Gotu Kola
Parts Usually Used
Seeds, aerial parts
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A low creeping vine.
Where Found
Cultivated in the United States. Native to Asia and the South Pacific. Commonly grows in the Himalayas.
Medicinal Properties
Alterative, antipyretic, diuretic, febrifuge, antispasmodic, nervine, sedative, tonic
Biochemical Information
Catachol, espicatechol, magnesium, theobromine, and vitamin K
Legends, Myths and Stories
Gotu Kola was probably first used in India, where it is part of the Ayurveda, the traditional herbal medicine. It was also mentioned in the Shennong Herbal compiled in China about 2,000 years ago. In recent years it has become popular in the West. Probably the most important rejuvenative herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is said to increase intelligence, longevity, memory; it decreases senility and aging.
It fortifies the immune system, both cleansing and feeding it. Gotu Kola is used by yogis as food for meditation. A cup of the herbal tea can be taken with honey before meditation.
Uses
Historical herbalists characterized gotu kola as a mildly bitter herb and employed it as a diuretic to assist in eliminating excess fluids, as well as an astringent to shrink tissues. Traditional practitioners recommended it for addressing fatigue, stress, nervous distress, insomnia, and leg cramps, alongside generalized swelling in the legs. It was also historically utilized for colds, coughs, sore throats, tonsillitis, hay fever, rheumatism, and skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis.
Herbal traditions occasionally combined it with eclipta with the intent of encouraging hair growth. In various traditional systems, gotu kola was referred to as the "memory herb" and was regarded as a nerve tonic; practitioners administered it with the belief that it enhanced learning ability, supported circulation to the brain, and addressed confusion or forgetfulness. It was likewise traditionally associated with fostering mental calm and clarity, often serving as an aid during meditation and yoga practices.
Warning
Do not use during pregnancy. One manufacturer cautions to avoid this herb if an over-active thyroid is diagnosed. High doses can cause headaches or aggravate itching, and even temporary loss of consciousness.
Bibliography
, Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements , by James F.
D. and Phyllis A. , Special Sale Catalog, 1996