Gotu kola (centella asiatica)
Synopsis of gotu kola
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), also known as Mandukaparni, is a small, creeping herb native to India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa, and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and traditional Southeast Asian medicine. It contains key active compounds including triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid), flavonoids, sterols, and essential oils, which contribute to its wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, and circulatory-supporting effects.
Gotu kola is best known for its ability to enhance cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity, making it a revered “brain tonic” in Ayurveda. It supports microcirculation, strengthens blood vessel walls, and improves venous insufficiency, making it useful in conditions like varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and chronic venous insufficiency. Its skin-regenerating properties make it valuable in wound healing, scar reduction, and treatment of eczema or psoriasis.
As an adaptogen, gotu kola helps the body adapt to stress, restore balance, and promote nervous system resilience. It is often taken as tea, powder, tincture, capsule, or used topically in creams and oils.
Historical Use
In Ayurveda, gotu kola is considered a Rasayana (rejuvenative) herb, particularly for the nervous system and brain. It is classified as cooling, bitter, and sweet, and is used to balance Vata and Pitta doshas. It was traditionally given to students and spiritual seekers to improve memory, calm the mind, and support meditation, and is sometimes called the “herb of enlightenment.” It was also used for skin diseases, ulcers, anxiety, and fatigue.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), gotu kola is known as Ji Xue Cao and is used to clear heat and dampness, promote healing, and support liver function. It was included in formulas for skin infections, urinary conditions, and swelling.
In Sri Lankan folklore, gotu kola is believed to prolong life and enhance intellect, with legends claiming elephants gained their strength and longevity from consuming the herb.
Today, gotu kola remains a respected herb in global herbalism, especially valued for its brain-boosting, skin-healing, and circulation-enhancing actions. It bridges ancient spiritual and healing traditions with modern evidence-based applications for mental health, wound recovery, and chronic stress.
Gotu kola is used for these health conditions
Abrasions (Scientific)
Anal Fistula or Fissure (Traditional)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Capillary Weakness (Scientific)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Cellulite (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Cuts (Scientific)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Scientific)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Edema (Scientific)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gangrene (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Migraine (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Nervousness (Traditional)
Neuralgia and Neuritis (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Parkinson's Disease (Traditional)
Peripheral Neuropathy (Traditional)
Phlebitis (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Scars / Scar Tissue (Scientific)
Spider Veins (Scientific)
Stress (Traditional)
Stretch Marks (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
gotu kola is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Scientific)
Capillaries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Hair (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Pineal Gland (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Solar Plexus (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)
Veins (Scientific)
