The Gotu Kola plant in Europe gained its popularity back in the 50s of the last century. This happened after it became known that in Madagascar, patients with leprosy were cured with his help. But in eastern countries, the healing properties of plants have long been known. It is most popular among residents of India, the Philippines and China. Gotu kola is also common in Brazil. In these countries, a legend is popular, according to which one Chinese - a plant lover - was able to live 250 years.
Eastern beliefs
For many centuries, the Gotu Kola herb has been used in traditional medicine in India. In this country, it is called a brain stimulant that can improve memory and sharpen perception. At the same time, the plant relaxes and soothes. In Ayurvedic beliefs, this herb is considered a spiritual plant. After all, it stimulates clarity of thinking, calms emotions and purifies the blood.
But in China, grass was considered the "fountain of youth." According to local residents, it is she who helps to maintain youth. In all the countries of the East, they agree that Gotu Kola is food for the brain, otherwise it is also called the “memory grass”.
In the East, it is used for liver diseases (cirrhosis and hepatitis are an indication for its purpose), for colds, for obesity, cellulite, and even to stimulate potency. The list of indications for which it is recommended is quite large.
Operating principle
Studying how the Gotu Kola herb affects the human body, how it stimulates its protective properties and combats diseases, scientists figured out how it works out. The plant consists of 75 phytonutrients, including Asiatic and medecassonic acids, B vitamins. They provide considerable support to the nervous system, eliminate anxiety, and reduce symptoms of depression.
In addition, there is also a wound healing effect. It is achieved due to the presence of asiaticoside saponin in the plant. It is he who stimulates mitosis - cell division, and this, in turn, leads to the rapid healing of the affected areas.
The calming effect is due to the presence of triterpene saponins in the composition of this herb. They stimulate the nerve endings of a person, as a result of this, acetylcholine is released, which ultimately leads to relaxation. In addition, they also contribute to the elimination of toxins, stimulate the outflow of bile, make cholesterol metabolism effective.
The glycosides included in the composition affect the functioning of the heart, they act in case of heart failure, various valve lesions, and even cardiosclerosis. Flavonoids have a positive effect on the circulatory system. They are able to expand coronary cardiac arteries, saturating this muscle with oxygen, while neither pressure nor contractile activity of the myocardium increases.
The main indications for use
Among the diseases in which Gotu Kola is recommended, the following are most often called:
- memory impairment;
- chronic fatigue;
- neurological and mental disorders;
- atherosclerosis;
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- problems with heart;
- phlebeurysm;
- asthma;
- rheumatism;
- peptic ulcer disease;
- gastritis;
- dizziness and pain;
- skin lesions, including wounds, burns, psoriasis.
You can also use this plant during postoperative rehabilitation. According to reviews of Gotu Kola grass, it accelerates the healing of sutures and contributes to a faster recovery.
Use in the modern world
Despite the fact that in many countries this plant has been popular for quite some time, we have learned about it relatively recently. But modern people do not need to search and collect this herb, because manufacturers offer immediately ready-made Gotu Kola extract. Moreover, some sell only pure extracts from plants, while others add calcium, phosphorus, silicon dioxide, plant magnesium stearate, nanoclusters, and other components that enhance the influence of the constituents.
The price of this drug also depends on the form of release, the manufacturer, the costs incurred by him for the manufacture, including the addition of excipients. But keep in mind that it cannot be too cheap. For example, the cost of an extract can range from 770-1000 rubles. Before buying, it would be nice to read reviews not only about the product, but also about a specific manufacturer of dietary supplements.
Basic properties of gotu kola
If you decide to check for yourself the effect of this herb, then it is better to purchase the finished preparation "Gotu Kola". Instructions for use will help answer many questions about how to use it, what contraindications it has, and whether there are side effects.
Please note that the dosage must be found out either from the seller, or in the attached description, because it depends on which manufacturer you bought the extract from and in what concentration he released this dietary supplement.
Properly applying the plant, you can:
- intensify their memory and increase learning ability, due to increased microcirculation of blood and cerebral circulation;
- prevent premature aging;
- calm the nervous system and increase energy forces;
- cleanse your body with the help of antioxidants in the herb;
- accelerate the healing of wounds, ulcers, burns, reduce the manifestations of varicose veins.
Contraindications and side effects
Fortunately, the list of cases when it is not recommended to use Gotu Kola is not large. You should abandon this plant for the period of gestation and breastfeeding. Also, do not use it for people with pulmonary hemorrhages. Those who have low blood coagulability need to be careful when applying and monitor changes in their condition.
Despite the long history of Gotu Kola, side effects when taking it are observed only with an overdose or individual intolerance. If you have a headache after using the extract, check if you have exceeded the recommended amount of the drug. Possible side effects also include the appearance of a rash,
sedation, increased fatigue. But they are usually associated with individual intolerance to the drug. In this case, it is better to stop taking the extract of Gotu Kola. Reviews indicate that with continued administration, the condition will not improve.
Release form and dosage
Modern manufacturers offer this medicinal plant in various forms: it can be tablets, capsules, powder or liquid. The method of its use and dose directly depend on what dosage of the drug purchased by you. Also, before you start drinking Gotu Kola, the instructions must be read. After all, the method of application and dose will depend on what exactly you are going to treat.
So, the accepted standardized extract should contain in 40-60 mg the equivalent of 400-600 grams of dried grass. For example, with varicose veins, it must be taken 3 times a day in the specified amount. For burns, a liquid extract or tea made from a dried plant is applied twice to the affected areas. To prepare the infusion, it is enough to put up to 2 teaspoons of dry leaves in a cup of hot water.
Many manufacturers who produce tablets or capsules recommend drinking them in 1 or 2 capsules (depending on the amount of active substance) 2-3 times a day.
Nutrient content
An extensive list of indications for the use of gotu kola is determined by the composition of this herb. So, it is rich in vitamins not only of group B, but also of A, E, K, moreover, it is considered a good source of magnesium, steroids, bioflavonoids, saponins.
The latter, by the way, provide access of immune cells to various microbial pathogens. For example, the cells of the causative agents of tuberculosis and leprosy are masked with a special wax shield. But the saponins of this plant loosen it, providing access to microbes, and at the same time stimulate the protective functions of both cells and the body as a whole.
Expected effect
If you decide to start taking Gotu Kola, then you probably want to know when to wait for the result from its use. It is impossible to say unequivocally, because everything depends on the goals that you set for yourself, on the state of health at the time you start taking this dietary supplement. Experts say that the effect manifests itself very quickly, but if the state of health is bad enough, the nervous system is exhausted, then improvements should not be expected earlier than 2 weeks after the start of treatment.
Of course, if you started drinking “Gotu Kola” to
improve your memory, then do not expect noticeable changes on the second day. The effect of the reception accumulates over time. After a few weeks, you will notice how much easier it is for you to absorb information. In addition, many also note a decrease in fatigue and increased stamina.
If you do not trust ready-made dietary supplements, then first try to find dry grass and make an infusion from it. The use of such tea will also have a stimulating effect on the brain, nervous, cardiac, and circulatory systems. In many countries, people do not look for ready-made extracts, but simply add this herb to salads, eat it raw or make it.