Gotu Kola Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Supplement Information and Usage Guide

Gotu Kola is an herb used to promote brain health, improve circulation, and support skin healing.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a leafy plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to support circulation, skin health, and cognitive function. It’s sometimes referred to as the “herb of longevity.”

Active compounds like asiaticoside and madecassoside may promote collagen synthesis, improve wound healing, and support blood vessel integrity. Gotu Kola is used both topically and orally in various formulations.

Gotu Kola is taken for improving memory, promoting skin regeneration, and enhancing vascular health. While traditional uses are well known, more clinical research is required to fully establish its therapeutic profile.

Other names & forms of Gotu Kola supplement : centella asiatica, indian pennywort, gotu kola extract

Benefits

Used for centuries in traditional medicine, Gotu Kola delivers key benefits for mental clarity, skin health, and more:

• Cognitive Support: People take Gotu Kola to promote mental clarity and memory. It may improve concentration and reduce mental fatigue.
• Skin Health: Gotu Kola is widely used in skincare for its potential to support wound healing and collagen synthesis.
• Circulatory Health: It may improve blood flow and venous tone, especially in people with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.

Dosage

Recommended intake for Gotu Kola supplement depends on various factors including age, condition, and lifestyle:

• Cognitive support and circulation: 300–500 mg/day of Gotu Kola extract (standardized to 10% asiaticosides).
• Skin and wound healing: Up to 1000 mg/day, often in topical + oral combination.
• Traditional leaf powder: 2–3 grams/day taken with warm water or food.
• Recommendation: Use consistently over time for cognitive or dermatological benefits.

Gotu Kola dosage should be tailored by a healthcare professional to your condition.

Side Effects

Gotu Kola can promote circulation and cognitive clarity, but some notice mild side effects while their body adjusts. Look for:

• Mild headaches or dizziness, especially when starting fresh
• Stomach discomfort—nausea or mild cramping—if taken on an empty stomach
• Occasional drowsiness or sedation when taken late in the day
• Possible skin rash or itchiness in individuals with plant sensitivities
• Rare liver enzyme elevations when used long-term at high doses

Interactions

Possible interactions include:

• Diuretics and ACE inhibitors: Gotu Kola’s mild diuretic effect can add to drugs like furosemide or Astragalus, affecting fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies: Gotu Kola may inhibit platelet aggregation, compounding effects of warfarin or Garlic, increasing bleeding risk.
• Diabetes medications: By improving microcirculation, Gotu Kola could influence glucose uptake; when taken with insulin or Cinnamon, monitor blood sugar.
• Sedatives: Its mild anxiolytic properties can potentiate CNS depressants or herbs like Valerian, leading to increased calm or drowsiness.

Precautions

Before adding Gotu Kola to your regimen, make sure none of these apply to you. If they do, check with your healthcare provider:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Insufficient research on safety during pregnancy; avoid or use under guidance
• Individuals with liver disease: Potential for elevated liver enzymes; monitor liver function if using long-term
• People taking sedatives or sleep aids: Can increase sedation when combined; use cautiously
• Those with varicose veins or blood clotting issues: May affect venous tone; discuss with a vascular specialist
• Patients scheduled for surgery: Potential to influence blood clotting; discontinue at least two weeks prior

Studies

This article was originally published on Stackbb.com, your trusted source for science-based supplement guides.

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Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page about Gotu Kola supplement is for informational purposes only and has not been reviewed or validated by a medical professional. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or part of your healthcare regimen. Individual needs and responses to supplements may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.