In Indonesia, South Africa, India, as well as on the islands of Madagascar and Ceylon, Gotu Cola is widely used for cooking and medicines. This plant is considered the best way to restore the functions of the brain, cardiovascular and respiratory system. In addition, the grass also helps with dermatological diseases.
Properties of Gotu Cola
First you should pay attention to the active substances in the composition of leaves, stems, roots and flowers:
- vitamins B1, B3, B6, A, K, C;
- triterpene saponins;
- derivatives of Asiatinic, Centil, Madasiatinic and Centoic Acid;
- tannins;
- beta-carotene;
- bioflavonoids;
- starch;
- rutin;
- quercetin;
- zinc;
- kaempferol;
- phosphorus;
- carbohydrates;
- thymine;
- calcium;
- asparagine;
- potassium;
- selenium;
- isoginine;
- essential oils;
- resins;
- manganese.
Gotu Kola leaves also contain alkaloids (in therapeutic doses), which produce a quick analgesic and spasmolytic effect.
The content of the listed components in the plant determines its useful properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- bactericidal;
- expectorant;
- choleretic;
- cardiotonic;
- radioprotective;
- secretory;
- antineoplastic;
- antiviral;
- antinoviral;
- soothing;
- diuretic ;
- wound healing.
Thus, Gotu Kola has the following effects:
- improvement of blood circulation, including - in small vessels of the brain;
- restoration of functions of neurons;
- support the work of the nervous system;
- strengthening of connective tissues;
- acceleration of cell regeneration;
- healing of ulcers and erosive lesions on the mucous membranes of internal organs;
- stimulation of epithelialization processes;
- improving sleep and emotional state;
- an obstacle to aging of cells;
- normalization of fat metabolism and water-salt balance;
- immunomodulation.
Applying Gotu Cola
In general, the plant in question is used to improve cerebral circulation with memory impairment, increased intracranial pressure, dementia. In addition, Gotu Kola is used to treat such diseases and pathological conditions:
- urinary tract infection;
- arteriosclerosis of blood vessels ;
- Nerve disorders;
- rheumatism;
- skin diseases (dermatitis, burns, radiation injuries, ulcers and wounds, including - after surgical interventions);
- phlebitis;
- phlebeurysm;
- postpartum recovery;
- low concentration of attention;
- venous insufficiency;
- deterioration of mental and verbal abilities;
- schizophrenia;
- depressive disorders;
- epilepsy;
- insomnia;
- neurogenic anorexia;
- cancerous tumors and benign neoplasms.
Moreover, Gotu kola extract is also used in cosmetology. Due to antioxidant properties, the presented herb helps to avoid premature aging of skin cells, restore the structure of hair and nails. Bactericidal effect allows you to apply extract from the leaves of the plant for the treatment of acne and acne.
Gotu kola preparation
It is rather problematic to buy fresh grass, therefore, pharmacies offer a biologically active supplement from Gotu kola in the form of capsules. One tablet contains 395 mg of active substance.
To achieve therapeutic effect, it is recommended to take capsules twice a day for 2 pieces directly during meals, but only during the day.
Contraindications to the use of Gotu kola
Given the area of growth of the herb, you should clarify whether you have any allergies to the components of the described plant. Also it is not recommended to take dietary supplements to pregnant and lactating women, to small children (up to 12 years).