Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems

April 21, 2015

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: Understanding the Herb Gotu Kola

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems

Over the years people have often embraced traditional medications for various types of illness. The practice is becoming acceptable even to the mainstream scientific medication. One of the ancient herbs that have been in use for decades is gotu kola and it is going to form part of our focus in this discussion. We want to look at the benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the stems in the treatment of various health conditions we do have today and even in the past. But before that Gotu kola is a swamp plant that originated and grows naturally in Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and many parts of South Africa. Its dried leaves and stems are medicinal and are used in herbal remedies. The active compounds in gotu kola are called saponins, or triterpenoids. Gotu kola is also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat skin wounds. It is important to note that Gotu kola is not in any way related to the kola (cola) nut and doesn’t contain caffeine or stimulants.

Some clinical trials have looked at the use of gotu kola and its compounds in people with poor blood flow, usually in the legs. These limited studies suggest that gotu kola may help reduce swelling in the legs and feet, although more scientific studies are needed. Other research that has looked at gotu kola in humans has been limited by small numbers of patients and problems in study methods. Although at least one laboratory study of tumor cells showed reduced cell growth with gotu kola, available scientific evidence does not support claims of its effectiveness for treating cancer or any other disease in humans. Therefore to help us get the answers to some mostly asked questions, we are going to be talking to doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility whose primary objective is to transforms people’s lives through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. As we progress into the discussion, if you have any concern about your health and the medications you are using whether herbs or scientific, you may want to schedule for an appointment with this great medical professional who has been in practice for over two decades and she will be of great help to you professionally and in confidence.

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: How is Gotu kola promoted for use?

A lot of theories are being used when it come to the application of gotu kola. Some experts who support it use have reported that gotu kola possesses numerous curative qualities. At the same time some physicians maintain that gotu kola eases fever and relieves congestion caused by colds and upper respiratory infections. It is also reported that some women have used gotu kola for birth control, and some herbalists claim that gotu kola is an antidote for poisonous mushrooms and arsenic poisoning. Some believe that it can be applied externally to treat snakebites, herpes, fractures, and sprains. It is evident that gotu kola has several opportunities through which its application is being promoted. Like for instance in some folk medicine traditions, gotu kola is used to treat syphilis, rheumatism, leprosy, mental illness, and epilepsy. It is also used to stimulate urination and to boot out physical and mental exhaustion, high blood pressure, eye diseases, diarrhea, asthma, liver disease, dysentery, urinary tract infections, eczema, inflammation and psoriasis. Some manufacturers of the herbal supplement claim gotu kola can be used to treat cancer as well. That is a testimony of a host of applications opportunities and this introduces us to our next point of concern “what does it involve?”

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: What does it involve?

Over the years this herb has been evolving and each time new development for it applications is being discovered. A lot of improvement has been made on it and today gotu kola is available in capsules, eye drops, extracts, powder, and ointments from health various food stores across the globe and over the online market (Internet). Doctor Dalal Akoury states that dried gotu kola can be made into dust form and be used as tea. She continues to state that if you are purposing to use this herd in whichever form, it would be advisable that you consult with your healthcare provider for advice on the right dosage. This is because the right and recommended dosage depends on the condition being treated and there is no general agreeable dosage. Now that you are up to date with its usage, let us walk you through the history journey of gotu kola herb.

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: What is the history behind it?

Like we have already stated in the introduction, this herb (Gotu kola) has a long history in the folk medicines of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar including South Africa and is still widely used in these countries to date. For a very long time this herb has been used for generation to generation in India to promote relaxation, improve memory, and aid meditation. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb is believed to promote longevity. The Chinese name for gotu kola translates to “fountain of youth.” A Sri Lankan legend says that elephants have long lives because they eat gotu kola. It therefore means that gotu kola has a very rich history and anyone wishing to join the history can do so.

Finally when opting to use gotu kola or any herb for that matter, it is not just enough to get information from the internet and by reading books and without further finding more go ahead and start using these herbs. Majority of herbal medications may not pose any threat but the fact that no tangible scientific evidence has been established about them, makes them only applicable on the instruction of the professional. Therefore I will advise you that before opting for gotu kola, seek for more information with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Akoury’s care.

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: Understanding the Herb Gotu Kola

Clear Evidence of benefits of Gotu Kola

April 21, 2015

Clear Evidence of benefits of Gotu Kola: Gotu kola leaves and Stems

Clear Evidence of benefits of Gotu Kola is seen in its delivery in treatment result

Scientifically for clear evidence of benefits of Gotu kola to be established, it has to be from the laboratories. While appreciating the fact that in the ancient times this was not the case and the applications still worked, it would be very important that some scientific evidence be established. To that effect, a lot is being done and currently, some animal and laboratory studies of gotu kola have shown promising results for some uses. Nonetheless a lot more needs to be done and research carried out to determine its benefits in human life. Doctor Dalal Akoury acknowledges that one group of gotu kola compounds that has been extracted and tested in clinical trials is called total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA). And that a few clinical trials in humans have suggested that extracts of gotu kola and TTFCA, when taken by mouth, were more helpful than a placebo at reducing swelling of the legs and feet due to varicose veins and poor circulation, a condition called chronic venous insufficiency.

