Gotu kola is a type of creeping vine indigenous to India, China, Pakistan, Madagascar, South Africa, and parts of northeastern Europe. It is tasteless and odorless, with small, fan-shaped green leaves, flowers that range in color from purple to pink, and small, oval fruit.
In Sri Lanka, the plant's leaves are consumed as food by both humans and animals, especially elephants. The leaves and stems of the plant or also used in herbal medicines.
Gotu kola has historically been reported to enhance mental activity and help a variety of illnesses, ranging from rheumatism, fevers and high blood pressure to syphilis and stomach ulcers. It is a staple in ayurvedic medicine; some of its more common uses are for cardiovascular disease, water retention, bronchitis and coughs. Practitioners also make a poultice out of gotu kola, which is used to treat many skin conditions.
The primary active ingredients of gotu kola are asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the production of collagen, especially in conjunction with scar tissue. Other studies have shown that gotu kola can help treat burns and wounds, and that it may be helpful in preventing and treating keloid scars.
The amount of gotu kola to be taken depends on the condition being treated. The standard dose of gotu kola also depends on the form of the herb being taken. Generally, the standard doses for gotu kola are as follows:
Dried gotu kola leaf can be found at many Asian markets and specialty stores. Some nutritional stores sell gotu kola supplements; others offer fluid extracts and tinctures.
The American Herbal Products Association has given gotu kola a class 1 rating, meaning that it can be safely consumed when used appropriately. In rare instances, however, people who are allergic to gotu kola have reported an adverse reaction after taking the herb, such as a burning sensation on the skin or headaches. These reactions are usually associated with high-dose use of gotu kola. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take gotu kola; persons aged 65 years or older should take gotu kola at lower doses than normal.
As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions associated with gotu kola. However, because gotu kola can cause sedation in high doses, it should be avoided by people who take medications designed to promote sleep or treat anxiety. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking gotu kola or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
References
Over my almost 30 years in clinical practice, I have used Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang extensively for a wide array of clinical presentations ranging from chronic headaches to anxiety, insomnia, and prescription drug withdrawal symptoms if these situations fit the appropriate patterns – all with extremely positive clinical outcomes.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
| Digital Exclusive
Low back pain is defined as pain the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), and it can be acute or chronic, localized or radiating. It is a common ailment for adults in the United States, with a lifetime prevalence as high as 65-80%. Whether or not an MRI is available to provide definitive knowledge of a structural issue, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for low back pain.
| Digital Exclusive