Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has been known to boost mental activity and also helpful against high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, and nervous disorders. According to Ayurvedic medicine heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis, and coughs in children, and as a poultice for many skin conditions are some of the ailments that gotu kola can help relieve. It contains the following phytochemicals: asiaticoside, a triterpene glycoside, which has an antibiotic and wound healing property; saponin glycosides (diuretic); madecassoside (glycoside with strong anti inflammatory action); phytosterols such as campesterol, stigmasterol and sitosterol, which are good for the heart. It also contains vitamin K as well as minerals such as magnesium, calcium and sodium.
Gotu kola is not a stimulant but a healthy plant supplement that can improve memory and learning, believe to be due to improvement of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). If you plan to use this plant, the recommendation is to eat the leaves with ordinary salad such as tomatoes, onions and other green leafy vegetables. If you have tried arugula with garden salad, then you can eat gotu kola as added value to your garden salad.
