Gotu Kola

Gotu kola also known as Centella asiatica, is one of a group of herbs that is reported to be an overall herbal tonic for improving health as well as assisting in treatment and prevention of specific illnesses and conditions. The gotu kola medicinal benefits include:

• Treating conditions of the liver
  
• Rheumatism and arthritis treatment
  
• Varicose vein treatment
  
• Hypertension and blood pressure reduction
  

The benefits of gotu kola root are well known to herbalists and the most popular use of the herb is in combination with other natural products, gotu kola and varicose veins treatments. Gotu kola root is combined with other herbal components such as goldenseal, turmeric and garlic to produce a capsule formula that is taken daily. The gotu kola herb acts to improve blood circulation while strengthening veins, leading to a decrease in the appearance of varicose veins. Since gotu kola does work to increase circulation there may also be a use for combinations of gotu kola in diabetes treatments. Often gotu kola geranium moisturizer is used in combination to assist with the management of varicose veins, to aid in minimizing scaring of burns, cuts and wounds, as well as to rejuvenate the skin.

Gotu kola may also be effective in assisting with some memory functions. While gotu kola and elephant memory or long memory has not been researched completely, there is some preliminary indicates that it may be effective with ginkgo biloba in assisting with retention and memory. One of the most promising and interesting gotu kola facts are that it may assist with sleep in some people and be a mild sedative and relaxant.

There is some reported benefit to using gotu kola for pets in treatment of arthritis and pain and swelling. The exact dosage is not known; so only use herbal products on pets under the supervision of a veterinarian. The gotu kola negative and positive uses for pets are still being researched, but some studies have been promising.

There are few gotu kola side effects that have been reported, although guto kola warning when using with steroids has been recommended. As with any type of herbal supplement, always discuss taking gotu kola with your physician before you start taking the product, especially if you are on other herbal or prescription medications.