What Are the Uses of Centella Asiatica?

Centella asiatica is better known as gotu kola. It is native to India and the southeastern United States. This herb has been used for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia for applications ranging from stimulating nerves and brain cells to treating cellulite.

Mental Functioning

• Gotu kola can treat mental decline that occurs in old age because of its ability to protect blood vessels carrying oxygen to the brain. It also can help improve memory and concentration.

Cellulite and Varicose Veins

• Cellulite--the substance that may make your thighs look like cottage cheese--appears when the connective tissues that hold deep-level fat cells beneath the skin weaken and are unable to keep the fat in place. These connective tissues are primarily formed of glycosaminoglycans, and gotu kola contains substances that stimulate their production, helping keep fat cells in place.
  Gotu kola is helpful for varicose veins because glycosaminoglycans are also responsible for producing and stabilizing the connective tissue that encases the veins of the legs. Additionally, gotu kola boosts the amount of oxygen being carried through the veins. An Italian study conducted by M.R. Cesarone and published in the January 1994 Minerva Cardioangiologica followed 87 patients with high blood pressure in the veins and found that this herb improved the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide from muscle tissue and alleviated the pressure. Their conditions showed significant improvement, but gotu kola was not effective for improving the appearance of veins that were already damaged.

Wounds, Scarring and Psoriasis

• Gotu kola promotes skin-cell and connective-tissue regeneration because it contains saponin, a substance that stimulates collagen formation. This makes gotu kola an effective treatment for wounds and scarring. It also can help heal the skin after a burn or skin graft, and it can treat the painful welts of psoriasis.

Anxiety

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, gotu kola contains compounds called triterpenoids that appear to mitigate anxiety. A study led by J. Bradwejn and published in a 2000 edition of the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that people taking the supplement were less likely to be startled by a new sound. A feeling of being startled can be linked to a feeling of anxiety, so the researchers said they believe gotu kola has the potential to treat this.

Considerations for Use

• Gotu kola is available in tablets, tinctures and creams. Although this herb can effect change on the cellular level within two to three days, it should be taken for at least three weeks for maximum benefit. Oral supplementation is best for skin conditions. Take the supplement as directed on the product label.
  Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this herb. People who are taking medication for diabetes and cholesterol and people taking diuretics also should refrain from using gotu kola.