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Still don't know about gotu kola and its different health benefits? Gotu kola, Gotu kola or Hydrocotyle asiatica It is a plant native to the swampy areas of India but which currently also grows spontaneously elsewhere, especially in regions such as southern Africa, the United States and China. Although this herb was traditionally used for its medicinal properties that helped combat the symptoms of diseases such as leprosy, gotu kola has become a very popular remedy, both for skin care, as a food supplement and in loss of skin. weight.
However, if you want to know in more detail both its properties and its uses, then we recommend that you continue reading this Green Ecologist article where we will talk about the properties of gotu kola and its contraindications.
Properties of gotu kola
Gotu kola, also known as Hydrocotyle asiatica or gotu kola, is a plant of the Umbelliferae family that originated in different areas of India, especially in misty and humid places. Traditionally, the uses of gotu kola were medicinal since it was taken to combat diseases such as leprosy and other digestive and respiratory problems. This is because gotu kola has different active principles, among which its richness in essential oils, tannic acid, vellarin, alkaloids, tannins, mucilage and plant sterols, among others, stands out. Due to this richness in nutrients, the Gotu kola plant has these properties and benefits:
- Regenerative properties: One of the most recognized properties of gotu kola is that it helps to restore skin that has been damaged after a burn, sore or other type of injury. Thus, the internal but especially external use of this medicinal plant reduces scars and can even help them not to be seen.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It has a soothing and dermoprotective effect that makes it ideal for alleviating the symptoms of some conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and insect bites. It is also used to reduce redness of the skin caused by hair problems and hives.
- Firming properties: centella helps reduce cellulite as it provides elasticity and firmness to the skin.
- Vasodilator properties: this plant improves blood circulation and prevents venous insufficiency. Due to this, one of the uses of gotu kola is as a natural remedy to reduce varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
- Slimming properties: Gotu kola for weight loss is another recurring use of this plant. It is used as a food supplement in weight loss diets as it reduces the retention of fluids and toxins accumulated in the body.
- Antiseptic properties: This plant is also used to alleviate some symptoms caused by gastric infections and flu processes.
How to take gotu kola
Gotu kola is a plant that can be used both internally and externally. Next, we will explain how to take Gotu kola and also how to use it externally:
Infusion of gotu kola
Gotu kola infusion is used primarily for its tonic and vasodilator properties that improve blood circulation. To prepare it you will have to add a cup of water to a saucepan and when it starts to boil a tablespoon of gotu kola. Let it boil for 2 minutes and then steep for a while. Strain the content to take it twice a day.
Gotu kola capsules
This format of centella is used mainly for both its anxiolytic properties and its stimulating effect, although Gotu kola capsules are also often consumed to improve blood flow. Generally, each capsule usually contains 400 mg of centella, so it is advisable to take between 1 and 3 a day, preferably with meals. However, it is advisable that you read the packaging and the instructions of the product before consuming it.
Gotu kola cream
Gotu kola also has a cream format to be used externally and, thus, take advantage of both its regenerating properties and its anti-inflammatory and reducing effect and reaffirm yourself. Next, we will explain how to use gotu kola or gotu kola cream:
- Superficial wounds: Centella cream can be applied in cases of attacks on the epidermis caused by cold, solar erythema, dryness and some aesthetic treatments. It can also relieve other irritations and symptoms such as itching and redness in the dermis.
- Acne: Thanks to its antiseptic and astringent power, this format is also ideal for reducing the presence of acne pimples on the face and the superficial marks that may remain on it after this condition.
- Hair removal: It is very common that after waxing our skin is irritated and reddened by the products we have used. Gotu kola cream can repair hair-damaged skin and exert a calming effect on it.
- Tattoos: Although it is recommended that you consult with the tattoo artist, gotu kola cream is also useful for regenerating skin that has been damaged due to the needles used to make a tattoo.
- Cellulitis: You can make your own cream with the extract of this plant or, buy it already prepared and apply it with a circular massage in the areas where you need to stimulate the elimination of accumulated fat.
Contraindications of gotu kola
Although gotu kola can provide us with different benefits, it can also cause some complications due to its richness in tannins and alkaloids. These are the cases in which it is contraindicated to take gotu kola:
- Gastroduodenal ulcers: Also in cases of gastritis and Crohn's disease, gotu kola can irritate the gastric mucosa and aggravate these conditions.
- Pregnancy: It is not recommended to take Gotu kola orally during pregnancy.
- Children under 6 years: Due to its richness in these substances, it can be aggressive during these ages.
Now that you have discovered the properties of gotu kola, how to take it and its contraindications, we encourage you to discover more medicinal plants by reading our articles:
- Turmeric: properties, benefits and how to take it.
- Rosemary: properties, what it is for and how to prepare it.
- Ginkgo biloba: properties, what it is for and contraindications.
- Milk thistle: properties, what it is for and contraindications.
If you want to read more articles similar to Gotu kola: properties and contraindications, we recommend that you enter our category of natural remedies.
Bibliography- Cebrián, J., (2012), Dictionary of medicinal plants, Barcelona, Spain, Integral RBA Libros.
