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Pennywort

[Check This Out] Pennywort (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban), of the Apiaceae family, is also known as Gotu Kola and Centella. Native to areas such as Sri Lanka and South Africa, the leaves of this swamp plant have been used around the world for centuries to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis.

Pennywort was first used in India where it is part of Ayurvedic medicine and is popular as a nerve tonic to promote relaxation and enhance memory. Indian healers use this herb to treat skin inflammations and as a mild diuretic. Oriental healers rely on Pennywort to treat emotional disorders such as depression.

Pennywort has also been employed as an energy tonic, an aphrodisiac, and as a treatment for high blood pressure and mental disorders. Pennywort is a vital herb in Ayurveda, the traditional science of health in India, where it is used to "strengthen both the white and gray matter of the brain", stimulate learning, memory and alertness, and calm or sedate anxiety when necessary. Traditional Chinese medicinal believed Pennywort provided longevity, and thus called it the "fountain of youth" herb in China. In the United States, Pennywort is found in countless energy formulas and tonics.

This herb has also been used to bring down fever and relieve congestion due to colds and upper respiratory infections. Recent studies show that Pennywort has positive effects on the circulatory system; it seems to improve the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. It has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, as well as leg cramps, swelling of the legs, and heaviness or tingling in the legs. This is particularly useful for bedridden people.

Pennywort has even been used as 'food for the brain' after a nervous breakdown to rebuild energy reserves, or to prevent a nervous breakdown. It has an energizing effect on the cells of the brain, relieves high blood pressure, mental fatigue, senility, and helps the body defend itself against various toxins. It works as a blood purifier and in strengthening the heart, as well as with bowel problems, rheumatism, skin problems, and also promotes blood circulation in the lower limbs and reduces the pain and swelling due to phlebitis.

A common misconception is that Pennywort contains caffeine, which is simply not true. Researchers have found that Pennywortcontains several glycosides that exhibit wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities, and in large doses it can act as a sedative. Other researchers have shown that fresh leaves of the Pennywort plant are effective in healing chronic skin ulcers and other wounds.

Pennywort contains a group of triterpenes called asiaticosides that possess strong antioxidant properties. In modern health care Pennywort is used primarily for venous insufficiency, localized inflammation and infection, and post-surgery recovery. Pennywort is also used for the following:

Pennywort affects various stages of tissue development, including keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers). Asiaticosides stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin. Pennywort has been found to have significant results in healing of skin, other connective tissues, lymph tissue, blood vessels (decreasing capillary fragility), and mucous membranes.

Pennywort contains Vitamins A, G, K, and is also high in magnesium. Supporting agents for Pennywort include: Bilberry, Butcher's Broom, Silica, Zinc, Vitamins C, E and D.

(This ingredient, listed as Gotu Kola, can be found in the following Viable Herbal Solutions' Products: Herbal Alert Formula, Independence Anti-Addiction and Maintenance Formulas, Herbal Outlook Formula, Herbal Stim Formula, Turning Point Weight Management and Good Health Formulas, and General Wellness Formula)


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