Gotu kola, scientifically known as Centella asiatica, is a small, herbaceous plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to Asia and commonly found in wetlands, particularly in India, China, and Southeast Asia. Known as a staple in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, gotu kola is valued for its potential wellness properties, particularly for cognitive, skin, and circulatory health.

Characteristics

• Appearance: Gotu kola has small, fan-shaped green leaves with slightly rounded edges and small, inconspicuous flowers. It grows close to the ground, spreading with thin, creeping stems.
• Flavor: The leaves have a mild, slightly bitter, earthy taste with a hint of herbal sweetness. In fresh form, it can be used similarly to other leafy herbs in salads or teas.
• Aroma: Gotu kola has a faint, grassy aroma that is often more prominent when the leaves are fresh.

Common Uses

• Culinary Uses: Gotu kola is edible and used in various traditional dishes in Asia:
  • Salads and Fresh Preparations: In some Asian countries, especially Sri Lanka and Thailand, fresh gotu kola leaves are used in salads or lightly cooked in dishes.
  • Teas and Beverages: Often steeped as an herbal tea, gotu kola tea is mild and refreshing.
  • Smoothies and Juices: Fresh gotu kola leaves are sometimes blended into juices or smoothies for added nutrients.
• Traditional Medicine: Gotu kola has a long history in traditional medicine for its various potential health benefits, including:
  • Cognitive and Mental Health: Traditionally, gotu kola has been associated with cognitive support and used to promote mental clarity and focus.
  • Skin Health: Extracts are sometimes applied to the skin for their purported ability to support wound healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin elasticity.
  • Circulatory and Vein Health: It is believed to help strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation, particularly in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

Gotu kola is often consumed in supplement form, such as capsules, powders, or tinctures, for ease of use. In skincare, it is a common ingredient in creams and serums aimed at promoting skin firmness and repair.