As a perennial plant of the parsley family, gotu kola grows in many parts of the world, although it is native to southern Asia. Gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, is a small herbaceous plant that has been incorporated in various alternative medicinal practices for centuries. Native to several Asian countries, gotu kola is widely recognized for its potential health benefits, especially for its ability to positively impact cognitive function and overall health.

Gotu kola’s active constituents, namely the saponins and triterpenoids, are of great interest to researchers. Some of these compounds include madecassoside, madasiatic acid, and asiaticoside, all of which are responsible for the health properties. Numerous studies have explored the effects of gotu kola on various aspects of human health, and we highlight those findings in the following five points.

Cognitive Function

According to several studies, gotu kola may offer neuroprotective properties, promoting cognitive function and improving memory and learning abilities. In a small clinical study consisting of older adults with an average age of 65, gotu kola supplementation helped improve mood and overall cognitive function. In a systematic review, however, gotu kola did not seem to improve cognitive function. It did improve mood by improving alertness and relieving anger. Additional Research suggests that gotu kola may enhance nerve growth factor levels in the brain, which may help protect against cognitive decline.

May Reduce Anxiety And Stress 

In an animal study from 2016, researchers noted that gotu kola exhibited an anti-anxiety effect on sleep-deprived male mice. Sleep deprivation is a common source of anxiety, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Other studies found that gotu kola may have an anxiolytic effect, meaning it can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. Researchers believe that it can modulate the release of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood. 

Wound Healing

Topical application of gotu kola extracts may promote wound healing because it works to stimulate collagen synthesis. Additionally, gotu kola may enhance the production of connective tissue components. A small clinical trial compared gotu kola to liver sulfadiazine in a study with participants with burn wounds. In the study, gotu kola was in an ointment dosage called Centiderm. The results indicated that the participants benefited from the Centiderm application. In the study, however, burn wounds had to be less than 10% of the total body surface area. More research is necessary to determine gotu kola’s efficacy on wound healing.

Antioxidant Activity

As you may know, antioxidants work to protect cells from oxidative stress and damaging free radicals. Because gotu kola exhibits impressive antioxidant activity, it may work to reduce joint inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone erosion. Gotu kola’s antioxidant effects also positively impact immune function, which may help protect against chronic diseases. 

May Improve Circulation

Historical accounts found that gotu kola extracts have been used as traditional remedies for venous insufficiency, which is characterized by poor blood circulation in the legs. Older research found that gotu kola may be useful in the treatment of varicose veins. Gotu kola exhibits a positive metabolic effect on the connective tissues in vascular walls. Additional research suggests that gotu kola may help relieve leg heaviness and swelling by strengthening blood vessels and improving blood flow.

In closing, it should be noted that while these studies provide promising information and results, more research is still necessary to determine the health benefits. Should you want to experiment with gotu kola supplementation, consider discussing it with your healthcare professional to determine if it is safe for you. You don’t want it to negatively interact with other medications or conditions that you have.

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Varicose veins are veins that become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. Generally blue or dark purple, varicose veins mostly occur in the legs and feet. The reason for this is because standing or walking increases pressure to the veins in the lower part of the body. Varicose veins are a very common condition, especially in women, and about 50% of Americans have them.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

While arteries carry blood from the heart to tissues in the body, veins return blood back to the heart so that blood can keep circulating. Because veins only carry blood to the heart, they only have one-way valves, which disallow blood to flow backwards. If the valves fail, blood builds up in the vein(s) and doesn’t flow back to the heart like it should. The reason varicose veins are commonly in the legs is because they are farthest from the heart and have to fight gravity to travel back to the heart. Common causes for varicose veins are below.

• Age (aging causes veins to stretch and weaken, causing them to function improperly)
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Chronic heart valve conditions (these are commonly congenital)
• Standing for long periods of time
• Obesity
• Pressure on the mid-section of the body

Get Your Blood Flowing

A lot of people who stand for long periods of time or remain stagnant can develop varicose veins, so exercise is a great way to keep the blood flowing. Exercise also helps reduce inflammation, and veins can become inflamed if they aren’t functioning properly. The exercise doesn’t have to be intense; a simple 30-minute walk around the neighborhood is enough to get blood flowing. If you experience pain when exercising, take it slow and ice or heat sore muscles. Try low impact exercises like swimming or bicycling.

Weight Loss

Because obesity can cause varicose veins, it’s a good idea to maintain a healthy weight to reduce pain (if you have it) from varicose veins. In addition to exercising at least 45 minutes a day, a great first step is to switch to a more plant-based diet. Eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, & legumes can provide you with the essential nutrients the body needs. Eliminating meat, dairy products, processed foods, fried foods, refined sugars, and salty foods from you diet can help you on your weight loss journey.

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

In addition to eating healthier, look for foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fruit and vegetables that are high in fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, and vitamin E can also help reduce symptoms of varicose veins.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great natural remedy that can help reduce varicose veins. It is a natural cleanser and can help improve circulation and blood flow. You can either apply and massage a little apple cider vinegar topically, or you can mix 1 teaspoon of it in 1 cup of water and drink that solution twice daily.

Cayenne Pepper Is The Truth

Cayenne pepper is almost a miracle solution for varicose veins. Cayenne pepper has a high vitamin C content and can help improve circulation, aiding in providing relief to swollen veins. Mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder in 1 cup of water. Drink that solution three times a day for one to two months.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola has been used as an herbal remedy for many years. It has incredible healing properties that can help decrease the swelling, pain, or sensation of heaviness that is common in people with varicose veins. The best way to consume this herb is to make a tea from its leaves. Make tea with 1 teaspoon of Gotu Kola leaves, 1 cup of hot water, and 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey. Drink this about 2 times every day.

Elevate Your Legs

To improve circulation in your legs, make sure that you elevate them when you relax. This should help increase circulation in your legs. The best way to do this is to lay down and rest your legs on 3-4 pillows, so that the legs are above your heart.

Don’t Wear Tight Clothes

Avoid wearing tight clothes around your groin, waist, and thighs because this can inhibit proper circulation. For women, it’s best to not wear high-heeled shoes and wear low-heeled shoes instead. Low-heeled shoes work your calf muscles more, which is better for your veins.

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