Gotu Kola – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

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Overview

Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) is a parsley-like herb. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic health systems.

Certain compounds in gotu kola appear to reduce edema and blood pressure. It also appears to boost collagen formation, which may aid in wound healing.

Gotu kola is used to treat burns and impaired circulation, which can contribute to varicose veins. It is also used to treat scars, stretch marks, and a variety of other diseases, but there is little scientific evidence to back up most of these claims.

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Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly useful for burns. Applying gotu kola to second-degree burns appears to shorten the time it takes for the burns to heal.

Poor circulation, can lead to varicose veins and other problems (venous insufficiency). In persons with poor blood circulation in the legs, taking gotu kola or a particular extract of gotu kola (Centellase) by mouth for 4-8 weeks appears to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.

Memory and thinking capabilities may be impaired (cognitive function). Taking gotu kola alone or in combination with other components does not appear to help memory or cognitive skills.

Radiation therapy causes skin damage (radiation dermatitis). Applying a lotion containing gotu kola extract did not appear to improve skin damage induced by breast cancer radiation treatment.

There is some interest in using gotu kola for other uses, but there isn’t enough trustworthy information to indicate whether it will be beneficial.

Side Effects

When used orally, gotu kola extract may be safe for most people for up to 12 months. It may result in nausea and stomach pain.

When applied to the skin, gotu kola may be safe to use for up to ten weeks. Itching and redness are possible side effects.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When used orally, gotu kola extract may be safe for most people for up to 12 months. It may result in nausea and stomach pain.

When applied to the skin, gotu kola may be safe to use for up to ten weeks. Itching and redness are possible side effects. Pregnancy: Gotu kola may be safe to use on the skin during pregnancy. There isn’t enough credible information to tell if taking gotu kola by mouth while pregnant is safe. To be on the safe side, avoid using.

Breastfeeding: There is insufficient credible information to determine whether gotu kola is safe to use while breast-feeding. To be on the safe side, avoid using.

Gotu kola has the potential to induce liver damage. People with a history of liver illness should avoid using gotu kola. It may aggravate liver disorders.

Surgery: When coupled with drugs used during and after surgery, gotu kola may produce excessive drowsiness. Stop using gotu kola at least two weeks before surgery.

Interactions

Interaction Level: Moderate

Use this combination with caution.

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GOTU KOLA interacts with medications that can injure the liver (hepatotoxic medicines).

Gotu kola may be harmful to the liver. Some drugs can potentially cause liver damage. Taking gotu kola alongside a liver-harming drug may raise the risk of liver damage.

GOTU KOLA interacts with sedative drugs (CNS depressants).

Gotu kola may produce drowsiness and decreased respiration. Sedative medicines can also produce tiredness and decreased breathing. Taking gotu kola alongside sedative drugs may result in breathing issues and/or excessive tiredness.

Dosing

Adults have typically taken 60-450 mg of gotu kola extract by mouth daily for 4-12 months. It’s also found in lotions, creams, gels, and ointments. Speak with a healthcare expert to determine the optimal product and dose for a specific ailment.