Gotu kola, the restorative Asian pennywort

Gotu kola, Centella asiatica, or pennywort if you're asking for it at a nursery, is an Asian herb with documented use going back 1000s of years in Ayurvedic (Indian traditional) medicine. It is referred to as Brahmi in Ayurveda (along with another Indian herb Bacopa, so this may cause confusion!) as it is considered miraculous for the mind. In China, it is equally highly thought of by some.

It is low growing and makes a green carpet in some areas of New Zealand. It loves damp ground and I've had it survive protected in a frosty Canterbury winter. It grows using rhizomes and runners under the soil.

It is tasty when I pick off the leaf to eat raw and nice as a cooked vege. In some parts of the world it has become invasive (wet, tropical areas) but I doubt that it will come to that in my garden. The leaf if the medicinal part of the herb.

Why is this herb thought to be so incredible medicinally?

🌱It is considered to be a longevity herb

🌱Both internally and externally it is noted in studies for its tissue repair actions

🌱Gotu kola has been shown in studies to support the brain in response to stress, cognitive function and memory.

🌱This herb has also been used to influence the cardiovascular system, reducing inflammation, improving circulation and varicose veins.

This is a herb I use regularly in clinic and when I was researching this I thought I should use it even more.

Gotu kola, Centella asiatica