What is Gotu Kola?
Gotu Kola, aka Indian pennywort and Asiatic pennywort, is a small creeping herb native to Asia. Unlike its family member parsley, it has no taste or smell. It has small green leaves shaped like fans with light purple or white flowers and small oval fruit and thrives in and around water. Gotu Kola has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and has been deemed the “herb of longevity.”
Benefits of Gotu Kola
This plant is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals like fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A, C and B2. It also contains the compound triterpenoid saponins, which researchers say are responsible for a wide range of health benefits including:
- Support heart health
- Promote collagen production
- Reduce stress levels
- Boost cognitive function
- Improve circulation
- Reduce swelling