Gotu kola or Centella asiatica is our August herb of the month! Centella asiatica is a herbaceous climbing plant belonging to the Umbellifere family (Apiceae). Gotu Kola is native to tropical and subtropical climates and thrives around water and in humid environments. It is commonly found in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Eastern Europe. The small green fan-like leaves are smooth and grow horizontally. It blooms with white or light purple, pink flowers and bears small oval fruits.
Traditional use
Gotu Kola is prized by Eastern Ayurveda healers and used to support longevity, balanced mood and blood circulation. India is known for documenting medicinal plants and Gotu Kola makes regular appearances for its vast therapeutic applications. “In the nineteenth century, Centella asiatica and its extracts were included in the Indian Pharmacopoeia, where it was recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions in addition to wound healing. Yoni steam has been used by Western midwives and Ayurveda practitioners for many years for women’s reproductive health. Gotu kola can be simmered in water, covered, and then used as a topical sitz bath or yoni steam, which can support rapid skin tissue recovery (especially after childbirth).
Modern usage
Gotu Kola contains flavonoids, triterpenes, polyacetylenes, phytosterols, tannins and volatile oils (Skenderi). This combination of powerful plant substances is responsible for the astringent effect of Gotu Kola and contributes to its rapid response to wound tissue. Flavonoids support the elimination of free radicals through the bloodstream and can support healthy collagen production. In herbal medicine, we cherish diffused herbs containing polyacetylenes for their ability to support healthy microbial balance and reach small spaces in the skin tissue. Combining this compound with volatile oils or essential oils creates a powerful diffuse team.
Buy Gotu Kola
It can be challenging to source native Eastern medicinal herbs, such as Gotu Kola, in today’s supply chain, yet I find success in building relationships with regenerative domestic farms.
I recently worked with an organic farm to grow WishGarden’s annual needs of gotu kola on a contract basis. Contract cultivation guarantees a reliable, high-quality and sustainable supply of plants for years to come.
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in Medical Herbalism. She owns it Blue yarrow herbs also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the purchasing and sourcing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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