Gotu Kola doesn’t get enough credit, but I do see it being mentioned more and more lately. In a quick glimpse, it looks like dollarweed. I have some growing in my yard. It’s a salty, mineral rich herb, that LOVES water.
Vulnerary
Gotu kola has strong vulnerary properties. This is excellent for healing wounds and preventing scars. Gotu kola was traditionally used to prevent and heal ulcers. Because it’s also so good at scar prevention, this is a great herb for ulcerative colitis. Gotu kola enhances the connective tissue through stimulating glycosaminoglycan synthesis without causing excessive collagen synthesis. This is why gotu kola can quickly aid in healing wounds while having minimal scar building. Longterm, this can aid in keeping skin youthful.
Antibacterial/Antifungal
Gotu kola has been shown to fight against Staphylococcus aureus and candida.
Anxiolytic/Adaptogen
This is a very interesting property of gotu kola. Gotu kola can aid in anxiety, but in a more specific way. All animals, including humans, have an acoustic startle response. It’s unconscious and a defense response to sudden noise or movement. It’s completely natural. The startle response is also implicated in the formation of phobias, which makes sense because we’re afraid. Anxiety disorders that can unnecessarily increase our startle response system can interfere with daily living. In these cases, gotu kola may be able to aid in anxiety. Read here if you’re interested in studies on gotu kola’s anxiolytic properties.
Circulatory Stimulant
Gotu kola stimulates blood flow and also aids in keeping skin looking healthy and youthful. It can be used topically.
Emmenagogue
This herb can be used with other herbs to aid in menstrual flow. This can help a period start and relieve cramps.
Safety
May aggravate itching. Gotu kola, due to its emmenagogue properties, may induce abortions. So avoid this herb if you’re pregnant. High doses can cause a loss of consciousness, so please don’t overuse this.
Gotu kola can be used as a tincture, tea, or even in a salad.
Do you use gotu kola? If so, what’s your favorite way to use it?
Want to see what herbs we have in our garden? Take a look here.
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