Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a perennial herb with small, fan-shaped leaves and white or light purple flowers:
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Appearance
A member of the parsley family, gotu kola has no smell or taste. It has small, oval fruit and thrives in and around water.
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Habitat
Gotu kola is native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the western Pacific Ocean. It grows wild in damp, shady places up to 7,000 ft. and can be commonly seen along banks of rivers, streams, ponds, and irrigated fields.
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Uses
Gotu kola has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine systems for thousands of years. It is consumed as a juice, tea, or supplement, and is also used as a culinary vegetable.
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Health benefits
Gotu kola is known as the “herb of longevity” and is used for a variety of conditions, including burns, poor circulation, scars, and stretch marks. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
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Side effectsSome reported side effects of gotu kola include drowsiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin problems, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
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