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memory and a long life... In the Garden | Medicinal use Popular garden varieties
Gotu Kola |
Top In the Garden Indigenous to South Africa Growth Characteristics: - Groundcover, Evergreen, Frost tolerant,
- Height: ±15cm; Spread: indefinite,
Cultivation: - Full sun to Semi-shade; Moist to wet, composted soil,
- Ideal to grow in hanging baskets due to its creeping growth habit,
Harvesting: - Pick fresh leaves throughout the year,
Top Medicinal useGotu Kola may be beneficial in the following cases: | General | - Like Ginseng as a tonic for longevity (Ayarvedics) – Indian saying: "One or two leaves a day, keeps old age at bay"
- High levels of the B-complex vitamin group, especially thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and pyridoxine (B6). Also Vit. B3; Vit. C; Vit. K,
- Also rich in vitamin K, Calcium, Iron,Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphates, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Zinc,
- Builds connective tissue – Blood, Lymphoid tissue, Cartilage, Skin
- Mouth: Canker sores (Heal wounds and promote connective tissue)
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| Metabolism | - Improve an impaired appetite,
- Decreases fatigue, provides energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose,
- Lower body temp, Fever,
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| Nervous System | - Beneficial for mild depression,
- Stimulates central nervous system,
- Improves memory, learning capabilities, concentration, hyperactive kids, meditation,
- Possibly reversing some of the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease;
- Mildly sedative (from the pair of saponin glycosides: brahmoside and brahminoside): Stress relieve, Anxiety, Trauma, Mood swings, Sleep disorder – insomnia, relaxation. It creates a state of balance, clarity, and peacefulness.
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| Endocrine System | - Strengthens Adrenals,
- Deficient pancreatic function,
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| Skin | - Promotes wound healing – Skin ulcers, Surgical incisions,
- Burns (skin healing effect plus anti-microbial properties) and wounds,
- Keloids (Overgrown scar tissue),
- Topically to Psoriasis lesions may aid healing,
- Eczema (Internal and topically), Ulcers, Acne,
- Beneficial for Leprosy,
- Hair growth and treatment for baldness, nail growth,
- Stasis dermatitis and stasis ulceration (Caused by edema and lack of proper vein function – starting around ankle area)
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| Lymphatic System | - Anti-bacterial (asiaticoside is a triterpene glycoside classified as an anti-biotic that aids in wound healing),
- Anti-fungal,
- Anti-inflammatory (Madecassoside is another glycoside that act as a strong anti-inflammatory agent),
- Anti-allergenic,
- Strengthens the immune, improves condition of mucous membrane,
- Builds lymphoid tissue. Lymphedema (Insufficient lymph drainage) – Gotu Kola increases blood flow through the veins by enhancing the integrity of the surrounding connective tissue.
- Diuretic action also assist in cleansing lymph and detox the body in cancer situations, contains glycosides that may inhibit the growth of tumours,
- Anti-oxidant properties,
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| Respiratory System | - Improves condition of mucous membrane: common cold, influenza, fevers, Sore throat, Tonsillitis, swollen glands, bronchitis, whooping cough,
- Anti-allergenic, Asthma, rhinitis
- Tuberculosis,
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| Cardiovascular System | - Improving blood circulation (Raynaud's disease) – Circulatory disorders, blood supply to connective tissue throughout the body, especially to the skin, mucous membranes and nervous system,
- May neutralize blood acids,
- Improves strength of arteries and veins,
- Good for varicose veins – strengthens veins (Building connective tissue sheaths around veins), phlebitis, haemorrhoids, swollen legs, night-time cramps,
- Good for heart muscle function, Hypertension,
- Blood diseases, blood purifier,
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| Liver | - Beneficial for liver function to detox and improve bile formation,
- Cirrhosis of the liver,
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| Digestive system | - To assist in the healing of peptic ulcers,
- Hypochloric acid (insufficient hydrochloric acid production by stomach lining),
- To expel worms,
- Diarrhoea,
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| Urinary System | - Diuretic (from the pair of saponin glycosides: brahmoside and brahminoside) – may neutralize blood acids,
- Kidney stones,
- Cystitis (Bladder infection)
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| Reproductive System | - Increase libido,
- Venereal diseases (STD), Syphilis,
- Endometriosis – reduce formation of adhesions,
- Reduces fibrocystic breasts,
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| Musculo / Skeletal System | - Rheumatism: Connective tissue builder (Cartilage, Collagen),
- Schleroderma - a collagen disorder
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Preparation and dosage: TEA: TOPICAL PASTE: - 2 tsp dried herb powder in a small amount of water.
TINCTURE: CAUTION: - May cause Dermatitis if applied topically in some people,
- Avoid during Pregnancy,
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: - Generally does not cause problems,
- Skin rash (dermatitis), sensitivity to sunlight and headaches are rare side effects – if experiencing these symptoms, reduce the dosage or stop using the herb.
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