Gotu kola has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in China, Indonesia and India, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It should not be confused with kola nut, which contains caffeine. Gotu kola is a caffeine-free herb, and according to UMMC, herbalists use gotu kola most commonly to treat psoriasis, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and help heal minor wounds. Gotu kola is not a replacement for traditional medical care. Consult your doctor before using gotu kola.
Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins
When blood vessels lose their elasticity, your blood leaks out of your blood vessels. This causes the legs to swell in a condition known as venous insufficiency. According to UMMC, studies indicate gotu kola can help improve circulation and reduce swelling, leading to improvement in venous insufficiency. Another condition caused by blood leaking from blood vessels is varicose veins. These are commonly treated with gotu kola as well, says UMMC.
Wound Healing
According to UMMC, gotu kola contains chemicals that strengthen skin called triterpenoids, which are also found in citrus fruits, such as oranges. Triterpenoids increase blood flow to wounded areas, increasing their supply of oxygen and nutrients. This speeds the healing process for minor wounds. According to UMMC, when applied topically, gotu kola can help speed the healing of minor cuts, scrapes and burns and is often available as a topical preparation for such use.
Sleep Aid
Though human tests are needed, animal studies indicate gotu kola's sedative effect. According to UMMC, in studies conducted on mice, gotu kola exerted a sedative effect, and herbalists often suggest it as a sleep aid for individuals suffering from insomnia, though the exact mechanism of action is not known. In human studies, triterpenoids reduce anxiety, says UMMC, suggesting that triterpenoids interact with the nervous system. This is the suspected method of action that induces relaxation.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the rectum or anus become swollen and painful, most commonly due to strain. This can cause pain, itching and bleeding. According to UMMC, internal hemorrhoids do not usually cause discomfort, but external hemorrhoids often do. Gotu kola applied externally can help reduce swelling and pain associated with hemorrhoids, says UMMC.
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