Gotu kola – aka ‘botox in a bottle’
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a native herb of South Africa, India and Sri Lanka which has been a major herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for the last 3,000 years. Its leafy greens are an important food source in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand. Leaves are used fresh in salads or dried as tea.
Gotu Kola Uses and Benefits
Essentially, gotu kola [1] is a facilitator of tissue healing by promoting the speed and quality of connecting tissue regeneration (the building blocks of most body structures) by enhancing the synthesis of collagen in the body, not just in the skin. There are many herbs that do this when applied topically to the skin but very few have this property after oral consumption. The herb is used for a number of conditions in combination with other herbal medicines or on its own. Main uses are listed below.
Skin Health and Texture Support
Due to this remarkable ability gotu kola has been called a ‘botox in a bottle’. Hence it’s used for healing wounds, reducing scarring [2]and, according to some studies, reducing superficial as well as deep wrinkles, firming up the skin, and also promoting the growth of hair and nails. Clically, I find it particularly beneficial for mature skin experienced during perimenopause and menopause transition. [3]
According to one study, a cream containing gotu kola applied around the eyes of 27 women for 12 weeks was associated with improvement or elimination of wrinkles in 18 (1). Another six-month randomised, double blind study was conducted on sun-damaged skin of 20 female volunteers to assess the impact of a topical treatment containing vitamin C and gotu kola.
The researchers concluded that there was a significant improvement in the clinical score for deep and superficial wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness and skin hydration.
These results were corroborated by objective tests where the reappearance of normally structured, “young” elastic fibre network was observed. In China gotu kola is called the “Fountain of Youth” – and by name alone may inspire those looking for a way to look better for longer.
Other Applications of Gotu Kola
- Various formulas – gotu kola is often used in pharmaceuticals as an active ingredient in weight loss formula [4]s, cosmetics, body firming products, wound healing and anti-aging skin care products.
- Increase energy, vitality and lift mood – importantly, gotu kola contains no caffeine or any stimulant (do not confuse it with the Kola nut!), yet it is used often to increase energy and vitality as well as tackling depression and mental fatigue. It is said to rejuvenate and balance the mind.
- Mental focus and alertness – the Indian yogis believe that gotu kola helps in their meditation, mental alertness and mental focusing. Students have also reported better memory and information retention during exams.
- Cardiovascular health – the herb also helps to purify the blood, promotes better circulation, helps with high blood pressure.
- Other uses – balances blood sugar, assists with weight loss, helps with arthritis and rheumatism, and is anti-stress.
- It is a good source of vitamin K (which is important in blood clotting as well as bone maintenance and repair), magnesium [5], calcium [6], sodium, vitamins B1, B2 and B6.
- Gut health and digestive support [7] – some studies showed that gotu kola could be useful for healing and restoring stomach lining preventing and healing ulcers, including duodenal ulcers [8], and supporting / normalising hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) production instead of acid blocking drugs (2). Helps with liver and kidney problems.
- Detoxification – it is also helpful to use gotu kola in detoxification programs as it is said to assist with removing toxins accumulated in the brain and the nerves, while helping to clear the body of heavy metals and drugs – including recreational drugs.
If you didn’t know about this impressive herb before, I hope you will appreciate gotu kola’s many uses and consider including it in your herbal remedies or topically for skin health support.
Important: The above material is meant as information only. Research on applications of gotu kola has been done by various institutes and universities, which concluded that more examination is called for on this ancient herb to better understand its modern applications. Always consult a qualified herbalist before using herbs in any form.
Discover more guides articles on medicinal herbs, their traditional uses and current scientific research in the Herbal Medicine Resources Hub → [9]
Your Next Step
Appropriately used and tailored to a client’s circumstances, gotu kola could offer support in many areas of health and wellbeing. If you would like personalised support with how to apply herbal medicines to your circumstances, you can book an online consultation where we explore your symptoms using a systems-based approach that considers hormones alongside sleep, circadian biology, metabolism, gut health, nutrition, stress physiology, and healthy ageing.
👉 Please note that I consult with Australian-based clients only at present and I’m unable to assist individuals based elsewhere. I offer a free 20-minute initial discussion to review your circumstances and how I can help. You can book online by clicking the link below.
Book Consultation Online [10]
Learn more about our wholistic approach to care in The Naturimedica Way [11] and about Online Consultations. [12]
I look forward to supporting you in achieving greater balance, energy and wellbeing.
Best of Health
Joanna Sochan
Wholistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Integrative health support combining clinical evidence, systems-based thinking and traditional naturopathic wisdom for lasting health and wellbeing
References
(1) Lee J, Jung E, Lee H, et al. Int J of Cosmetic Science. 2008;30(3):167–173. 171.
(2) Kashmira J. Gohil, Jagruti A. Patel, and Anuradha K. Gajjar; Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all; Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010 Sep-Oct; 72(5): 546–556.
Additional Resources
- Holy basil: a key herb for stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue [13]
- Know and love your herbs – Sage [14]
- Antioxidants explained – what are antioxidants plus a list of best sources [15]
- Top 3 herbal teas to feel and look great! [16]
- Foods and home remedies for deep sleep [17]
- Psoriasis: a holistic approach to recovery [18]
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen, particularly if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications or have a medical condition.
Bio: Joanna Sochan is a Wholistic Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Wholistic Wellcare. She has over 15 years of clinical experience working with complex health presentations, with a focus on gut health, food sensitivities, women’s hormone health (including perimenopause and menopause), metabolic health, weight regulation, and senior health. She works with clients Australia-wide and online, and also develops therapeutic programs, eCourses, and educational resources designed to support long-term, sustainable wellbeing. View full bio [19].