Evidence supporting the use of: Gotu kola
For the health condition: Nervousness

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Synopsis

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

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Southeast Asian folk medicine for addressing issues related to the nervous system, including nervousness, anxiety, and general mental fatigue. In Ayurveda, it is considered a "medhya rasayana", a rejuvenative herb for the mind, and is used to calm the nerves and promote mental clarity. Similarly, TCM regards it as a tonic for promoting calmness and supporting cognitive function.

The rationale behind its traditional use for nervousness is largely based on observed calming and adaptogenic effects. Practitioners have historically recommended gotu kola as a tea, tincture, or topical preparation to reduce restlessness, mild anxiety, and nervous tension.

However, scientific research on gotu kola for nervousness specifically is limited. Some small studies suggest mild anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, possibly due to modulation of neurotransmitters such as GABA, but the evidence is neither robust nor conclusive. Most clinical trials have focused on related conditions like anxiety or cognitive impairment rather than nervousness per se.

In summary, the use of gotu kola for nervousness is primarily justified by a strong tradition of use in multiple healing systems, with limited but suggestive preclinical and clinical support. The overall evidence is modest, hence a rating of 2 out of 5.

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