Even though these findings appeared to have shown the reduction of the “leakage” of blood vessels that seems to contribute to swelling, doctor Akoury recommends that further research is needed to determine whether these results will hold true. It is also important to remember that extracted chemicals such as TTFCA are not the same as the herb itself. Studies of extracts may not show the same results as studies using the raw plant. Like for instance one study in India reported that gotu kola extract slowed the development of tumors in mice and increased their life span. Other studies with rats showed that gotu kola extract had calming effects and prevented ulcers. Animal studies have shown that gotu kola, when applied to the skin or taken by mouth, seems to promote collagen production in wounds, which contributes to healing.

Clear Evidence of benefits of Gotu Kola: Scientific Findings

In the quest to finding clear evidence of benefits of gotu kola, laboratory studies when analysed have showed that fresh gotu kola juice was able to slow the growth of tumor cells, but not as much as more purified extracts from the plant. The findings from the laboratory studies have also suggested that extracts of gotu kola could be useful in the treatment of scleroderma and for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer disease. And according to a small number of laboratory studies conducted in India and Europe, the findings suggested that an ointment or gel made from gotu kola is likely to speed up wound healing. However none of these studies have been done on humans, although some of the wound-healing studies also looked promising in rodent tests.

Although animal and laboratory studies look promising for some of these uses, further studies are necessary to determine whether the results hold true for humans. More well-controlled research is needed to understand whether gotu kola will play any role in cancer treatment. And with such finding being established, let us now respond to the next point of concern which is “are there any possibilities of complications?”

Clear Evidence of benefits of Gotu Kola: Are there any possible problems or complications?

Currently this product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States and many other states across the globe. Unlike pharmaceutical companies that produce drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show such evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include other substances (contaminants).

Though the FDA has written new rules to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these rules do not address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health when proper manufacturing techniques are used.
Majority of such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions below should be considered incomplete.

As for the Gotu kola, even though it is generally considered safe, there are no large clinical studies in humans to fully document side effects, however:

When used on the skin, possible side effects may include the burning sensation, itching, or allergic rash.
Stomach irritation and nausea have been observed when the herb is taken by mouth.
Drowsiness has been reported, especially when the herb is taken in larger doses.
High doses of gotu kola have been reported to increase blood sugar and raise cholesterol levels.
A few cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) have been reported in people taking gotu kola.
It may increase sensitivity to the sun therefore it may be necessary that if you are using gotu kola then avoiding sunlight or use of sunscreen becomes appropriate.
This herb can cause allergic reactions in some.
Gotu kola impairs fertility in mice, but human effects are less well known.

In addition, the potential interactions between gotu kola and other drugs and herbs should be considered. Some of these combinations may be dangerous. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you are taking. This herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Akoury’s care are very much available to help you with any concerns you may be having about the use of not just gotu kola, but also other herbal medications. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for the commencement of treatment where possible.

Clear Evidence of benefits of Gotu Kola: Gotu kola leaves and Stems

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough

March 10, 2015

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: Gotu Kola the Ancient Herb

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough and Gotu kola is stealing the show

In the resent past we have been talking about beauty and skin care. A lot is actually being done in this line of business. In fact many people are in very serious business thanks to the ever rising demand in the beauty industry. That is as far as life is concern today. However what many people may not be aware of is that beauty is not just in the modern world, it can be traced from the ancient days and even up to creation. In other words from the beginning beauty was a serious factor and that is why after creating the first man the creator acknowledged that it was good. Now this herb is not new because it has been used for ages however its use in skin care is one that we want to concentrate on. People from different societies has their way of calling so whatever the name you call it gotu kola, centella asiatica, Indian pennywort, brahmi, or spade leaf an ancient healing plant is making a comeback in the modern science of preventing skin aging. Very interesting and you don’t want to miss it therefore get the latest anti-aging skin breakthrough for all your skin care needs with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Centella asiatica (often just called centella) is rich in amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and numerous potent phytochemicals. The good news is that experts have established that these extracts are very effective in calming inflammation, speeding up wound healing, stimulating new cell growth, building collagen, and improving blood circulation which is a key factor in skin rejuvenation. It is no wonder that this herb is turning tables round and is becoming a force to reckon with in skin treatment.

