Gotu Kola: Gotu Kola Helps Fight Everything From Varicose Veins To Psoriasis

Gotu kola, also referred to as 'Indian pennywort' because its fan-shaped leaves are about the size of a penny coin, is a creeping plant that grows in India, Sri Lanka and other tropical countries.

Ayurvedic (ancient Indian) practitioners have held Gotu kola in high regard for centuries, particularly in terms of its revitalising and rejuvenating properties that help alleviate stress and fatigue.

In fact this herb boasts an incredible number of therapeutic benefits. It has been found to be effective in helping to treat a range of medical conditions -- from poor immunity, circulation problems and skin disorders to memory loss, varicose veins and thread veins.

Gotu kola helps keep your veins in good condition
Studies have found that Gotu kola contains a plant chemical called Tri-Terpenic Fraction of Centella Asiatica (TTFCA), which is particularly beneficial for varicose veins.

TTFCA stimulates the growth of connective tissues, such as collagen and elastin, which are needed for supporting and strengthening the walls of your veins.
This natural chemical also maintains the internal lining of your veins by promoting the growth of cells that line them. This is important because if the internal lining of your veins becomes damaged, blood and fluids can escape into your surrounding tissues. This can cause inflammation and swelling, eventually resulting in varicose veins.

Improves blood flow and helps prevent lethal blood clots
Gotu kola may also prevent a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) from developing - whereby vein enlargement and loss of elasticity causes the pressure inside the veins of your legs to gradually build up.
When this pressure reaches a certain level in your veins, the circulation of blood soon becomes sluggish, leading to swelling and discolouration of the surrounding skin. This can eventually result in thrombosis (blood clotting), which can be fatal.

In one study, researchers found that patients taking 60mg of TTFCA twice a day for eight weeks showed noticeable improvements in blood circulation. This not only occurred in major veins but also in smaller veins (called capillaries) that carry blood and nutrients to your tissues.

The researchers also discovered that TTFCA helps prevent blood from leaking into the surrounding tissues, and strengthens the veins against abrupt increases in blood pressure - which can be caused simply by standing up suddenly (Angiology 2001, 52(2): 15-18).

In another study, 30 patients with CVI experienced considerable improvements in their symptoms after taking a combination of Gotu kola and vitamin E for just ten weeks (Minerva Cardioangiol 2001, 49(2): 159-163). Take 200iu to 400iu of vitamin E a day alongside Gotu kola.

Incredible healing powers extend to treating skin problems like psoriasis
An important ingredient in Gotu kola is the plant chemical, asiaticoside, which has a natural antibiotic effect.

Asiaticoside is used to accelerate wound healing - it has been found to be effective in repairing damaged tissue and in helping to reduce the formation of scar tissue. Research has shown that it is also beneficial in helping skin disorders like psoriasis (Phytomedicine 2001, 8(3): 230-235).

Another natural chemical present in Gotu kola is madecassoside - it exerts a potent anti-inflammatory effect and works with asiaticoside to help promote skin healing and relieve infection.

Gotu kola helps you think more clearly
Gotu kola gently stimulates your nervous system. It makes you feel more alert, but without over-stimulating you as caffeine does, meaning that you aren't left feeling jittery and anxious.

The herb has also been shown to alleviate stress, anxiety, mental fatigue, and memory problems (J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000, 20(6):680-684; J Neurosci Res 1999, 58(3): 417-425). It helps to stimulate brain cell metabolism and protects your cells against possible damage from toxins (J Ethnopharmacol 2002, 79(2): 253-260).

What to take for best results
Gotu kola is available to take in various forms:

• Capsules containing raw powder: The recommended dose is 1,000mg to 4,000mg three times a day.
• Standardised extract (a purer form, containing 40 per cent asiaticoside): Take 60mg to 120mg daily.
• Tincture form: 30 drops three times a day.
• Dried herb tea: half a teaspoonful in a cup of boiling water two to three times a day.
• Ointment: apply a small amount (pea-size) to the affected area three times a day.

End The Discomfort And Embarrassment Of Varicose Veins
When Mary, aged 53 from London, went to her doctor about her varicose veins, she was advised that the only way to successfully treat the problem involved a traumatic operation to remove her veins. Needless to say, she was extremely reluctant to have the surgery performed.

However, Mary knew that she needed to do something about her varicose veins, as they were causing her a great deal of pain and discomfort. Not only that, but Mary also felt extremely self-conscious about the unsightly appearance of her legs, which only added to her distress.

After hearing about Gotu kola's benefits in helping to treat varicose veins, Mary decided to give the herb a try. After taking 120mg of standardised extract of Gotu kola each day for six months, she found that the appearance of her veins improved considerably and they looked far less prominent than they had done before.

Mary is now free from the agonising discomfort she experienced prior to taking Gotu kola, and her confidence in the appearance of her legs has greatly increased.