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 Gotu Kola is commonly found growing naturally throughout
tropical, boggy areas of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and
South Africa. It is also found in similar climates of Easter Europe
and few other regions throughout the world. Both the roots and
leaves of gotu kola contain compounds used in herbal
preparations.
For many thousands of years gotu kola has been
used to treat a variety of conditions including syphilis, hepatitis,
stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, and fever. Today
gotu kola is used to relieve symptoms of poor circulation in the
veins of the legs and to speed the healing of wounds and
burns.
In recent history, gotu kola has gained some
popularity as a treatment for disorders that cause connective tissue
swelling such as scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis (arthritis
occurring in conjunction with psoriasis), anklylosing spondylitis
(arthritis of the spine), and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its use
in connection with these conditions is not supported by any
meaningful studies or clinical trials.
More recent studies
confirm many of gotu kola's traditional uses and also suggest
possible new applications for gotu kola, such as lowering high blood
pressure, treating venous insufficiency (pooling of blood in the
veins, usually in the legs), boosting memory and intelligence,
easing anxiety, and speeding the healing of
injuries.
Dosage and Administration
A
typical dosage of commercially prepared gotu kola for varicose veins
is 60 milligrams daily, and for poor circulation in the legs,
approximately 30 to 60 milligrams 3 times a day. However, potency
may vary, so we highly recommend following the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Supporting
Literature
Antani JA, Kulkarni RD, Antani NJ.
Effect of abana on ventricular function in ischemic heart disease.
Jpn Heart J. Nov 1990: 829-835. Belcaro GV, Rulo A, Grimaldi R.
Capillary filtration and ankle edema in patients with venous
hypertension treated with TTFCA. Angiology. 1990;41(1):12-18. Fetrow
C, Avila J. Professional's Handbook of Complementary &
Alternative Medicines. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp.; 1999.
Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima
Publishing, 1995, 173–183.
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