Materia Medica: Gotu Kola
Société Apothecary
]( https://www.societeapothecary.com/s/search?q=gotu%20kola ) Gotu Kola: Materia Medica Known as a “herb of longevity” and revered in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, Gotu Kola nourishes the mind, heals the skin, and restores the nervous system. With its small, humble leaves and deep rejuvenating properties, this plant bridges intellect and intuition—bringing clarity, calm, and renewal. “Gotu Kola calms the currents of the mind—building bridges between body and spirit.” MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Centella asiatica Common Name(s): Gotu Kola, Brahmi (in southern India), Indian Pennywort, Mandukaparni TCM Name: Ji Xue Cao Ayurvedic Name: Mandukaparni, Brahmi (note: often confused with Bacopa monnieri ) Family: Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae) Physical Description of the Plant: A low-growing, creeping perennial with rounded, fan-shaped leaves and tiny pink-to-purple flowers. Thrives in moist, tropical, and subtropical environments. Habitat: Native to India, Sri Lanka, China, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Also found in Florida and the southern U.S. in swampy areas. Harvest and Collection: Leaves and stems are harvested before flowering, generally in spring and summer. Fresh use preferred; can also be dried for teas and powders. Parts of the Plant Used: Leaves and stems (aerial parts) Qualities: Slightly bitter, sweet, astringent Energetics: Cooling, moistening, calming, rejuvenating Chemical Constituents: Triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside) Flavonoids Sterols Tannins Essential oils Polyacetylenes Actions: Adaptogen Nervine (tonic and calming) Nootropic (cognitive support) Anti-inflammatory Vulnerary (wound-healing) Circulatory tonic Mild diuretic Anxiolytic Antioxidant Indications: Cognitive decline, memory issues, poor concentration Nervous exhaustion, anxiety, stress Insomnia (especially from mental overactivity) Chronic skin conditions and wound healing Varicose veins, poor circulation Connective tissue weakness or slow injury recovery Support in meditation and spiritual practice Diagnostic Picture: Gotu Kola is ideal for individuals who feel mentally overworked, anxious, or scattered—especially when accompanied by poor circulation or slow tissue repair. It soothes the nervous system while promoting mental clarity and healing. Contraindications/Cautions: Rare cases of skin sensitivity or contact dermatitis Use with caution during pregnancy (especially in high doses) May cause mild headaches or dizziness in very high doses Avoid with sedative medications unless supervised Drug Interactions: May potentiate the effects of sedatives or anxiolytics May affect liver enzyme pathways—use caution with hepatically metabolized drugs Dosage: Infusion (Tea): 1 tsp dried herb per cup; steep 10–15 minutes, up to 3x daily Tincture: 2–4 mL, 2–3x daily Powder: 1–3 grams daily, mixed in warm water, juice, or milk Capsules: Standardized extracts often used at 300–500 mg/day Topical: Infused oil or creams for wounds, scars, varicose veins Combinations: With Ashwagandha or Tulsi for nervous exhaustion With