Gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica)
Gotu kola has been used in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean for centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy. It is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics.
Part Used: Entire herb
Properties: Alterative, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, blood purifier, diuretic, nervine
Primary nutrients: Catechol, epicatechol, magnesium, theobromine, vitamin K
Gotu kola has been used in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean for centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy. It was believed to increase longevity and improve energy. Anciently, it was used to treat leprosy, calm the nerves, increase mental and physical power, to stimulate and rejuvenate the brain, to prevent nervous disorders, mental fatigue and senility.
Gotu kola is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics. A tonic is a substance that works to put the body into balance or normality. To be in balance means to work properly and to be in a healthy state. An herbal tonic helps to promote an optimum state in the body systems. Gotu kola helps to gradually build the nervous system as a nervous system tonic. It has been used for many different ailments including nervous disorders, deficient mental function, memory problems, epilepsy and schizophrenia. It works by cleansing and purifying the blood by neutralizing acids and helps the body defend itself against toxins.
Studies have shown that the ingredient, asiaticoside, speeds the healing of wounds. It is considered a blood cleanser and is also effective for diseases of the lungs as well as leprosy. 246 It stimulates the capillaries and helps to improve brain function, varicose veins, and hypertension.
Gotu kola is often used to increase mental function and performance. Many studies have confirmed the usefulness of gotu kola in improving brain function. It is commonly prescribed in Europe and India to improve mental function. Research done in India found the water extract of fresh leaves to help improve memory and learning. It was also found to help improve and overcome the negative effects associated with stress and fatigue. 247
Other clinical trials in India have found that gotu kola can help increase the I.Q. and mental ability of mentally retarded children. The children involved in the study showed improved mental capacity as well as improved behavior. It was given to the children in combination with capsicum and ginseng. 248 This improved behavior and mental capacity can help individuals with mental and learning disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life.
Another study found improvement in the memory of rats when given the gotu kola extract. The learned behavior retention improved dramatically in the rats. The conclusion of the study was that gotu kola improves learning and memory. 249
Some natural health professionals recommend gotu kola for ADD. Gotu kola is considered food for the brain and nervous system and can help improve brain function which is a condition common among children suffering from ADD. Many have reported great improvement from using gotu kola such as improved memory, mental alertness, and longer attention span. 250
Gotu kola was used anciently to heal wounds and soothe cases of leprosy. 251 Probably the first studies done using gotu kola were with cases of leprosy. The asiaticoside content of gotu kola has been used for years in Europe and the Far East to cure leprosy and tuberculosis. 252 Studies done recently on gotu kola have centered around this healing ability. It seems to be able to accelerate the time to heal wounds and skin diseases. 253 Gotu kola has shown to be beneficial in helping to repair tissue after surgery and trauma. It has the ability of strengthening the veins and repairing connective tissue. It also nourishes the motor neurons. 251
Researchers in Madagascar began the modern studies on gotu kola in 1949. An extract was injected into the leprosy patients directly on nodules and ulcerated areas. The extract was found to aid in dissolving the covering to promote eventual healing in the subjects. This opened the door to the use of gotu kola for healing skin ailments. 255 There have also been excellent results from studies done in treating burn patients with second and third degree burns due to boiling water, electrical rent, or gas explosions. The gotu kola extract helped limit the swelling and shrinking of skin which is a result of burning. It reduced infections and scarring and increased healing time. 256
Gotu kola contains two saponin glycosides known as brahmoside and brahminoside which are known to promote relaxation. A study done on animals showed large doses caused a sedative action. 211
PRIMARY APPLICATIONS
|
Aging Blood pressure, high Fatigue Hypoglycemia Memory, loss Nervousness |
Arteriosclerosis Circulation, poor Heart problem Leprosy Mental problems Senility |
SECONDARY APPLICATIONS
|
Blood, impurities Dysentery Headaches Liver Pituitary problems Rheumatism Tuberculosis Veins, varicose Wounds |
