- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia, Africa, Oceania (tropical and subtropical)
- Sanskrit
- Mandukaparni
- Other names
- Gotu kola, Indiase waternavel
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Chinese medical traditions, Jamu in Indonesia
Asia · Herb · № 348
Centella asiatica
Herb · Asia
Gotu kola
Centella asiatica
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, tonic, diuretic, locally stimulating, calming; for chronic ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, leprosy, epilepsy, insanity, swollen glands, abscesses, chronic rheumatism, diarrhoea in children.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Tea 12–20 ml; powder 0.5–1.5 g; ointment or dusting powder externally; as a ghee preparation (ghrita).
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica and Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care. Sanskrit name: Mandukaparni. Centella asiatica (gotu kola) is used in Ayurveda as a medhya rasayana for memory and eaten in Sri Lanka as a salad (gotukola sambol). In Chinese medicine it is called ji xue cao, in Indonesia pegagan. Extracts are being studied for wound healing and varicose veins.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Cleansing, tonic, diuretic, locally stimulating, calming; for chronic ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, leprosy, epilepsy, insanity, swollen glands, abscesses, chronic rheumatism, diarrhoea in children; promotes growth of skin, hair and nails, memory and longevity.
Preparation and amount
Tea 12–20 ml; powder 0.5–1.5 g; ointment or dusting powder externally; as a ghee preparation (ghrita).
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Rasayana (rejuvenating, strengthens immunity), nourishes the mind and elevates consciousness; traditionally for psychological complaints such as anxiety, depression, dementia, psychosis and epilepsy.
Preparation and amount
Grow it yourself; cook a handful of leaves with the food, or drink ½–1 tsp bruised leaves in warm water in the morning.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Salve and balmCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen