Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the skin and connective tissues.
Vulnerary: Promotes wound healing and tissue repair, making it beneficial for skin injuries, ulcers, and scars.
Circulatory Tonic: Improves circulation, particularly in the veins and capillaries, supporting vascular health.
Lymphatic: Stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce edema and promote detoxification.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress, reducing the impact of aging and environmental damage.
Diuretic: Increases urine production, aiding in the elimination of toxins and excess fluids.
Organ Affinities
Nervous System: Gotu kola is particularly beneficial for the nervous system, supporting cognitive function, reducing anxiety, and enhancing mental clarity.
Skin: Supports skin health by promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and improving the appearance of scars and wrinkles.
Circulatory System: Benefits the circulatory system by improving blood flow, particularly in the veins and capillaries, and supporting vascular health.
Connective Tissues: Strengthens and supports the health of connective tissues, promoting flexibility and reducing inflammation.
Uses
Cognitive Support: Used to enhance memory, focus, and mental clarity, making it beneficial for students, the elderly, and those under mental stress.
Anxiety and Stress: Employed as a nervine to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of stress and fatigue.
Skin Health: Promotes wound healing, reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and is used in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Circulatory Health: Supports vascular health, particularly in conditions like varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and chronic venous insufficiency.
Detoxification: Stimulates lymphatic drainage, aiding in detoxification and reducing edema.
Anti-Aging: As an antioxidant, Gotu kola helps to protect against the effects of aging, both internally and externally.
Preparation and Dosage
Tisane: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Gotu kola leaves per 1-2 cups of hot water for 15-20 minutes. Drink 1-3 times daily for cognitive support, anxiety, or general health.
Nourishing Infusion:fill a jar halfway with dried herb, pour hot water on top. Steep for 2-24 hours. Strain and drink 1-2 cups per day.
Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of a 1:5 tincture in 25% alcohol, 2-3 times daily for cognitive enhancement, stress reduction, or skin health.
Capsules/Tablets: Gotu kola supplements are available in capsule or tablet form. Follow the manufacturer's dosage guidelines, typically 500-1,000 mg daily.
Topical Use: Gotu kola can be applied topically as a cream, ointment, or infused oil to promote wound healing, reduce scars, and treat skin conditions.
Powder: Gotu kola powder can be added to smoothies, teas, or taken in capsules. Take 1-2 grams daily for cognitive support or skin health.
Contraindications
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as high doses of Gotu kola may stimulate uterine contractions.
Liver Conditions: Individuals with liver disease or those taking hepatotoxic drugs should use Gotu kola with caution, as it may affect liver function.
Surgery: Discontinue Gotu kola use at least two weeks before surgery due to its potential blood-thinning effects.
Sedatives: Gotu kola may enhance the effects of sedative medications, so use caution when combining with such drugs.
Materia magica
Spiritual Enlightenment: Gotu kola is often used in rituals and meditations to enhance spiritual awareness, intuition, and connection to higher consciousness.
Mental Clarity: Employed in spells and practices aimed at improving mental clarity, focus, and wisdom, particularly in matters of study or intellectual pursuits.
Longevity and Vitality: Associated with longevity, health, and vitality, Gotu kola is used in rituals for promoting long life and enduring strength.
Protection and Purification: Used in protective rituals to guard against negative energies and to purify the mind and spirit.
Planet:Mercury- Linked to Mercury, symbolizing intellect, communication, and mental agility, aligning with Gotu kola’s effects on cognitive function and mental clarity.
Zodiac Sign:Gemini- Aligns with Gemini, emphasizing themes of communication, learning, and adaptability, reflecting Gotu kola’s benefits for the nervous system and mental focus.