Gotu Kola: Nature’s All-in-One Multi-Vitamin
A Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse in the Garden
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica, also known as Pennywort - Indian Pennywort - Indian Ginseng - Horse hoof Grass - Gotu Cola - Gota Cola
This humble plant is an absolute panacea for many conditions, is full of vitamins A, B's, C, D and K, and the minerals calcium, chromium, cobalt, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, selenium, silica, zinc, germanium and iodine. No wonder it is an important herb to grow and ingest regularly, especially as we get older.
Properties & Medicinal Actions : The Healing Properties of Centella asiatica
Its actions include, among other things, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, adaptogenic, tonic, digestive, anti-viral, antibiotic, nervine, rejuvenates, blood purifier, and adrenal strengthener! Whew... what a list! Now to get into it!
From Antibacterial to Adaptogenic: What Gotu Kola Can Do
Gotu Kola is a natural herb of great importance throughout history for treating leprosy and tuberculosis, relieving pain from rheumatism and arthritis, increasing brain capacity and for longevity - often being called the Elixir of Life!
I am surprised that I did not delve into this powerful herb years ago. I am sure I knew these things at one stage, but Comfrey and Dandelion became my go-to plants for healing, and so I forgot to delve deeper into other healing sources.
Invaluable Wisdom from Isabell Shipard
Isabell Shipard has devoted 8 pages to Gotu Kola and 10 pages to Comfrey. This is reason enough to get the book if you don't have it already, as she was exhaustive in her research and presentation of herbs for our benefit.
The Elixir of Life: A Rich History of Healing
Research also shows that the herb can relieve ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, and hyperactive conditions; (a clean diet and outdoor lifestyle will go a long way in this regard also - don't be afraid to share this information with the younger generations in your families that may need this knowledge.) Isabell says, 'This is one of the fascinating riddles of this herb: that it can relax yet also energise the body; that it can act as a laxative yet also act as a bowel 'binder'? Also, the association between hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) and fatigue, depression, confusion, schizophrenia, mood swings, and mental illness is well validated. As Gotu Kola is a very rich source of B complex vitamins (when grown in the ground), this would have a direct benefit on the brain.
She states, "I always find it most interesting, when I dig a plant that may be 3 to 5 years of age, that the root has a resemblance to ginseng root and to the torso of the human body. This indicates a doctrine of signatures significance, of 'like cures like' - a herb which can benefit so many ailments of the body." She goes on to list 105 illnesses that Gotu Kola benefits!!!!!!!
PLEASE GET THIS BOOK!!!!! How can I use Herbs in my Daily Life? Isabell Shipard
Some of her real-life stories include a man with arthritis who ingested 2 leaves a day for 3 months - pain gone. A lady with locked and painful fingers, 3 months use - fingers all good again. Another person, with neck and arm pain, underwent a 3-month chew and swallow routine, and the discomfort was gone within a few months.
The dose: start with 2 leaves and stems; do this daily, chew and swallow straight from the garden. Write a note and put it on the fridge if you have to....'Take my 2 - 6 leaves of Gotu Kola every morning.' If you don't like the flavour, chop it up and add it to your breakfast, even if it's fruit or cereal.
Gotu Kola for Focus, Mood, and Mental Wellness
As a long-life tea, the herb can be dried or fresh, added to honey or lemon and boiled water to drink, though fresh is best. More is not better or quicker....one can gradually build up to 12 leaves a day over time, but back off a little if you experience anything uncomfortable. The renowned ethno-botanist and herb writer James A. Duke, in his book, 'The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook', suggests a dosage of 1/4 cup of fresh leaves daily or 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb, as a tea, 3 times a day.
A man told Isabell that he had started taking Gotu Kola to support brain function and slow the ageing process. He gradually built up to taking 11 leaves a day and was so pleased to see that after taking it for several months, he was completely free of a long-standing problem of psoriasis.
Nature’s Riddle: The Balancing Acts of Gotu Kola
The information goes on and on. Please, do your own research - this herb is amazing, much better than anything a doctor can prescribe. Pharmacia is based on petrochemicals, unnatural for our bodies and can be detrimental to our health long term. Our Almighty Creator made herbs at the beginning for all of our needs and has proven them throughout history. Only during the last 100 years have they been usurped.
In this time of global upheaval and uncertainty, there is one thing I know for sure….... those who grow what they eat as organically as possible, who share their abundance and knowledge of 'how to' with others and steer clear of the stuff in shops that they call food but really isn't, these are the ones who will live a far healthier life.
I pray that you garden with more dedication than ever before. Your very lives may depend on it.
Gotu Kola for Focus, Mood, and Mental Wellness
Here are some more culinary uses of Gota Kola from Isabell's book - How can I use Herbs in my Daily Life?
Start to regard Gotu Kola as a food, as millions of people do in India and Asia. In Sri Lanka, people eat Gotu Kola every day. It serves as a side dish, made with several leaves, measured by the number of stems that can be held, between the thumb and index finger, often cooked with slices of coconut and lime juice. 'Kola Kanda is a traditional dish, usually prepared first thing in the morning and eaten before breakfast. Rice is boiled, then coconut and Gotu Kola leaves (finely cut) are added. The dish is valued as a food and tonic, and the leaves supply a valuable source of vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, other edible plant leaves are also added. Add fresh leaves to salads and as a garnish to meals. Regard it as a nourishing food for the body, and food for the brain.