Hydroxotile asiatica
One of the most popular herbs in the East, Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica is used as a food, as an ingredient in drinks, or as a medicine.
In Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, centella asiatica leaves are prepared as a healthy herbal drink under its English name pennywort.
Who is it recommended for?
Centella asiatica, or gotu kola, is known for helping to increase blood flow to the legs. This herb has traditionally been used to prevent varicose veins and poor venous circulation.
It is a healing herb as it enhances tissue healing. It is often included in products for recovery from injuries, trauma, or surgery, and to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. The powdered herb is often prepared as a balm, mixed into a cream, or simply applied directly to minor cuts and wounds for healing.
On the other hand, it's a popular herb in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to improve awareness and mental clarity. Western herbalists prescribe it to dispel what they call "brain fog": lack of focus or inability to concentrate. It promotes a calm state of mind and often serves as an aid to meditation.
How to take it?
The stems of this herb can be cooked as a vegetable or added to salads. It's easy to grow, provided you plant it in a sunny spot and water it fairly regularly. The leaves can be consumed in tinctures, dried to add to tea, or in capsule form.
This herb should be avoided if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
You can add this herb to your daily routine and enjoy all its benefits with the Muse Antioxidant Supplement containing 60 milligrams of Centella asiatica per capsule.
