Gotu kola is a popular herb in India that has been widely used for thousands of years as a remedy in revitalizing nerves and brain cells. It can also be used to treat skin ulcers and other skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory effects can improve the conditions of patients with arthritis and swollen ankles.
Listed below are the health benefits of this plant specific for your certain health conditions.
Memory Loss
Individual in their golden years can benefit from this plant, especially if they are suffering from memory loss and/or Alzheimer’s disease. The restorative tonic effect of this herb can improve mental decline that usually arises in old age.
Gotu kola can protect the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain. This will regulate the brain’s use of oxygen. With its reputation as a restorative tonic, it can be used to improve memory and concentration.
In 1992, a study was conducted to record the memory retention of rats that had been treated with this plant. According to the result, the rats’ memory retention was 60 times better than those in control animals.
In a human clinical trial, it was shown that disabled children who took this plant received higher scores in their intellectual achievement.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis and other skin conditions can be treated using this plant. It has been reported by many herbalists that gotu kola could trigger the regeneration of skin cells and their underlying connective tissue.
Your scars and wounds can also be alleviated through the saponins found in this plant. Saponins are known to provide beneficial effects on collagen. However, in the case of scarring, this plant inhibits excessive production of collagen to avoid scar formation. As a result, scarring can be kept to a minimum.
In burns and skin grafts, gotu kola is effective in minimizing scarring while it is useful in accelerating the healing process.
The scaly red welts found in psoriasis can be relieved through the use of a skin cream containing such herb.
Anxiety
A group of compounds in gotu kola known as triterpenoids can help ease anxiety symptoms. This is according to a study conducted in 2000. In a human experiment, healthy participants consumed gotu kola for a certain number of days. Researchers of such experiment reported that these individuals were less likely to react or startle by new noises. The researchers used acoustic startle response, wThich is a marker of anxiety. This study only suggests that this plant could help in lowering the symptoms of anxiety.
Mood Disorders
These disorders can also be relieved through consumption of this plant. In a small human study, adults who took this plant at highest dose had experienced improvements in their mood, memory and overall cognitive function.
Cellulite And Varicose Veins
Certain compounds of gotu kola can increase production of glycosaminoglycan, which are major components of connective tissues that hold deep level fat in the body preventing cellulite to occur.
An increased production of glycosaminoglycan can also be used to stabilize connective tissues surrounding the veins in the legs.
Clinical study conducted in Italy reported that patients suffering from high blood pressure in the veins had experienced increased oxygen and carbon dioxide transportation from the muscle tissues. As a result, it alleviated the high pressure.
However, you cannot use gotu kola in reducing the appearance of those ugly varicose veins. But you can use it to alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
Leprosy
Gotu kola has long been used as part of the treatment of leprosy. Apart from its healing properties, this plant also consists of anti-bacterial properties. According to studies, the asiaticoside of gotu kola could inhibit further growth of the bacteria-causing leprosy by damaging their cell walls. As a result, the body’s immune system is able to fight against the weakened bacteria.
Insomnia
The relaxing effects of gotu kola are beneficial in patients suffering from insomnia. Unfortunately, there are no human studies conducted yet to validate its effects and safety for human consumption.