Gotu Kola / (Indian Pennywort).

Latin name - Hydrocotyle asiatica or Centella asiatica.

Family: - Umbelliferae

Actions : Adaptogen, , anti-inflammatory, alterative, antipyretic, antispasmodic ,cardiac, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, nervine,purgative, sedative, tonic.

Parts used: Fresh or dried leaves.

Constituents :Aheteroside (saponoside), asiaticoside which is antibiotic and assists in formation of scar tissue, triperpene acids, indocentoic alkaloid, hydrocotylin, resin, pectic acid, vitamin C, bitter compound, vellarin, tannin (9%), sugars, volatile oil.

Uses: In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been traditionally used to treat leprosy. It is a tonic and is useful for the treatment of arthritis. An old Sinhalese proverb stated “Two leaves a day keeps old age away.” It is used in India and Africa for blood purifying, treating venereal conditions and tuberculosis. A cream made from Gotu Kola relieves the scaly welts of psoriasis as will a compress. It also can help promote circulation in the legs so is, therefore, food for venous insufficiency. It can aslo be used both internally and externally for varicose veins alaong with horsechestnut and yarrow

Contra : Large doses can be narcotic.

Majikal Uses : Used as an incense burnt prior to meditation .