Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is valued for its calming and adaptogenic effects. In these traditions, gotu kola is believed to help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and support restful sleep, making it a popular herbal remedy for insomnia and related sleep disturbances. The herb is thought to act as a mild sedative and nerve tonic, helping to calm the mind and body before bedtime. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a “medhya rasayana,” or brain tonic, and is often recommended for individuals experiencing stress-induced insomnia or mental unrest.

Scientific research on gotu kola’s effects on insomnia specifically is limited, and most available studies focus on its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties rather than direct effects on sleep. Some small-scale clinical studies and animal research have shown that gotu kola extracts may reduce anxiety and improve subjective stress levels, which could indirectly benefit sleep quality. However, robust clinical trials directly examining its efficacy for treating insomnia are lacking. Therefore, while the traditional use is well-documented and there is some preliminary scientific support for its calming effects, the direct evidence for gotu kola in treating insomnia remains modest.

In summary, the use of gotu kola for insomnia is primarily justified by traditional knowledge, with a low-to-moderate evidence rating due to the lack of strong scientific validation specific to sleep disorders.

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