So what really are we talking about when we say “get the latest anti-aging skin breakthrough”? Pay keen attention to what the experts are saying about this herb. Both history and science are in agreement of gotu kola’s effectiveness in protecting the beauty of your skin and therefore when you’re picking hat product, be careful to read the ingredient to find out if it has the content of gotu kola.

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: A Long History of Skin Healing

History has it that only few medicinal plants have weathered the storm as centella asiatica. Actually there’s evidence that it was used even by prehistoric man a known in Chinese medicine as gotu kola, it’s listed among the “miracle medicines of life” and mentioned in legends as the herb that helped a famous sage live for over 200 years.

The Indians has baptized it in so many names including mandukparni, jalbrahmi, and just plain brahmi (not to be confused with bacopa monnieri, another ayurvedic plant also called brahmi). A centerpiece of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, it’s used to treat infected wounds, syphilis, eczema, psoriasis, lupus, and female disorders. However the English refer to it as pennywort for because of its coin-shaped leaves. It was one of the earliest treatments for leprosy. In France, centella was first identified and accepted as a pharmaceutical agent in the 1800s for its use treating diarrhea, dysintery, and female issues including infertility.

This herb is the magic of both ancient and current time. It can be used in so many ways like being taken internally as tea or other beverage, it’s considered an effective treatment for fever, dysentery, hepatitis, and new findings indicate that it boosts memory and relieves depression and anxiety. In Thailand, centella is drunk as a cold beverage and considered a turn-back-the-clock health tonic.

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: What the Science Shows

According to the Indian Journal of Medicine gotu kola is known as a “potential herbal cure-all” while a research summary published in Phytomedicine, says: “Centella asiatica has been subjected to quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations.”

Recently, researchers delving into how gotu kola heals wounds have identified specific plant chemicals called triterpenoid saponins and inparticular the asiaticoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, madecassoside and madecassic or madasiatic acid, the finding established that these have been very helpful in healing wounds by boosting antioxidants, increasing the blood supply to the area and strengthening the skin.

A further study done recently in 2012, experts applied saturated the skin of rats with open wound with centella asiatica and found that the formulation inhibited bacterial growth, fueled the growth of new skin cells and increased skin tensile strength and resilience. There’s also adequate evidence that gotu kola helps repair veins. Recent research shows that centella, unlike some herbal extracts, is able to penetrate the skin well enough to be utilized effectively. Nonetheless the scientists are experimenting with applying gotu kola to treat burns, prevent scars, treat psoriasis, and decrease stretch marks. Moreover it is believed that centella circulation boosting abilities are so powerful that it’s been used as an effective treatment for varicose veins and broken capillaries and to break down cellulite by shrinking the connective tissues that bind fat cells under the skin.

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: the benefits of Gotu Kola

Skin care formulations use gotu kola for its ability to boost collagen and decrease inflammation. As with many plant-based compounds, you’re most likely to find a bioactive level of gotu kola (which may be listed as centella asiatica) in organic or all-natural product lines. Like for instance the following products are rich in gotu kola as their major ingridient:

Annmarie Gianni Anti-Aging Products – Annemarie’s anti-aging facial oil or anti-aging eye cream, both of which contain gotu kola extract as well as numerous other beneficial herbs and oils. Annemarie provides an excellent explanation of the role of gotu kola in skin rejuvenation.

Sundari Gotu Kola Products – Sundari gotu kola and yucca facial serum, in which gotu kola oil and sea algae extracts enhance skin renewal while yucca oil boosts skin hydration. Then there’s Sundari gotu kola and Indian asparagus mask, formulated for intensive firming action.

Bellanina Skin Care – Gotu kola takes center stage in Bellanina’s gotu kola + coconut serum, which binds the extracts in an exfoliating base of alpha-lipid acid.

The greatness of this herb will only be news to you until you try its application. You can seek for more information about the applications of this herb from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and explore its usage for the beauty of your skin and wound healing generally.

Get the Latest Anti-Aging Skin Breakthrough: Gotu Kola the Ancient Herb

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola

March 9, 2015

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola: The Magic of Gotu Kola

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola as it was used then and the today’s application

Gotu kola is a kind of vegetation which has been instrumental in the traditional treatment of various diseases in most countries including India, China, and Indonesia. Scientifically it is known as Centella asiatica. Some of the major areas of applications included healing of wounds, improvement of mental clarity as well as treating skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. This plant has been singled out to one of the most used herbs in providing alterative treatment for so many health complications. There is a lot being said about this herb and we want to get the clear understanding of the history of gotu kola as it was then and how it is beneficial currently. The roles of this herb are endless. Some people use it to treat respiratory infections such as colds and in the past China used it primarily for that among many other ways. And because of its ability to offer treatment solutions, it was nick named “the fountain of life”. The motivation of this nick name was because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than two centuries (200 years) and his long life was credited to gotu kola.