Depression Fevers Insomnia Menopausal symptoms Psoriasis Schizophrenia Thyroid problems Toxins, effects of Vitality, lack of |
This is brought to you by Louise Tenney
|
Louise Tenney has dedicated much of her life to the pursuit of natural approaches to health. She has enjoyed immense success as an author, with her publications equaling over 1 million sales. Louise attended Portland State University, studying applied chemistry and biology, and earned her Master Herbalist degree in 1986. |
|
This article on Gotu kola is from the book
Today's Herbal Health M.H. Louise Tenney's best-selling title Today's Herbal Health is the ultimate herb reference guide, taking a comprehensive look at herbs and their healing potentials. The book covers both single herbs and herbs used in combinations, with up-to-date information on over 150 herbs. It contains comprehensive listings of herbs, ailments and body systems. Usually ships in 24 hours List Price: $21.95 Our Price - Buy new: $15.37 |
|
Also from Louise Tenney
The Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies The Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies is a comprehensive guide that combines the best of age old remedies with the latest scientific research in holistic medicine. In an easy to understand manner, it explains prevention, herbal remedies for over 100 ailments, side effects of synthetic drugs, as well as cleansing diets and weight loss diets. List Price: $17.95 Our Price: $12.57 |
|
|
|
Also at Years to Your Health Bluebonnet Super Antioxidant Formula Full spectrum antioxidant dietary supplement. Formulated with a full range of potent antioxidants including 100% vegetarian S.O.D. from cantaloupe melon, coenzyme Q10, pycnogenol, red wine polyphenols and n-acetyl-cysteine. Antioxidants are known for cellular protection and free radical scavenger activity. Available in easy-to-swallow vegetable capsules for maximum assimilation and absorption. |
Jeanne Rose has provided us with her favorite bath herbs and four ways to use herbs in your bath.
Please visit Jeanne Rose's site here http://www.jeannerose.net.
|
You can find
"NINON'S FAVORITE REJUVENATING AND REGENERATING HERBS" on page 300
and BASIC BATH RECIPES on page 297 of her great and wonderful book "Herbal Body Book: The Herbal Way to Natural Beauty & Health for Men & Women." |
NINON'S FAVORITE REJUVENATING AND REGENERATING HERBS
This is my favorite bath and after having used at least several hundred different bath herb mixtures, this is the one I keep coming back to. If used often enough it will smooth and help maintain the normal fluid content of your skin-thereby keeping it firm and young looking.
1 oz. Lavender
1 oz. Lemon Thyme
1 oz. Rosemary
1 oz. fresh or dried Roses
1 oz. Peppermint
1 oz. Houseleek or Aloe
1 oz. Comfrey root
The Lavender is for acne and to reduce puffiness; the Rosemary to regain energy and do away with evil, is astringent and diaphoretic; the Peppermint is a stimulating, cooling aromatic; the Comfrey contains allantoin, is healing, regenerative and an emollient; the Lemon Thyme is an antiseptic, local anesthetic, and mild deodorant; the Roses are used as a hydrater; and the Houseleek or Aloe as a cooling astringent for any kind of skin problems.
BASIC BATH RECIPES
1. Place a large handful or about 2 cups full of herbs in a covered nonmetal pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer the contents for 10-20 minutes to extract all the wonderful beneficial contents of the herbs. Strain the material, use the herbs as a scrub and pour the liquid into your tub, or use the liquid as a last rinse when you shower. If you are bathing, try to soak in the herbal extracts for at least 20 minutes.
2. Buy a metal or, preferably an enamel or china, rice cooking ball in the kitchen specialty department of your favorite store. Half fill it with herbs and pop into your tub. They usually have a chain attached with a hook that you can hook onto your faucet so the water of the shower or tub can run through. This is by far the easiest way to take an herbal bath or shower.
3. Wrap a large handful of herbs in a washcloth and tie with a string. Drop into a pot of boiling water to extract the essence and then dump the whole thing into your tub or make a bath bag of muslin with a drawstring top. Scrub with the bath bag and rinse with the liquid.
4. Pop a handful of herbs directly into your bath, soak, and enjoy. (Careful, it might clog your drain temporarily).
Books by Jeanne Rose
|
|
Here is the book that takes over where "Herbs & Things" leaves off.
This book is the second in the Jeanne Rose Herbal Series*, covering the plants that are used externally for a healthy, natural and beautiful body. The recipes cover caring for the face, hair and body perfect for aromatherapists and casual users alike.
List Price: $17.95 Our Price: $12.57 |
|
The premier herbal that started the New Age (new & old) interest in the herbal wisdom of the past.
A compendium of practical and exotic herbal lore.
Usually ships in 24 hours List Price: $16.95 Our Price: $11.87 |
