The ancient Eastern tea has been used for everything from detoxification to preventing dementia.
GOTU KOLA also known as INDIAN PENNYWORT and in Sanskrit BRAHMI (Supreme knowledge, Divine creative energy), is found throughout India and the world in shaded, watery places. Gotu Kola is originally an Indian herb renowned for its rejuvenative powers in Ayurvedic medicine — “one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems” according to WebMD. It is the main revitalizing herb in Ayurvedic medicine for the brain and nerve cells. It is said to increase intelligence, longevity as well as memory, thus it decreases senility and aging. Gotu Kola strengthens the immune system by cleansing and feeding it and fortifies the adrenal glands.
Gotu Kola is bitter, sweet and cold therefore it balances the 3 doshas or humors of Ayurveda: Pitta, Vata and Kapha. Its leaves strengthen and tone the circulatory, digestive, nervous, respiratory, reproductive and excretory systems of the body.
Gotu Kola has the following properties:
- diuretic
- alterative (restores normal health by cleansing and purifying the blood)
- febrifuge (may reduce fever)
- nervine (tones and fortifies the nerves)
- rejuvenative
What can Gotu Kola do?
Indications for the use of Gotu Kola are as an adrenal purifier, blood purifier (may help in cases of AIDS), and immune system boost by cleansing and nourishing. It also can help protect and alleviate symptoms in the following areas of the body: eczema, epilepsy, hypochondria, hair loss, liver, longevity, memory, nervous disorders, psoriasis, dementia, chronic and/or obstinate skin conditions, convulsions, rheumatism as well as bowel disorders. Ultimately, Gotu Kola is best known for rejuvenating brain and nerve cells, promoting intelligence.
Additionally, Gotu Kola is sattwic in nature; it cools, balances and purifies the body, mind and spirit. In the Himalayas, Gotu Kola is used by yogis as food for meditation. It awakens the crown chakra and helps balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain. A cup of Gotu Kola may be taken before meditation. Gotu Kola revitalizes our Spirit creating a healthy Mind-Body connection.
How to use Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola may be prepared as an infusion by placing 200-500mg of the dried herb or a fresh handfull of leaves in a glass or mug of boiling water, or as a decoction by placing the herb in the boiling water for 5 to 15 minutes. The decoction may be cooled and diluted before drinking. For more dosage information, visit Examine.com.
Keep in mind, too much Gotu Kola may cause headaches, spaciness or itching.
Where to find Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola may be found at various macrobioticas, but the Ark Herb Farm is the best known Costa Rican supplier of the herb. The Ark is located just 45 minutes from San Jose’s center and offers tours, lunch and landscaping consulting.
Gotu Kola can also be found online, but will be subject to Costa Rica’s import laws.
[quote_box_center]Devaya Bari Sue Levin, MA, Reiki Master, E-RYT 500 is the founder, creator and director of Devaya YogaTM as well as a 200- and 300-hour Registered Yoga School with the Yoga Alliance, USA. Since 1991, Devaya has been serving the public, creating Peace of Earth, helping people help themselves with innovative workshops, retreats and trainings as well as individual consultations for astrology and nutrition, therapeutic bodywork, tarot as well as private and group yoga lessons.
For more information: Natashia at Follow Your Bliss or +506 8564 4964.