Archaeologically, gotu kola has also been used to treat some STI including syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. Currently this herb is penetrating in to the American and Europe market where it is being used to treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. This is a health condition where blood pools in the legs. Besides that it’s also used in ointments to treat psoriasis and help heal minor wounds thereby keeping the good health of the skin. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care are reiterating that gotu kola should not be mistaken for kola nut (Cola nitida) because they are not the same. Doctor Akoury explains that unlike kola nut, gotu kola does not have caffeine and is not a stimulant.

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola: Plant Description

Gotu kola is a perpetual plant native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific.
It is member of the parsley family it has no taste or smell.
It thrives in and around water.
It has small fan shaped green leaves with white or light purple-to-pink flowers, and small oval fruit.
The leaves and stems of the gotu kola plant are used as medicine.

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola: Medicinal Uses and Treatment Indications

Gotu kola has very good medicinal characteristics and can be very useful in treatment of so many health complications including the following:

Venous insufficiency and varicose veins – When blood vessels lose their elasticity, blood pools in the legs and fluid leaks out of the blood vessels. That causes the legs to swell (venous insufficiency). Several small studies suggest gotu kola may help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. In a study of 94 people with venous insufficiency, those who took gotu kola saw their symptoms improve compared to those who took placebo. In another study of people with varicose veins, ultrasound tests showed that people who took gotu kola has less leakage of fluid.

Wound healing and skin lesions – Gotu kola has chemicals called triterpenoids. In animal and lab studies, these compounds seem to help heal wounds. For example, some studies suggest that triterpenoids strengthen the skin, boost antioxidants in wounds, and increase blood supply to the area. Based on these findings, gotu kola has been applied to the skin, or used topically, for minor burns, psoriasis, preventing scars after surgery, and preventing or reducing stretch marks.

Anxiety – These same chemicals triterpenoids seem to decrease anxiety and increase mental function in mice. One human study found that people who took gotu kola were less likely to be startled by a new noise than those who took placebo. Since the “startle noise” response can be a way to tell if someone is anxious, researchers think that gotu kola might help reduce anxiety symptoms. However the dose applied for this study was very high making it impossible to say how gotu kola might be used to treat anxiety.

Scleroderma – A single study of 13 women with scleroderma found that gotu kola decreased joint pain and skin hardening, and improved finger movement.

Insomnia – Gotu kola acts as a sedative when given to animals in tests. Because of that, it is sometimes suggested to help people with insomnia. But no human studies have been done to see whether it works and whether it’s safe.

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola: Dosage and Administration

Gotu kola is available in teas and as dried herbs, tinctures, capsules, tablets, and ointments. Products should be stored in a cool, dry place and used before the expiration date on the label. At no given time should gotu kola be used for patients under the age of 18 years old. Nonetheless as for the adults, the standard dose of gotu kola (Centella asiatica) will fluctuate depending on what kind you use and what you use it for. Getting your doctor’s opinion would be highly recommended in choosing the right dose for you.

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola: Side Effects

Side effects are rare but may include skin allergy and burning sensations with external use, headache, stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, and extreme drowsiness. These tend to happen with high doses of gotu kola.

Pediatric use – Gotu kola is not recommended for children.

Geriatric Use – The dosage of 65 years old and above should take a lower dose of gotu kola. Your health care provider can help you determine the right dose for you, which can be increased slowly over time.

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola: Interactions and Depletions

Gotu kola may interact with the following medications:

Drugs that affect the liver – Gotu kola contain elements which are likely to injure the liver of the patient. It must therefore be noted that taking it along with some other medications that also can harm the liver may cause liver damage.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs (including statins) – In some studies where animal were involved it was established that gotu kola raised cholesterol levels of those animals. Therefore it can may also do the same (raise cholesterol levels) in humans. However this is still a hypothesis since it is yet to be confirmed.

Diabetes medications – While carrying out a study in animal it was established that, gotu kola seems to increase blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes should not take gotu kola without first talking to their doctor.

Diuretics (water pills) – Gotu kola seems to act like a diuretic, meaning it helps the body get of excess fluid. Taking diuretic medications and gotu kola could cause your body to lose too much fluid, upsetting the balance of electrolytes you need. The same is true of taking gotu kola with herbs that have diuretic effects, such as green tea, astragalus or gingko.

Sedatives – Because gotu kola acts like a sedative, it might make some drugs taken for anxiety or insomnia stronger. The same is true for herbs taken for anxiety or insomnia, such as valerian.

Understanding the History of Gotu Kola: The Magic of Gotu Kola

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