Gotu Kola: "smart Herb" - 10 Beneficial Properties Of Gotu Kola, Instructions

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

10 useful properties of gotu kola, instructions

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu Kola is a medicinal plant that is actively used in oriental medicine. In particular, gotu kola is one of the main components of Indonesian and traditional Chinese medicine, and is also used in Ayurveda.

The herb became famous for significantly improving memory and cognitive thinking, and was popularly nicknamed "smart herb".

In addition to its effect on the brain, gotu kola has a beneficial effect on the liver, kidneys, strengthens the immune system, and is also effective in treating certain skin diseases. Some of the qualities of Gotu Kola have been confirmed by experimental research.

Content:

• 10 scientifically proven health benefits of gotu kola

  1. Improving cognitive performance
  2. Adjunctive therapy for Alzheimer's disease
  3. To reduce stress and anxiety
  4. Antidepressant action
  5. Improving blood circulation and reducing swelling
  6. Insomnia treatment
  7. Reducing stretch marks
  8. Accelerating wound healing, preventing scarring.
  9. Reduced joint pain
  10. Reducing the toxic effects of substances
• Instructions for use
• Side effects and special instructions
• Contraindications

10 scientifically proven health benefits of gotu kola

1. Improving cognitive performance

In a 2016 quasi-experimental study, three groups of participants with a stroke took part: the first group took 3 mg of folic acid daily, the second - 1000 mg of gotu kola a day, and the third group took 750 mg of gotu kola daily. After 6 weeks, the effect of the funds on the participants' cognitive function was assessed. Folic acid and gotu kola have been found to improve overall cognition in the same way, while gotu kola has a greater effect on memory and learning ability. ^[1]

In addition, studies were conducted on the effect of an aqueous extract of gotu kola on mice. It was found that mice of all ages showed improved results when passing the Morris water maze, which indicates a positive effect on spatial memory and learning. The most pronounced effect was observed in old mice.

Method of administration and dosage: take 750-1000 mg of gotu kola daily, the recommended course of administration is up to 14 days.

Read more: Herbs for the head that improve cerebral circulation

2. Adjunctive therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Research has shown that gotu kola improves memory and has a restorative effect on the nervous system, which is affected by Alzheimer's. Specifically, a 2012 study in laboratory mice found that mice affected by Alzheimer's had decreased behavioral disorders. Studies in other animals have confirmed the protective effect of gotu kola extract on brain cells and a decrease in the accumulation of amyloid plaques that form during disease. ^[2]

However, an optimal treatment plan has not yet been developed, so if you decide to take Gotu Kola as a therapy and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, please consult your healthcare professional.

Recommended method of application: Take 30-60 drops of Gotu Kola aqueous extract 3 times a day. Check the directions for the dosage.

3. To reduce stress and anxiety

In 2016, a study was carried out on animals, during which they found the sedative effect of gotu kola on male mice after 72 hours of sleep. Insomnia can cause anxiety, neuroinflammatory processes, and cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Mice that took Gotu Kola for five days and then were sleep deprived showed higher physical activity, had minimal anxiety behavior, and cells were less exposed to oxidative stress compared to the control group.

A 2013 analysis also showed that gotu kola has anxiolytic effects, meaning it suppresses anxiety. Research continues to this day to pinpoint the exact mechanism of action of Gotu Kola. ^[3]

How to use: take 2 times a day, 500 mg of gotu kola extract. The maximum allowable daily allowance is 2,000 mg, which is acceptable in case of extreme anxiety.

4. Antidepressant action

It is known that gotu kola is able to increase mental activity, which is inherent in antidepressants. This property was confirmed in a 2016 study of 33 people with generalized anxiety disorder. They stopped antidepressants and were given Gotu Kola, which they had to take for 60 days. Participants reported that stress and anxiety decreased markedly, as did other symptoms of depression. Another experience was observing chronically depressed rats who were given gotu kola. The results of the study showed that the rats' body temperature and heart rate returned to normal, weight increased, which indicates a regression of depression. ^[4]

How to use: take gotu kola twice a day, 500 mg continuously for 14 days. The maximum allowable daily allowance is 2,000 mg for severe depression.

5. Improving blood circulation and reducing swelling

In 2001, experts conducted a study, during which they found that gotu kola prevents fluid retention in the body, reduces swelling and circulatory disorders that occur during long flights lasting more than 3 hours.

Also, people with varicose veins or mild venous insufficiency were given Gotu Kola two days before the flight, on the day of the flight, and the day after the flight. Compared to the control group, ankle swelling and fluid retention were less pronounced in those taking Gotu Kola.

Earlier studies have shown that taking gotu kola has a positive metabolic effect on the connective tissue of the vascular wall. ^[five]

Method of administration and dosage: Take gotu kola extract for a week before and after the flight at a dosage of 60-100 mg 3 times a day. Additionally, one percent gotu kola cream is rubbed into the affected area.

Allergy test: before using the product, it is recommended to check the body's reaction. To do this, a small amount of cream is applied to the inner side of the forearm with a diameter of a couple of centimeters. Then observation is required during the day. If there was no irritation or other response, then the product can be applied to other parts of the body.

