My cultivated Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica, also known as mandukparni or Gotu Kola is an annual herb native to India, Australia and Asia. Its leaves are eaten as a vegetable recipes and it is also an important herb in the traditional medicine systems know as Ayurveda. many ancient medicinal books mentioned its formulation in various remedies. centella asiatica has a very wide range of medicinal benefits but it is mainly well known for its divine properties as a brain tonic.

This plant is aquatic, it needs so much water for its growth. It has long-stalked, green, rounded apices which have a smooth texture. The leaves are around 1 to 2 cm in length. The flowers of this plant are white or pinkish to red in color. Centella contains pentacyclic triterpenoids, including asiaticoside, brahmoside, asiatic acid, and brahmic acid.

Centella asiatica in various culture

In Indonesia, the leaves are used for sambai oi peuga-ga, an Aceh type of salad, and is also mixed into asinan in Bogor. In Vietnam and Thailand, this leaf is used for preparing a drink or can be eaten in raw form in salads or cold rolls. In Bangkok, vendors in the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market sell it alongside coconut, roselle, chrysanthemum, orange and other health drinks.

Uses of centella asiatica in traditional medicine

(Taking a preparation with gotu kola will...)
“...give a favorable turn to one’s fortune, impart a lotus-like bloom with perpetual youth, unparalleled intellectual faculties, and a life that would cover a period of three centuries of song and sunshine.” — Shushruta Samhita

Ayurveda, C. asiatica is known as maṇḍūkaparṇī or maṇḍūkī, and is classified as a vegetable in the Carakasaṃhitā with supposed rejuvenating properties. it improves concentration, alertness and focus hence it is useful in boosting your IQ.

This plant is used for over 5000 years to treat anxiety and stress successfully. In China, this plant is well known as the fountain of youth. centella works efficiently to detoxify toxins from nerve and brain tissues.

Its webbed leaves resemble a cerebellum Centella is also useful for the treatment of brain tumors and cancerous growth. Gotu kola certainly lives up to its name as “the friend of the brain!”

It also lives up to its name as “the herb of enlightenment.” Through the cleansing, nourishing, and boost the mind and nervous system, we are able to experience greater awareness and a more open and activated crown chakra. Knowing this, it is no surprise that gotu kola is often used to improve meditation

Gotu kola is known to help rejuvenate the mind and optimize brain function, and some Ayurvedic texts say that Gotu kola rejuvenates the whole life!

Gotu kola is also a recognized adaptogen making this a wonderful herb to help the body cope in times of stress by helping to relax the nervous system and calm the emotions, essentially reducing and removing stress from the body, mind, and spirit. Because gotu kola helps the body cope with stress and improve circulation.

A study published in the December 2012 issue of the “International Journal of Molecular Medicine” found that Centella asiatica may help protect against skin cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Treatment of human skin cells with Centella asiatica decreased the toxic effects of ultraviolet radiation by modulating the activity of certain genetic components of the cells.

Dosage of C. asiatica

leaf extract - 10 to 20ml
powder 5 to 10 gms
gotu kola extract is used in a dose of 60 to 180mg to relieve venous insufficiency.

Adverse effects

Overdose may cause drowsiness. a local application may cause contact dermatitis and skin irritation are possible. A headache, nausea, and drowsiness may occur from internal use. The herb may have adverse effects on liver function when used over many months. Do not take gotu kola if you have liver disease or have skin cancer. Gotu kola raises blood glucose and cholesterol levels, so don't take it if you have diabetes or high cholesterol. Don't use gotu kola along with diuretic medications or other sedatives.

Final words

Centella asiatica/gotu kola helps us stay cool, calm, and grounded, and it helps us concentrate and stay on task. And when we are looking to support our memory (always), strengthen our nervous system, heighten our consciousness, and awaken our crown chakras (yes please!), C. asiatica(mandukparni)/gotu kola is the answer!