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, 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.

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!
Gotu Kola is a natural herb of great importance throughout history for treating leprosy, 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.
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.

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 have need of 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 too, 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 put it in/on your breakfast, even if it's fruit/cereal etc.

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 shared with Isabell that he had started taking Gotu Kola to support the brain 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.
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 they that will live a far healthier life.
I pray that you garden with more dedication than ever before. Your very lives may depend on it.

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 is served as a side dish; made with the number of 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.