salt, water or fat from the body by urinating. This makes it easier to work on the kidneys and generally remove toxins faster from the body, and at the same time allows us to maintain energy and fluid balance.


8.
Blood pressure

Studies combine the Asian rarities with a reduced risk of many diseases, including congestive heart failure. This plant also has a good effect on blood pressure. Thanks to the relief of tension in the arteries and blood vessels, the pennywort regulates blood pressure and facilitates the work of the cardiovascular system. It prolongs the "life cycle" of the heart and prevents atherosclerosis of the arteries, heart attacks or strokes.


9.
Nervous disorders

The soothing influence of the Asian pennywort can reduce stress and promote healthy sleep. For people suffering from ailments such as epilepsy or premature regular aging, the addition of a pennywort can positively affect the quality of their lives.


10.
Sex drive

There is colloquial evidence that the pennywort was used to increase energy in the bedroom. Increased libido is often a side effect of other herbal medicines and the Asian pennywort is no exception. In addition to reducing mental fatigue and increasing energy stores in the body, pennywort can also help re-ignite your relationship.Note at the end: An allergic reaction to the pennywort is manifested by redness, itching or skin urticaria. It can also cause stomach upset, nausea or stool in a strange color. Drowsiness is another possible side effect. These symptoms are rare, but the combination of compounds in the sparrow is unusual, so talk to your doctor or herbalist before eating.

Sources

  • http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/7855
  • http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4899-1367-8_1
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151377/
  • http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.5110/abstract
  • http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/18431001
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320503011706
  • http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2003.01618.x/abstract
  • http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/10711131
  • http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/350588
  • https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb/49/10/49_10_1368/_article
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505010000077

 

Tags: Asian pennywort, blood pressure, brain, circulatory system, dietary supplements, gotu kola, health, healthcare, healthy products, libido, skin, supplementation, supplements, Toxins

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