Native to both India and the United States, gotu kola is a creeping vine with bitter tasting leaves. Although it is a very useful herb concerning medicinal uses, it is also popular in Indian meals, usually served in salads. Medically, gotu kola has stood the test of time with origins traced back over thousands of years. It has traditionally been used to treat leprosy, ulcers, improve the nerves and brain cells, and strengthen the skin, hair and nails.

Specifically, gotu kola is effective in restoring the memory loss commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It keeps the amount of oxygen used by the brain stabilized, protecting the blood vessels that supply the gas. Based on a study conducted in 1992, the use of gotu kola as a treatment can improve one’s memory retention anywhere from three to sixty times better than nonuse. It was also proven to raise the academic scores of children with development handicaps, helping them to preserve the information they needed longer.

Additionally, it has been reported that gotu kola aids in wounds, burns and scarring as it is able to quickly repair the skin. It regenerates skin cells and the connective tissue and produce large amounts of collagen. This allows for the lessening of visible scars after injury. Its scar aiding properties make gotu kola an excellent solution for the healing of episiotomy, a labor related incision that prevents tearing. Gotu kola in cream form heals psoriasis, which produces painful red welts on the body.

Gotu kola’s ability to create the glycosaminoglycan found in connective tissue allows for the remedies of several afflictions. Firstly, cellulite is a result of the breaking down of the connective tissues that hold together fat cells. Gotu kola is able to produce enough glycosaminoglycan to keep the cells from falling away from each other. Similarly, the herb controls the connective tissues that surround the veins, keeping their structure. Thus there is no need to fear painful varicose veins. Those already suffering from them can use gotu kola to relieve the discomfort and swelling, but badly damaged veins cannot be reversed to their original appearance. Furthermore, a study in Italy proved gotu kola capable of increasing oxygen and carbon dioxide transportation from the tissues in the muscles, which contributes in lowering high blood pressure.

It is possible to obtain gotu kola through tablets, tinctures and topical creams. Women who are pregnant, nursing or trying for a baby should not use gotu kola. The herb may raise cholesterol, so those who are borderline or suffering from high cholesterol already should look to other herbs. Lastly, doses of gotu kola should not be given to children under the age of two.