Gotu kola: Tonic and Medicinal remedy

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Gotu kola: Tonic and Medicinal remedy JoAnn Guest Mar 12, 2005 18:37 PST

Gotu kola

 

http://eatmoreherbs.com/zine/9_gotu_kola.html

 

Gotu kola has been used in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean for

centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy.

It is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics.

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Gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica)

Part Used: Entire herb

Properties: Alterative, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, blood purifier,

diuretic, nervine

Primary nutrients: Catechol, epicatechol, magnesium, theobromine,

vitamin K

 

Gotu kola has been used in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean for

centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy. It was believed to increase

longevity and improve energy.

 

Anciently, it was used to treat leprosy, calm the nerves, increase

mental and physical power, to stimulate and rejuvenate the brain, to

prevent nervous disorders, mental fatigue and senility.

 

Gotu kola is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics. A tonic is

a substance that works to put the body into balance or normality. To be

in balance means to work properly and to be in a healthy state.

 

An herbal tonic helps to promote an optimum state in the body systems.

Gotu kola helps to gradually build the nervous system as a nervous

system tonic. It has been used for many different ailments including

nervous disorders, deficient mental function, memory problems, epilepsy

and schizophrenia.

 

It works by cleansing and purifying the blood by neutralizing acids and

helps the body defend itself against toxins.

 

Studies have shown that the ingredient, asiaticoside, speeds the healing

of wounds. It is considered a blood cleanser and is also effective for

diseases of the lungs as well as leprosy. It stimulates the capillaries

and helps to improve brain function, varicose veins, and hypertension.

 

Gotu kola is often used to increase mental function and performance.

Many studies have confirmed the usefulness of gotu kola in improving

brain function. It is commonly prescribed in Europe and India to improve

mental function.

 

Research done in India found the water extract of fresh leaves to help

improve memory and learning. It was also found to help improve and

overcome the negative effects associated with stress and fatigue. 247

 

Other clinical trials in India have found that gotu kola can help

increase the I.Q. and mental ability of mentally retarded children. The

children involved in the study showed improved mental capacity as well

as improved behavior. It was given to the children in combination with

capsicum and ginseng. 248 This improved behavior and mental capacity can

help individuals with mental and learning disabilities to achieve a

higher quality of life.

 

Another study found improvement in the memory of rats when given the

gotu kola extract. The learned behavior retention improved dramatically

in the rats. The conclusion of the study was that gotu kola improves

learning and memory. 249

 

Some natural health professionals recommend gotu kola for ADD. Gotu kola

is considered food for the brain and nervous system and can help improve

brain function which is a condition common among children suffering from

ADD. Many have reported great improvement from using gotu kola such as

improved memory, mental alertness, and longer attention span. 250

 

Gotu kola was used anciently to heal wounds and soothe cases of leprosy.

251 Probably the first studies done using gotu kola were with cases of

leprosy. The asiaticoside content of gotu kola has been used for years

in Europe and the Far East to cure leprosy and tuberculosis.

 

252 Studies done recently on gotu kola have centered around this healing

ability. It seems to be able to accelerate the time to heal wounds and

skin diseases.

 

Gotu kola has shown to be beneficial in helping to repair tissue after

surgery and trauma.

It has the ability of strengthening the veins and repairing connective

tissue. It also nourishes the motor neurons. 251

 

Researchers in Madagascar began the modern studies on gotu kola in 1949.

An extract was injected into the leprosy patients directly on nodules

and ulcerated areas. The extract was found to aid in dissolving the

covering to promote eventual healing in the subjects. This opened the

door to the use of gotu kola for healing skin ailments. 255 There have

also been excellent results from studies done in treating burn patients

with second and third degree burns due to boiling water, electrical

rent, or gas explosions. The gotu kola extract helped limit the swelling

and shrinking of skin which is a result of burning. It reduced

infections and scarring and increased healing time. 256

 

Gotu kola contains two saponin glycosides known as brahmoside and

brahminoside which are known to promote relaxation. A study done on

animals showed large doses caused a sedative action.

 

 

PRIMARY APPLICATIONS Aging

Blood pressure, high

Fatigue

Hypoglycemia

Memory, loss

Nervousness

Arteriosclerosis

Circulation, poor

Heart problem

Leprosy

Mental problems

Senility

 

 

 

SECONDARY APPLICATIONS Blood, impurities

Dysentery

Headaches

Liver

Pituitary problems

Rheumatism

Tuberculosis

Veins, varicose

Wounds

Depression

Fevers

Insomnia

Menopausal symptoms

Psoriasis

Schizophrenia

Thyroid problems

Toxins, effects of

Vitality, lack of

 

 

 

This is brought to you by Louise Tenney Louise Tenney has dedicated much

of her life to the pursuit of natural approaches to health. She has

enjoyed immense success as an author, with her publications equaling

over 1 million sales. Louise attended Portland State University,

studying applied chemistry and biology, and earned her Master Herbalist

degree in 1986.

 

This article on Gotu kola is from the book

 

Today's Herbal Health

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

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