MEDICINAL USES
Cautions In small doses, Gotu Kola acts as a stimulant, while large doses have a narcotic effect and can cause stupor, headache, or in excessive cases, vertigo or coma. If headache occurs, lower the dosage or stop taking it. Avoid if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not use if you are taking tranquilizers or sedatives or if you have overactive thyroid or taking thyroid medication.
The West has only recently begun catching up to the East regarding the knowledge and scope of use of Gotu Kola.
Gotu Kola is probably best known as one of the 'brain herbs', or herbs associated with improving memory or enhancing brain function. Studies in the US and India are showing that Gotu Kola may indeed have the effect of stimulating the brain and increasing intelligence/capability. As such, Gotu Kola is also recommended for treatment of senility and premature aging.
In fact, studies have shown that children taking Gotu Kola showed increased concentration and greater attention spans, indicating Gotu Kola could be one to study in the treatment of ADD. Note: Do not administer this herb to any child under two years of age. Do not try to treat ADD without a Doctor's supervision.
While we in the West catch up, use of Gotu Kola as a medicinal herb remains truly widespread throughout India and Asia. In the Philippines, the leaves are eaten in salads and used for a stimulating tea. Tribes in East Africa use the herb for mental and physical ailments. Other areas show use of Gotu Kola for treating everything from the common cold to uterine cancer. In the Far East, Gotu Kola is provides regular relief for colds and flu symptoms, in addition to an extensive array of other uses, including:
- asthma, bronchitis
- high blood pressure
- heart problems
- epilepsy
- insomnia
- jaundice and liver complaints
- inflammation
- skin disease
- syphilis
- muscle and joint problems
- TB
- hysteria
- mental illness
- Western medicine has acknowledged Gotu Kola as a benefit for the following:
- As a diuretic (remember, always increase your water consumption when using diuretics!)
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