Benefits and Uses of Gotu Kola (Booty Brahmi)

Gotu Kola (Booty Brahmi)

Gotu Kola (Booty Brahmi) is also known as “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health.

Keep reading to learn how gotu kola may help improve your overall health and well-being.

·         It may help boost cognitive function. ...

·         It may help treat Alzheimer's disease. ...

·         It may help reduce anxiety and stress. ...

·         It may act as an antidepressant. ...

·         It may improve circulation and reduce swelling. ...

·         It may help ease insomnia. ...

·         It may help reduce appearance of stretch marks.

Boost Cognitive Function

Gotu Kola and folic acid were equally beneficial in improving overall cognition, gotu kola was more effective in improving memory domain.

Alzheimer Disease

Gotu kola has the ability to enhance memory and nerve function, which gives it potential in treating Alzheimer disease.

Reduce Anxiety and Stress

It is an anti-anxiety and stress remover.

Antidepressant

Gotu kola’s positive effect on brain function may also make it an effective antidepressant.

The herbal remedy had a positive effect on certain elements of behavioral depression, including body weight, body temperature, and heart rate.

Improve Blood Circulation and Reduce Swelling

Gotu Kola can reduce problems with fluid retention, ankle swelling, and circulation tied to taking flights that last longer than three hours.

Gotu Kola can be useful in treating varicose veins. This may be because gotu kola has a positive metabolic effect on the connective tissue of the vascular wall.

Insomnia

Given its perceived ability to treat anxiety, stress, and depression, gotu kola may also be used to treat the insomnia that sometimes accompanies these conditions. Some consider this herbal remedy to be a safe alternative to prescription medications used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Gotu Kola can help treat sleep disorders, additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Reduce Appearance of Stretch Marks

Gotu Kola can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It’s thought that the titerpenoids found in gotu kola increase collagen production in the body. This may help prevent new stretch marks from forming, as well as help heal any existing marks.

Wound Healing and Minimize Scarring

The wound dressing containing gotu kola had healing effects on multiple types of wounds. This includes clean cuts by sharp objects; irregular tears caused by blunt-force trauma, and infected tissue.

Although promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

How to use: Apply an ointment containing 1 percent gotu kola extract to the affected area several times per day. If your wound is deep or otherwise severe, see your doctor before use.

How to do a skin patch test: It’s important to do a patch test before using any topical medication. To do this, rub a dime-sized amount on to the inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use elsewhere.

Relieve Joint Pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of gotu kola may be useful in treating arthritis.

Its antioxidant effect also had a positive effect on the immune system.

Detox Effect

Newer research is taking a look at gotu kola’s effect on liver and kidney toxicity.

Potential side effects and risks

Gotu kola is generally well tolerated. In some cases, it can cause headache, upset stomach, and dizziness. Starting with a low dose and gradually working up to a full dose can help reduce your risk of side effects.

You should only take Gotu Kola for two to six weeks at a time. Be sure to take a two week break before resuming use.

Don’t use gotu kola if you:

• are pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• have hepatitis or other liver disease
• have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks
• are under 18 years of age
• have a history of skin cancer

Talk to your doctor before use if you:

• have liver disease
• have diabetes
• have high cholesterol
• are taking medications such as sedatives for sleep or anxiety
• are taking diuretics

The bottom line

Although gotu kola is generally considered safe to use, you should still check in with your doctor before use. This herbal remedy isn’t meant to replace any doctor-approved treatment plan, and, in some cases, it may lead to adverse side effects.

If you begin experiencing any unusual or prolonged side effects, discontinue use and see your doctor.