Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the flowering plant family Apiaceae. It is native to the wetlands in Asia. It is used as a culinary vegetable and as a medicinal herb.

Description

Centella asiatica is a small, herbaceous, annual plant of the family Apiaceae. It is native to the wetlands of Asia and can grow in a variety of conditions, from boggy soils to dry sand. The plant has small, fan-shaped green leaves with white or light purple-to-pink flowers, and it bears small oval fruit. The plant is harvested for its leaves, which are used for medicinal purposes.

Uses

Centella asiatica has been used in the traditional medicine of many cultures. In Ayurveda, it is known as Brahmi, named after Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. It is used to rejuvenate the mind and body and is considered to be one of the most spiritual of all herbs in Ayurveda. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as Ji Xue Cao and is used to clear heat and toxins from the body.

Research

Research into the potential health benefits of Centella asiatica is ongoing. Some studies suggest that it may have neuroprotective effects and could be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and depression. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Cultivation

Centella asiatica is easy to grow and is often used as a ground cover in tropical and subtropical garden landscapes. It prefers a wet environment and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, making it a versatile plant for cultivation.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of plants used in herbalism