6. Treatment of insomnia

Insomnia often accompanies such disorders as depression, stress and anxiety, so gotu kola can be used to treat insomnia as one of the symptoms of these conditions.

Early studies measured a reduction in insomnia symptoms after taking gotu kola. Research is still underway to analyze the effect of the agent on sleep pathology in more detail.

Method of application: Apply 300-680 mg of gotu kola extract 3 times a day for 14 days in a continuous course.

7. Reduction of stretch marks

Gotu Kola is able to reduce the appearance of new stretch marks. According to a 2023 review, this herb contains terpenoids, which help to increase collagen and fibronectin production, thereby increasing skin elasticity. This helps prevent the development of stretch marks, as well as reduce the severity of old stretch marks. ^[6]

Usage: a cream with 1% gotu kola extract is applied topically to the affected area several times a day.

Allergy test: before using the product, it is recommended to check the body's reaction. To do this, a small amount of cream is applied to the inner side of the forearm with a diameter of a couple of centimeters. Then observation is required during the day. If there was no irritation or other response, then the product can be applied to other parts of the body.

8. Accelerating wound healing, preventing scarring

In 2015, a study was conducted on rats, during which it was found that dressing containing gotu kola has a positive effect on the healing of various types of wounds. The investigated cut-type lesions, lacerations and infected wounds showed increased resistance to tearing, tissue elasticity, and also decreased formation of keloid scars. Additional research is needed to better understand the mechanism of action of active substances on body tissues.

Directions for use: A 1% ointment with gotu kola extract is applied to the affected area several times a day. In severe cases, be sure to consult your doctor before use.

Allergy test: before using the product, it is recommended to check the body's reaction. To do this, a small amount of cream is applied to the inner side of the forearm with a diameter of a couple of centimeters. Then observation is required during the day. If there was no irritation or other response, then the product can be applied to other parts of the body.

9. Reducing joint pain

Gotu kola is known for its anti-inflammatory effect, which helps in the treatment of arthritis. In a 2014 study, collagen-induced arthritis was induced in rats, after which gotu kola was given orally. It turned out that after the therapy, the inflammatory reactions in the joints decreased, and the involution of the erosion of the cartilage and adjacent bones also occurred. ^[7]

How to use: take 300-680 mg of gotu kola extract 3 times a day throughout the course without interruption. The duration of the course is 14 days.

10. Reducing the toxic effects of substances

Isoniazid is one of the toxic antibacterial drugs that is used to treat and prevent tuberculosis. In 2017, a study was conducted in which rats were given 100 mg of gotu kola daily for 30 days, followed by isoniazid. As a result, the toxic effect on the liver and kidneys was practically not expressed. Another group of rats that took the antibiotic without prior prophylaxis, the toxic effect of the drug was more pronounced, but disappeared after the administration of Gotu Kola. ^[eight]

Method of application: Take 30-60 drops of water extract of gotu kola 3 times a day. Recommended course of admission: up to 14 days.

The dosage may vary depending on the manufacturer, so always follow the directions.

Instructions for use

Typical Application:

• In the form of tea: brew and drink 1 glass 3 times a day;
• In the form of a tincture: take 30-60 drops 2 times a day;
• In the form of an extract: take 50-250 mg 2-3 times a day.

Special recommendations and dosages:

To improve cognitive performance: Take 750-1000 mg daily for 14 days.

To reduce stress and symptoms of depression: Take 500 mg 2 times a day for 2 weeks.

To prevent fluid retention and edema: intake of 60-100 mg 3 times a day, the course of administration is 7 days.

For insomnia: Take 300-680 mg 3 times a day. The course of admission is 2 weeks.

For stretch marks: a 1% cream with Gotu Kola extract is applied to the affected area 3 times a day.

For wounds and scars: a 1% ointment is applied to the affected area 3 times a day. In case of extensive or deep wounds, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is required.

For inflammation and joint pain: Take 300-700 mg 3 times a day. The course of admission is 14 days.

Side effects and special instructions

• Harmful to the liver. Continuous use for more than 6 weeks is not recommended due to potential liver damage. It is recommended to interrupt the course for 2 weeks, or consult a doctor to discuss further treatment.
• Diabetes. Gotu kola tends to increase blood sugar levels. It is not recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus without prior agreement with the doctor.
• Diuretics Gotu Kola has a diuretic effect, which is enhanced by diuretics and can lead to the elimination of electrolytes from the body and dehydration.
• Sedatives. The anxiolytic effect of gotu kola can enhance the effects of hypnotics and anti-anxiety drugs.
• Asiaticoside is a component of gotu kola that has been shown to promote tumor growth in mice under laboratory conditions. If there are cases of cancerous skin lesions in the family history, taking the drug is not recommended.

Contraindications

Taking Gotu Kola is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Pregnancy
• Lactation
• Hepatitis or other liver disease
• Surgery is planned in the next 2 weeks
• Previous known cases of skin cancer

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).