Gotu kola or Centella asiatica is our August Herb of the month! Centella asiatica is an herbaceous creeper belonging to the Umbellifere (Apiceae) family. Gotu Kola is native to tropical and subtropical climates and thrives around water and in humid environments. It's commonly found in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Eastern Europe. Its small green fan-like leaves are smooth and grow horizontally. It blooms white or light purple, pink flowers and bears small oval fruits.
Traditional Use
Gotu Kola is treasured by Eastern Ayurveda healers and is used to support longevity, balanced moods, and blood movement. India is well-known for documenting medicinal plants and gotu kola frequently makes an appearance because of its vast therapeutic uses. "In the nineteenth century, Centella asiatica and its extracts were incorporated into the Indian pharmacopoeia, wherein in addition to wound healing, it was recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions." Yoni steams have been used by western midwives and Ayurveda practitioners for women's reproductive health for many years. Gotu kola can be simmered in water, covered, then used as a topical sitz bath or yoni steam which, can support rapid skin tissue repair (especially after childbirth).
Modern Use
Gotu Kola contains flavonoids, triterpenes, polyacetylenes, phytosterols, tannins, and volatile oils (Skenderi). This combination of powerful plant compounds is responsible for gotu kola's astringent actions and contributes to its rapid wound tissue response capabilities. Flavonoids support the elimination of free radicals through blood flow and can support healthy collagen production. In herbalism, we cherish diffusive herbs containing polyacetylenes because of their ability to support healthy microbial balances and to reach small spaces within skin tissue. Pairing this compound with volatile oils or essential oils creates a powerful diffusive team.
Sourcing Gotu Kola
Sourcing native eastern medicinal herbs, like gotu kola, in today's supply chain can be challenging, yet I find success when creating relationships with regenerative domestic farms.
Recently, I partnered with an organic farm to contract grow WishGarden's gotu kola's yearly needs. Contract growing ensures a reliable, high-quality, and sustainable plant supply for years to come.
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended The Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in medical herbalism. She is the owner of Blue Yarrow Herbs aka Herbal Vice, an herbal product company practicing bioregional herbalism by cultivating plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the sourcing and Purchasing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.
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