How to Use Gotu Kola

Much like ginkgo biloba, gotu kola (Centella asiatica) can be helpful in improving your memory. It comes from tropical Asia and is now a common weed in many environments, from dry and sunny areas to damp, shady places. The leaves are light green and round with scallops. You’ll probably never see a flower, as they are tiny and inconspicuous. Gotu kola can be taken as a tea or a tincture, or in capsule form, available at natural grocery stores. Although this herb is used for many varied purposes around the world, its primary and most common use is for assisting the memory. We'll focus on how to make tea and tincture from this plant.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh or dried gotu kola herb
• Teakettle
• Teapot
• Water
• Strainer
• Alcohol, cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin
• Clean glass jar

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Instructions

• 1

  You can use either fresh gotu kola leaves or purchase them dried at natural foods stores. The results will be the same. For each cup of tea, place 12 fresh or dried leaves of gotu kola into a teapot or teacup.

• 2

  Boil water in a teakettle or pan and then pour it over your gotu kola leaves.

• 3

  Allow your tea to steep for about 10 minutes, and then strain it and enjoy with sugar, honey, lemon, milk or other tasty additions. You can make a larger amount of tea if you wish and then drink the leftover tea for your dosage later in the same day.

• 4

  Tinctures are herbal extractions made with alcohol, cider vinegar or glycerin. They are simple to make and portable for people on the run or while traveling. First, fill a clean glass jar about half full with either fresh or dried gotu kola leaves.

• 5

  Fill your jar with vodka, rum, brandy, apple cider vinegar, or vegetable glycerin.

• 6

  Shake the jar, label the contents (be sure to include the date), and allow it to sit in a cool, shady location for one month.

• 7

  Shake your brewing tincture at least once each day.

• 8

  After one month, strain your tincture and bottle it in smaller glass bottles with dropper tops for ease of use. Take no more than three full droppersful three times each day. Discontinue use when your symptoms improve.