Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica
积雪草
Pinyin: Jī Xuě Cǎo
Plant Family
Apiaceae
Part Used
Aerial parts (leaves, whole plant)
Origin
India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, China, Australia
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Gotu Kola is a small, creeping plant with fan-shaped leaves that grows in tropical wetlands. It has been used for thousands of years in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In Ayurveda, it is known as "Brahmi" (though this name is also used for Bacopa monnieri) and is considered a "medhyarasayana" (brain tonic). In TCM, it is known as Ji Xue Cao and is used for wound healing and blood conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter, sweet, acrid / pungent
Meridians (归经)
spleen, liver, kidney
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Wound healing and skin regeneration
- Improves memory and cognitive function
- Anxiety and nervous disorders
- Treats leprosy and skin conditions (historical)
- Reduces inflammation and swelling (edema)
- Insomnia
- Mental fatigue and poor concentration
- Vein health (varicose veins, venous insufficiency)
- Scar prevention and reduction
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as tea, tincture, capsules, tablets, cream/ointment (topical for wounds and scars), and as a vegetable in some cuisines. Very popular in skin care products for its collagen-stimulating and anti-aging effects.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 1-2 tsp dried herb steeped 5-10 min, 2-3 times daily. Capsules: 500-1000mg of standardized extract (40-70% asiaticosides). Tincture: 2-5ml 2-3 times daily. Topical: apply cream 2-4 times daily to affected areas.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Year-round in tropical climates; harvest when plants are mature and actively growing. Leaves are picked by hand.
Quality Indicators
Green leaves with fresh, slightly bitter taste. Standardized extracts should list total triterpenoid content (20-70%). Centella Cream should contain 1-5% standardized extract. Look for TECA (Total Extract of Centella Asiatica) in skin products.
Storage
Store dried herb in airtight container in cool, dry place. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Topical creams: follow expiration dates on packaging.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy (may stimulate uterus - avoid medicinal doses)Breastfeeding (insufficient data)Surgery (may affect wound healing - stop 2 weeks before)Liver disease (high doses, prolonged use - rare reports of liver toxicity)Children: generally safe in food amounts
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe when used appropriately
- Topical: mild skin irritation or allergic reaction (rare)
- Internal: headache, dizziness, nausea (rare, high doses)
- Drowsiness (in some people)
- Rare: liver toxicity with very high doses or long-term use (controversial)
- Scar creams: may cause itching (part of healing process)
Drug Interactions
- Sedatives (may enhance drowsiness)
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar - mild)
- Cholesterol medications (statins - may enhance effect)
- Liver-metabolized medications (CYP450 interactions - possible)
- Topical use has minimal systemic absorption and drug interactions
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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