Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Pricing is by weight, so roots, berries, and seeds will weigh more than leaves and flowers. The price is per 1 ounce (28 grams).
I can't set a Maximum, but please do not order more than 4 ounces at a time!
Centella asiatica is distinguished by its low-growing, cupped leaves, which are used locally as a culinary vegetable. Gotu Kola leaf is highly regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda for its healthful effects and as an ally in supporting healthy brain functioning. The dried leaves are typically brewed into gotu kola tea, added into herbal tea blends, and tinctured.
Gotu kola is known throughout the Asian world as a potent botanical and a tasty food. It has been utilized for thousands of years in both TCM and Ayurveda for its properties and for its positive effect on memory and focus. Gotu kola supports overall cognitive health.*
Other common names for gotu kola include Asiatic pennywort, Indian pennywort, ji xue cao (Chinese), hierba de clavo, sombrerito (Spanish), and mandukaparni. Centella loves to grow near slowly moving water (one of its common names in Ayurveda is 'mandukaparni' which means frog-leafed as this plant grows in swampy areas). It has small round bright green leaves with white, light purple or pink flowers, and produces an oval-shaped fruit. As a member of the carrot or Apiaceace family, it is related to many other popular foods and spices such as parsley (Petroselinum crispum), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), angelica (Angelica archangelica), and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). In Spanish is it referred to as 'sombrerito' which means little hat and alludes to the shape of the leaf. In the Sri Lankan Singhalese language, 'gotu kola' means cup-shaped leaf. In Sri Lanka it is common knowledge that elephants, who have a reputation of a long life and a great memory, eat the plant. The locals follow their example, eating a few leaves a day.
Gotu kola’s ancient use is recorded in the Chinese Shennong Herbal (1st-2nd century CE). It is referred to as 'the fountain of life' in China as a legend boasts that a gotu kola-eating herbalist lived for over 200 years. This herb, called 'ji xue cao', is used in TCM.
It is considered sweet, bitter, and astringent in taste and energetically cooling.
Precautions
No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
*This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.