Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Dried aerial parts of Centella asiatica, Gotu Kola, a low-growing herbaceous plant used extensively in Ayurveda, TCM, and Southeast Asian traditional medicine. Gotu Kola is one of the most-used traditional herbs in Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia, where it is eaten as a daily salad green as well as used medicinally.

Naming note: "Brahmi" is sometimes used as a common name for Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and is also used for Bacopa monnieri (a different species). The two herbs have overlapping cognitive-support reputations but are distinct species. This product is Centella asiatica.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Centella asiatica

Family

Apiaceae (carrot/parsley family)

Common names

Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Brahmi (one of two plants by this name)

Native region

Wetlands of Asia (India, Sri Lanka, China, Southeast Asia)

Traditional uses

Cognitive support (Ayurveda), skin and wound support, longevity tonic

Studied compounds

Asiaticoside, madecassoside (triterpene saponins)

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu Kola is a small low-growing herb with fan-shaped leaves, native to the wetlands of Asia. The plant has parallel use traditions in multiple Asian herbal systems: in Ayurveda as a "medhya rasayana" (intellect-supporting tonic), in TCM, and in Sri Lankan herbal medicine where it is the most common daily salad green ("gotu kola sambol" is a national dish). Western interest has focused on skin and wound applications.

How to Use Gotu Kola

Tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per 8 oz cup in hot water for 10 minutes; strain. Tincture: alcohol extracts the triterpene saponins. Powder (for capsules or smoothies): mild grassy flavor. Topical: traditional Asian use includes applying as poultice or in skin preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gotu Kola used for?
Cognitive support (Ayurveda), skin and wound support, and as a daily longevity tonic.

Is Gotu Kola the same as Brahmi?
"Brahmi" is used as a common name for both Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Bacopa monnieri. They are different species with overlapping but distinct uses. This product is Centella asiatica.

What's the Sri Lankan use?
Gotu Kola is the most common daily salad green in Sri Lanka; "gotu kola sambol" (chopped greens with coconut, lime, and chili) is a national dish.

What is asiaticoside?
One of the primary triterpene saponins in Gotu Kola; the focus of much modern skin and wound research.

Can I use it topically?
Yes; long traditional use as poultice and skin preparation; widely used in modern Asian cosmetics.

Is Gotu Kola safe during pregnancy?
Generally not recommended during pregnancy; consult a healthcare provider.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.