PEAKLIFE

A prehistoric herb- Gotu Kola is creating a buzz with new skin treatments with its numerous alignments.

Since for last few years there is a growing focus on Plant research only because synthetics that have been so much in usage for 5-7 decades that we are chemically throttled and therefore these synthetics side effects have started showing up visible side effects in the form of various disorders.

Nature has provided us with many elixirs to deal with mild and chronic diseases and therefore such potential medicinal herbs are undergoing preclinical and clinical tests to scientifically prove their effectiveness.  And one of these miracle elixirs of life is Gotu Kola.

Known by many names such as Brahma manduki, Mandukparni, Centella Asiatica (Botanical Name), Indian Pennywort etc to name a few.  It is different from the other popular Indian herb Brahmi    (Bacopa Monnieri).  It is cool in nature and all parts of the plant are used as medicine.  Many preclinical trials have come out in support of the claims the herb makes. It is an ayurvedic herb that has mention in our Ancient Indian medical text “Sushruta Samhita” as a strong skin healer also.

This ancient medicinal creeper found throughout India growing in moist places is making a comeback not only as an effective wound healer but also to treat various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, Leprosy, Lupus, varicose veins etc.

The presence of major nutrient triterpenoids with 20-25% tannins and essential acid (alkaloid, flavonoids, fatty acids) make this plant an elixir for skin as it can heal wound, cut, skin sores, and reduce the formation of scar giving tissues, stimulate new cell growth, build collagen, improve circulation. In all a very strong skin restoring herb one should not miss.

In a research, the Gotu kola was applied to the skin of a rat with open wound and it was observed that the there was increased cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound area, the rate of wound contraction was also higher and also increased tensile strength of the newly formed skin.

Gotu Kola can be consumed and applied for the desired benefits

Here’s how you can use it-

• Make a tea of dry leaf or powdered leaf of Gotu Kola.
• Chew 2 fresh leaves daily.
• Drink a teaspoon of Gotu kola cold pressed oil with warm water every day.
• Apply and massage cold pressed Gotu kola oil on skin for skin disorders and to seek relief from varicose veins.

Remember -Supplements natural or synthetically created should not be consumed continuously. Break in between is important.

You can buy routine skin care products made with GotuKola@snaana.com 

Author: Alkaa Punia is an expert on 100% natural products and has her own brand ‘Snaana’ which is the first-of-its-kind all-natural skincare brand in India. Snaana’s products are not only 100% chemical free but are also 100% preservative free. Alkaa Punia believes that there is no need of exposing our skin to chemicals and preservatives, even in small quantities, and her brand proves that skincare products can be made without including any chemicals at all and keeping them truly 100% natural. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not represent those of the GlobalSpa.