Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) is one of the herbs used in a
Tai-Chi tradition for longevity.
The plant itself can soak up heavy metals from the soil. As
such, ensuring the source you are consuming is organic, or at least doesn’t
contain dangerous heavy metals, is important. Copper accumulates in its roots;
manganese and lead accumulate in the leaves.
Not only does Gotu Kola increase the potency of THC,
caffeine, and sex hormones, it lowers inflammation, improves long-term memory,
and improves healing.
Health Benefits of Gotu Kola
1) Gotu Kola Prevents Hair Loss
Gotu Kola increased hair growth in six rats, increasing the
number of hairs per area and the length of each hair [R]. Although, it’s even
better when combined with Aloe Vera, Eclipta alba (false daisy), Ocimum sanctum
(holy basil), and Emblica officinalis.
Gotu Kola also lowered free radicals and stress in mice,
both known to cause hair loss [R, R, R].
2) Gotu Kola Protects Blood Vessels
The terpenes in Gotu Kola increase collagen production,
leading to lower blood pressure and help with swelling (edema.
This was also found in a placebo-controlled study.
3) Gotu Kola Treats Psoriasis
Gotu Kola can inhibit skin cell reproduction. While it is a
treatment for psoriasis, it is not as strong as the standard drug used
(psoralen).
4) Gotu Kola Treats Stomach Ulcers
Gotu Kola increased cell healing and reduced the size of
ulcers in rats (by reducing myeloperoxidase and increasing bFGF.
5) Gotu Kola May Heal Wounds and Cellulite
Asiaticasoide, found in Gotu Kola, increased skin strength
and skin collagen to better heal wounds in pigs and rats].
It also increased SOD, catalase, glutathione, Vitamin E, and
Vitamin C in skin damage in rats].
Asiatic acid, also in Gotu Kola, increased collagen
production, further benefiting the healing of wounds .
Similar results have been found for Gotu Kola in regards to
improving the healing of burns [R, R].
Further, Gotu Kola has been used for stretch marks, raised
scars, inflammation (phlebitis and cellulite), and leprosy].
6) Gotu Kola Reduces Anxiety
In rats, Gotu Kola improved anxiety; in humans, Gotu Kola
prevented being easily startled .
7) Gotu Kola Increases cAMP Response (CREB)
The Gotu Kola leaf increased the cAMP response
element-binding protein (CREB)
CREB is increased by antidepressants and is involved in
forming long-term memories
8) Gotu Kola Reduces Inflammation
Asiatic acid and madecassic acid, found in Gotu Kola,
inhibited IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha (as well as inhibiting iNOS and COX-2)
in bacteria-infected cells
Thus, it prevented going into shock from infection and
increased clotting, which is useful for infected cuts [R].
9) Gotu Kola Prevents Free Radical Damage
The phenols in Gotu Kola provide antioxidant and anti-tumor
benefits in mouse cells
10) Gotu Kola Increases Serotonin and Dopamine and Lowers
Cortisol
In rats, Gotu Kola lowered their version of cortisol
(corticosterone) and increased serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine].
Lower cortisol improves long-term memory and lowers
aggression .
It may also be useful for sleep disorders
11) Gotu Kola Prevents Thrombosis
A component in Gotu Kola prevented thrombosis by inhibiting
blood clotting in certain rat models
12) Gotu Kola Kills Cancer and Slows Tumor Growth
Known as an antiproliferative, Gotu Kola slowed the growth
of some types of human tumor cells .
Got Kola inhibited human melanoma and breast cancer cells in
test-tube models, however clinical research is needed
13) Gotu Kola Treats Herpes
Gotu Kola helped clear up herpes by inhibiting herpes virus
(HSV-1 and HSV-2) in test tube cultures. The effect was stronger when combined
with mango
14) Gotu Kola Treats Alzheimer’s
Gotu Kola prevented nerve cell death in test tube models of
Alzheimer’s by reducing the negative effects of amyloid beta
15) Gotu Kola May Help Mood Disorders Such as Depression
Since Gotu Kola decreases inflammation, researchers are
studying whether it could treat schizophrenia and depression
CREDITS:
JOSEPH COHEN
CEO, SelfHacked
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