Gotu Kola (aka. Pennywort)

Gotu Kola (aka. Pennywort)

GOTU KOLA (or INDIAN PENNYWORT)…is a wild groundcover found almost ubiquitously the world over.  Abundant after rain or in permanently wet locales, it’s health benefits are profound.  A daily wild forage of just 2 large leaves eaten upon collection or in salad ensures it’s protective benefits (1).  It’s ability to strengthen both vein & nerve sheaths as well as brain synapses gives it a reputation as a cure-all (2).  Pharmaceuticals made out of it are widely distributed and too many to name.  Next time you see it growing after rain, or in a wet ditch – give it a little thumbs up – or better yet, remember where it grows and harvest it’s leaves daily for your morning cup or tea!  (TIP:  The leaves are serrated & the taste is slightly bitter…that’s the medicinal alkaloids talking!)

Scientific name:  Centella asiatica

 

REFERENCES:

(1)  Herbs are special. 2020. Gotu kola. [ONLINE] Available at: https://herbsarespecial.com.au/plant-information/herb-information/gotu-kola/. [Accessed 30 April 2020].

(2)  Gohil, K. J., et al. (2010). “Pharmacological review on Centella asiatica: a potential herbal cure-all.” Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences 72(5): 546

 

 



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Chrissy-Tiina Laurikainen

In person + online permaculture teacher. Online permaculture consultant. Upkeep of a 30 acre rural property (using permaculture & other agroecological techniques). A communal research laboratory focusing on free innovation in the works. Doing what I can to support LIFE on planet Earth!!

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One thought on “Gotu Kola (aka. Pennywort)

  1. “One of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. Large doses can pose problems. It is best taken in small doses over long periods of time (500mg maximum dose, 1 or 2 times per day).

    This is one the best all around herbs for aging – or people who work long hours intellectually. It increases the strength of both the nervous and immune systems.”

    Taken from this great answer here on Quora for more info:
    https://www.quora.com/What-is-gotu-kola/answer/Atreya-Smith

    Wikipedia article with even more info:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centella_asiatica

    Enjoy your tea responsibly 😉

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