Gotukola — full of goodness
How many Sri Lankans realise how lucky they are to have access to gotukola in their home garden? If not, gotukola can be bought for Rs.25 in the nearest vegetable shop.
But in other parts of the world there is a clamour for tonics made from gotukola. Gotukola has been used in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean for centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy. It is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics.
Gotukola has been used in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean for centuries as a tonic and medicinal remedy. It was believed to increase longevity and improve energy. In ancient times it was used to treat leprosy, calm the nerves, increase mental and physical power, to stimulate and rejuvenate the brain, to prevent nervous disorders, mental fatigue and senility.
There are many reasons why gotukola should to be taken more often in our diet. The picking and shredding of leaves may be a painful process for the working mother. But know about the benefits and one will not hesitate to eat it everyday – more importantly, give it to our children.
Gotukola is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics. A tonic is a substance that works to put the body into balance or normality. To be in balance means to work properly and to be in a healthy state. An herbal tonic helps to promote an optimum state in the body systems. Gotukola helps to gradually build the nervous system. It has been used for many different ailments including nervous disorders, deficient mental function, memory problems, epilepsy and schizophrenia. It works by cleansing and purifying the blood by neutralising acids and helps the body defend itself against toxins.
Studies have shown that the ingredient asiaticoside, speeds the healing of wounds. It is considered a blood cleanser and is also effective for diseases of the lungs as well as leprosy. It stimulates the capillaries and helps to improve brain function, varicose veins, and hypertension.
Gotukola is often used to increase mental function and performance. Many studies have confirmed the usefulness of gotukola in improving brain function. It is commonly prescribed in Europe and India to improve mental function. Research done in India found the water extract of fresh leaves to help improve memory and learning. It was also found to help improve and overcome the negative effects associated with stress and fatigue.
Other clinical trials in India have found that gotukola can help increase I.Q. and mental ability of mentally retarded children. The children involved in the study showed improved mental capacity as well as improved behaviour. It was given to the children in combination with capsicum and ginseng. This improved behaviour and mental capacity can help individuals with mental and learning disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life.
Another study found improvement in the memory of rats when given the gotukola extract. The learned behaviour retention improved dramatically in the rats. The conclusion of the study was that gotukola improves learning and memory.
Some natural health professionals recommend gotukola for ADD. Gotukola is considered food for the brain and nervous system and can help improve brain function which is a condition common among children suffering from ADD. Many have reported great improvement from using gotukola such as improved memory, mental alertness, and longer attention span.
Gotukola was used in ancient times to heal wounds and soothe cases of leprosy. Probably the first studies done using gotukola were with cases of leprosy. The asiaticoside content of gotukola has been used for years in Europe and the Far East to cure leprosy and tuberculosis. Studies done recently on gotukola have centered around this healing ability. It seems to be able to accelerate the time to heal wounds and skin diseases. Gotukola has shown to be beneficial in helping to repair tissue after surgery and trauma. It has the ability to strengthen the veins and repair connective tissue. It also nourishes the motor neurons.
Researchers in Madagascar began the modern studies on gotukola in 1949. An extract was injected into the leprosy patients directly on nodules and ulcerated areas. The extract was found to aid in dissolving the covering to promote eventual healing in the subjects. This opened the door to the use of gotukola for healing skin ailments. There have also been excellent results from studies done in treating patients with second and third degree burns caused by boiling water, electrical rent, or gas explosions. The gotukola extract helped limit the swelling and shrinking of skin as a result of burning. It reduced infections and scarring and reduced healing time.
Gotukola contains two saponin glycosides known as brahmoside and brahminoside which are known to promote relaxation. A study done on animals showed large doses caused a sedative action.
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