Gotu Kola Tea

Gotu kola is a true creeping herb, adapted in moist areas of the tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. The individual plants are connected with green or reddish green stolons. You can identify this plant from the reniform leaves borne on long stalks, and pinkish to reddish flowers. It shares the taxonomic family Mackinlayoideae with carrots, and is identified scientifically as Centella asiatica. It is a common curative herb presented in the traditional medicine of China, India, Indonesia and Africa. In addition to popular gotu kola tea, this herb is also consumed as a vegetable in salads and dishes.

Gotu Kola Tea Benefits

Mentioned in pharmacopoeias, gotu kola (or Indian pennywort) is appreciated by herbalists all across the globe. The therapeutic benefits of gotu kola herb is attributed to the presence of sapogenins and triterpenoid saponins. These active ingredients are known to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anxiolytic and diuretic properties. In addition, it acts as a cerebral tonic, adaptogen and helps in stimulating blood circulation. Some of the gotu kola benefits, which you can reap by drinking gotu kola tea are mentioned below.

• Having tea made from dried gotu kola at regular intervals (preferably 2-3 times a day) reduces fatigue and increased weakness. Thus, this herbal tea is an effectual remedy for stress management.
• Gotu kola is mildly antibacterial and antiviral in action. Taking tea reduces the risk of infectious diseases. Previously, gotu kola was used to treat wounds and also, to speed up the healing process of skin infections.
• This creeping vine is a curative herbal medicine for combating mild skin diseases to leprosy symptoms. Regular drinking of this herbal tea slows down the aging process, and leads to a healthy, glowing skin.
• It gives a calming effect to the central nervous system. Rich in anti-inflammatory agents, gotu kola tea aids in reducing symptoms of painful hemorrhoid. Likewise, it is useful for alleviating inflammation problem.
• Gotu kola is claimed to strengthen the functionality of brains, thereby enhancing concentration power and memory. Thus, this simple herb is also used in the alternative medicine for Alzheimer's disease.
• Another benefit of this tea is in strengthening the lining of blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract. It also aids in purification of blood and increasing oxygen supply to the body parts.

Gotu Kola Tea Recipe

The method for making gotu kola tea is no different from preparation of other herbal teas. Needless to mention, you will need dried form of this herb in specific amounts to make tea (and potable water). While purchasing the same, make sure you look for reliable brands that deliver pure, uncontaminated herbal medicine. Do not trust those brands that offer gotu kola herb at a very low price. Maybe their qualities are not up to the mark.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon gotu kola (or 1 tea bag)
• 8 ounces boiling water

Preparation

The above recipe supplies are sufficient for making 1 cup tea. Preparation of this tea is as easy as steeping the dried herb (or tea bags) in boiling water for 15 minutes, or until the water color is changed. Then, strain hot tea and drink. Adding sugar is up to your choice. However, if you are drinking gotu kola tea for health objectives, reduce the use of table sugar as far as possible. You can stir in a small amount of honey or sugar for taste.

As long as you take gotu kola tea in appropriate amounts, i.e., 2-3 times daily, there are no adverse effects. If available, using fresh plant is the best way to reap maximum therapeutic benefits. In case of using herbal supplements of the same, taking correct dose is imperative to avoid the risk of gotu kola side effects. Since there is no standard for formulating herbal medicine, you should also take special care in deciding which gotu kola products are trustworthy, and which ones are not while buying them from health food stores.