What is Gotu Kola?
Common Names: Brahmi (not to be confused with Bacopa), Pohe Kula, Mandukaparni, jī xuě cǎo, Marsh Pennywort
Body System Affinity
Brain and Nervous System, Vasculature and Circulatory System, Heart, Skin and Connective Tissue, Thyroid, Kidneys
Herbal Actions
Nervine, Brain Tonic, Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, Vulnerary, Alterative, Adaptogen, Circulatory Stimulant, Astringent, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Hypotensive, Lipid Regulating
Herbal Energetics
Cooling, drying
*indicated in conditions of depression, atrophy, and heat
Gotu Kola has been utilized in medicine traditions for thousands of years, making them an extremely well documented and efficacious plant. Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Indonesian/South Asian medicine traditions are the central cultivators of knowledge, experience, and folklore surrounding this herb. They tout many overlapping benefits of this plant, including: Clearing heat and toxins from the blood, invigorating circulation, draining dampness in the tissues (especially in the vasculature), clearing brain fog, resolving memory loss and inability to focus, lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, increasing collagen in the skin, healing wounded tissues, reducing urea (acidity) in the blood, inducing a meditative state, promoting a peaceful spirit, and so much more! Because of their extremely wide range of actions on the body, they are known as an adaptogen (or rasayana) and are believed to increase longevity + overall quality of life.
Gotu Kola is considered a “food grade” herb, meaning they are generally safe for daily use and can be utilized in many forms-- from tinctures and teas to an ingredient in salads and soups. I personally love to infuse this herb into ghee, because getting the proper amount of healthy fats is a crucial component in brain, nerve, nervous system, and joint health-- complementing the medicinal actions inherent in this plant. Gotu Kola is also extremely underrated for their topical benefits, supporting the healing of irritated skin, acne, varicose veins, and collagen deficiency.
