Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica

entella asiatica, known commonly as gotu kola, is a highly regarded medicinal and culinary
herb. Gotu kola is traditionally used in Chinese, Ayurvedic and African herbal medicine. Gotu
kola is generally regarded as an adaptogen, meaning that it has an overall benefit to the mind
and body. Gotu kola is associated with longevity. Many users seek gotu kola out for improved
mental performance and clarity. Rich in antioxidants, gotu kola is regarded as a brain booster,
and it has even been called a nootropic because of its association with improved memory and
attention span. Aside from it’s mental attributes, gotu kola has gained a reputation for charging
the circulatory system, reducing inflammation, soothing the nervous system and helping
alleviate certain skin conditions. It has even been used by herbalists to treat leprosy.
Additionally, gotu kola is reported to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Gotu kola has
also been given to those suffering from opiate withdrawal to ease their nerves. As a culinary
herb, gotu kola is often incorporated into various curry dishes in and surrounding areas of Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam. Other than that, gotu kola is used as a salad green in
a variety of ways. Gotu kola is also known in these areas as an ingredient in several healthy and
refreshing drinks such as Bai Bua Bok. By incorporating fresh gotu kola leaves into dishes like
these it makes it easy for users to simultaneously benefit from gotu kola as an herb and a food.
Growing Information: Gotu kola is actually somewhat difficult to start from seed as it has
retained it’s wild habits. These habits prevent overzealous germination, so that if unfavorable
conditions were to arise after germination, an entire year’s crop would not be lost. This survival
mechanism is seen in many seed species to varying degrees, and gotu kola happens to be one of
the more reluctant ones to sprout. Gotu Kola seeds often can remain dormant for months until
the proper temperature patterns trigger germination. Even then, it tends to be erratic. Use a soil
with excellent drainage. Standard potting soil will not work, and this can vastly effect the
outcome of success. Press the seed lightly into the surface of your soil and wait. The seeds are
best off sowed in the fall or early spring where they can experience normal temperature
fluctuations. Otherwise, they should be cold stratified for 4 weeks prior to sowing outdoors.
Once established, the plant is easy to care for in most cases. It likes damp, moist environments
with good sun. But it will also tolerate shade.