The Asian Hydrocotyle, aka Centella, is the phlebotonic plant par excellence. Its marked action on the microcirculation makes it an excellent remedy to combat cellulite (but not only). This particular plant has also been used for millennia by Ayurvedic Medicine, whose Sanskrit name is Gotu Kola (conical leaf). Here are all the properties, contraindications and uses of Centella Asiatica. Benefits and properties of Centella asiatica
Centella Asiatica is an exceptional tonic of the vessel walls. It can therefore be used for both oral and topical use, to avoid the appearance of varicose veins or reduce those already present. This virtue makes it an important remedy to reduce capillary permeability, edema and cellulite. The Asian Hydrocotyle contains triterpene saponins, phytosterols and flavonoids which make it one of the most important natural phlebotonics. Excellent use associated with butcher’s broom and blueberry, with complementary properties. Gotu Kola to improve cognitive deficits
The millennial use of Gotu Kola was aimed in particular at memory problems, brain aging and cognitive deficits. Research conducted in 2011 [1] by the Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience confirms these virtues. Centella in association with Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi in Sanskrit) (LINK) is used during medhya rasayana treatments (from Rasayana, Nourish, rejuvenate and Medhya, Brain). From the results of the study it was possible to demonstrate that both plants have a neuroprotective effect useful for patients with memory loss and cognitive impairment. Gotu kola has stress, epilepsy, mental disorders and depression
In Shri Lanka, a country where it has been used regularly for millennia. Gotu Kola is also used for mental disorders, depression, anxiety, stress and even epilepsy. In the latter case, it is used in association with an Ayurvedic technique called Shiro Dhara (flow of oil on the head). Gotu kola: o ttima for venous insufficiency and edema in the ankles
Centella asiatica is also an excellent remedy to counter venous insufficiency and avoid edema in the ankles. Also excellent in case of “heavy legs”, swollen legs and cramps in the lower limbs due to poor circulation.
Gotu kola against cellulite and swollen legs Gotu kola, a natural remedy against heart failure
A very recent study conducted in December 2015 [2] shows how Asian Acid – a triterpenoid compound extracted from Centella asiatica – has antiapoptotic (prevents apoptosis), antifibrotic (reduces fibrosis) and anti-inflammatory properties. This results in an excellent remedy for heart failure and heart failure that occurs following aortic constriction. Centella prevents the progression of atherosclerosis
Another research conducted in October 2015 [2] highlighted the protective role on the cardiovascular system of gotu kola associated with an extract of maritime pine heath peel (Pycnogenol). During the study some volunteers aged between 45 and 60 years – suffering from atherosclerotic plaques – took the pesticide based on Centella and Pycnogenol extract or only the latter. From the results that emerged at the end of the follow-up (which lasted 4 years) it was possible to highlight an evident reduction in plaques in the group that also took Centella Asiatica. Not only that, the risk of heart attack and stroke associated with a decrease in oxidative stress had been reduced. Centella asiatica is a natural stimulant of fibroblasts
Centella asiatica has been shown to stimulate the production of fibroblasts, and therefore the synthesis of collagen. This makes it a useful remedy for the regeneration of dermal and connective tissues. It can be used to promote the healing of wounds, sores and burns (in association with lavender). But also ulcers, dermatosis, stretch marks and mature skin. Used externally, together with lemon and essential oil of orange and lavender, it prevents the formation of wrinkles.
- Deepening : Centella Asiatica is also known as the “tiger grass” because in its countries of origin (India, Pakistan, Madagcascar etc.) wounded animals roll on the leaves to heal their wounds.
Centella Asiatica, doses to be used
The doses of natural preparations vary from individual to individual according to age, body weight and health condition. The average indicative doses for an adult are 800 mg of dry extract per day. The infusion is prepared by placing a tablespoon of dried leaves in 200 ml of hot water. It is left to infuse for 15 minutes covered with a lid, then filtered and drunk.
Finally, the mother tincture is taken in a dose of 30 drops in a little water three times a day. Contraindications of Centella asiatica
The Centella Asiatica did not show any particular side effects or contraindications. According to the database of the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health [3], it is good to be careful in subjects suffering from liver problems as some possible hepatotoxic effects have been recorded. The interactions of gotu kola
Centella Asiatica interacts with psychotropic drugs such as Benzodiazepines, for which there is a sum of the sedative effects on the Central Nervous System. According to Fabio Firenzuoli [«Interaction between herbs, food and drugs» – Tecniche Nuove Edizioni] this happens only with non-purified extracts such as powders, tinctures and other hydroalcoholic extracts. A sum of the effects also occurs with hypoglycemic drugs considering that its active ingredient, asiaticoside, performs a similar action. Scientific sources
[1] Exploring the Role of “Brahmi” (Bocopa monnieri and Centella asiatica) in Brain Function and Therapy. Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2011 Jan; 5 (1): 33-49. Shinomol GK, Muralidhara, Bharath MM.
[2] J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2015 Dec;66(6):558-68. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000304.Asiatic Acid Attenuates the Progression of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Heart Failure Induced by Pressure Overload by Inhibiting Myocardial Remodeling in Mice. Si L1, Xu J, Yi C, Xu X, Ma C, Yang J, Wang F, Zhang Y, Wang X.
[3] Herbal Supplements and Hepatotoxicity: A Short Review. Haslan H, Suhaimi FH, Das S. Nat Prod Commun. 2015 Oct; 10(10):1779-84.
Emorroidi interne ed esterne, sintomi, cause e cure
