These days, herbal medicines are getting more and more popular, especially for people who want to live a more natural lifestyle. One of the herbs that has seen a surge in popularity is takip kohol or gotu kola. Learn more about gotu kola benefits here.
What Is Takip Kohol or Gotu Kola?
Gotu kola, known by the scientific name of Centella asiatica, is also known as takip kohol, Indian pennywort, or Asiatic pennywort. It is a common plant that grows in Southeast Asia.
In fact, because of its widespread growth, some people mistake it for a type of weed without having any idea of gotu kola benefits.
Related to the parsley family, it has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years.
Uses
According to people who use this herb, gotu kola benefits a person’s health, helps with skin diseases, and even boosts brainpower. These claims sound too good to be true, but some people do swear that gotu kola benefits your overall well-being.
Gotu Kola Benefits
It can help heal various skin diseases
One of the more common claims that people have is that gotu kola benefits a person suffering from skin diseases, such as psoriasis. It has also been reported to help with removing stretch marks and wound healing.
Gotu kola can be rubbed directly on the skin, or the extract can be added into a cream.
It may also help in the reduction of keloids and scars with direct application of the leaves onto the skin.
While some people swear by its ability to heal skin diseases and wounds, more studies need to be made regarding its effectiveness.
Gotu kola benefits blood circulation
Another benefit of gotu kola is that it helps people with problems regarding their blood circulation.
Centellase, a chemical compound found in gotu kola, has been found to help reduce swelling and improve circulation in the legs of those suffering from circulation problems.
Because of this, researchers believe that gotu kola may help with the reduction of blood clots. But only additional research can confirm this claim.
Antioxidant properties
Gotu kola has also been found to have antioxidant properties. This means that extracts made from gotu kola may prevent inflammation and slow down damage of the cells.
This also means that it has potential for use in the treatment of cancer. But more studies need to be done regarding its effectiveness.
Gotu kola benefits the brain
Some studies have shown gotu kola extracts to have some potential as an antidepressant, antiepileptic, and can help revitalize the brain.
However, most of these studies have only been conducted on rats. More studies on the benefits of gotu kola for humans can help to better understand its medical potential for the brain.
Despite this, the current information that we have regarding gotu kola seems promising. The chemical compounds contained inside the plant have, indeed, shown that it can help with depression, epilepsy, as well as improve brain function.
It can also help with gastric ulcers
A study has found that gotu kola can help with treatment of gastric ulcers. The tests have shown that gotu kola extract can help in healing ulcers and that it has potential as a medicine.
Precautions & Warnings
Allergic reactions
One risk of herbal medicines is that a person could be allergic to the chemical compounds contained in the plant. Check first if you are allergic to gotu kola before using or eating the plant.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
Another important thing to remember is that not enough studies have been done regarding its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While using it on your skin while pregnant might be okay, it would still be best to avoid using any form of gotu kola while you are pregnant or breastfeeding to prevent any risk to the baby.
Drowsiness
Drowsiness is another side effect of using gotu kola, especially if it is eaten or consumed as a juice.
Side Effects & Interactions
Gotu kola can also harm the liver. It would be best to not take it alongside other medicines that can cause damage to the liver. Some of these include acetaminophen, birth control pills, and blood pressure medication.
It is always a good idea to consult your doctor first before using any type of herbal medicine. This helps avoid any possible complications or health problems that could result from using gotu kola.
Gotu kola is NOT a substitute for medicine. Always follow the advice of your physician.
Dosage
Gotu kola is generally safe to consume. Some people eat it as a salad while others prefer to turn the leaves into a juice or smoothie.
Some people also rub it on their skin to help with various skin diseases.
Learn more Herbals & Alternatives here.
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