Gotu kola is an herb used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, often made into lotions, tinctures, teas, and oral pills. It has been used to promote wound healing, reduce joint and muscle pain, and possibly promote mental clarity. However, its safety and effectiveness have not been evaluated by the US FDA, and it should not be taken by diabetics or pregnant/lactating women.
Gotu kola is an herbaceous plant native to India, and is now frequently cultivated throughout much of China. As an herb, it is occasionally used in food, but its most common application is to make lotions, tinctures, teas, and oral pills for use in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. You can find gotu kola called by its scientific name Centella asiatica or by a variety of synonyms such as Asian penny, Indian penny, March penny, hydrocotyl, or Brahmi. You should not confuse this herb with kola or kola nut, and it should be noted that it does not contain caffeine or other stimulants.
In the United States, gotu kola is marketed as a nutritional supplement. This means that most of the claims about how it works, what it does, and whether it is safe and effective have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. As with all herbal supplements, you should consult with a licensed physician before taking to determine if this product is safe for you. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support some of the claims made by manufacturers of gotu kola in tincture, supplement, or lotion form, but there aren’t many double-blind clinical studies to prove it works.
As an ointment, gotu kola has been used directly on wounds to speed healing time and reduce scarring. It is considered mildly antiseptic, mildly antibiotic, and can possibly reduce swelling and pain. One gotu kola application that is common, especially outside the US, is its application directly to the skin of people who have leprosy. It appears that this use is viable, as the herb tends to increase and stimulate collagen production, which helps promote skin healing. Others find benefits from using this herb in ointment or lotion form to promote wound healing after surgery, or to reduce general joint and muscle pain due to conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle injuries or articular.
Some people take this supplement orally, as it is believed to be a mild relaxant or sedative, and may promote mental clarity. There are also myths underlying one of its most common uses, as a supplement to promote longevity. There is no solid evidence to support this, although the herb has sometimes been referred to as the fountain of youth. As a topical, it could be a decent antiaging ingredient for the skin, if it actually stimulates collagen production.
People considering gotu kola should not do so if they are diabetic, as it can increase blood sugar, or if they have high cholesterol. Also, pregnant or lactating mothers should not use this herbal supplement. There is little evidence regarding the effects of this herb in children, and in general, gotu kola should not be given to children without a doctor’s consent.
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