| The herb gotu kola
rebuilds the energy reserves, and is useful after a nervous breakdown and to
help prevent nervous breakdown. Gotu Kola is sometimes called "food for
the brain". Gotu Kola helps to combat stress, improve reflexes, and
increase mental and physical power. Gotu Kola is used for high blood
pressure, senility, aging, and to help the body protect itself against
toxins. This herb was first used in India, where it is part of Ayurveda,
the traditional herbal medicine. It was also mentioned in the Shennong Herbal
compiled in China about two thousand years ago. In recent years, gotu kola has
become popular in the West as a nerve tonic to promote relaxation and to enhance
memory.
Indian healers used the gotu kola herb to treat skin
inflammations and as a mild diuretic. Oriental healers relied on gotu kola to
treat emotional disorders such as depression that may be rooted in physical
problems. Gotu Kola has also been used to bring down a fever and to relieve
congestion due to colds and upper respiratory infections.
Recent studies show that gotu kola has a positive effect on the circulatory
system: It seems to improve the flow of blood throughout the body by
strengthening the veins and capillaries. Gotu Kola has been used successfully to
treat phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) as well as leg cramps, swelling of
the legs, and "heaviness" or tingling in the legs.
Clinical and preliminary studies indicate that Gotu kola maybe
useful in treating: keloids, cellulite, dermatitis, perineal lesions, and
sceroserma.
Gotu Kola has been shown to be particularly
useful for people who are inactive or confined to bed due to illness. Proponents
of the herb also believe that its beneficial effect on circulation may help
improve memory and brain function.
The gotu kola herb also has an important role in gynecology. Gotu Kola has been
used successfully to promote healing after episiotomy, a surgical incision of
the vulva performed to prevent tearing during childbirth. In fact, in one study
reported in a French medical journal in 1966, women treated with gotu kola after
childbirth healed more rapidly than those given standard treatment.
Gotu Kola is also known as:
Indian
Pennywort, Hydrocotyle asiatica
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