What is Gotu Kola used for?+
Gotu Kola is best known for stress and anxiety, brain and memory, wound care and skin healing. Brew 1 teaspoon in hot water and sip slowly when tension builds.
What's the best way to prepare Gotu Kola?+
Gotu Kola can be prepared as infusion, tincture, capsule, and topical paste. For leaves and flowers, an infusion (steep in just-boiled water, covered) is best. For roots, barks, and seeds, a decoction (simmer for 20–30 minutes) is needed to extract the actives. Tinctures and capsules are convenient when you don't want to brew.
How much Gotu Kola should I take?+
Infusion: 1 tsp dried in 8oz hot, steep 10 min, 1-3x daily; Capsule: 500mg 2x daily; takes 4-6 weeks for cognitive effects
What forms does Gotu Kola come in?+
Gotu Kola is sold as dried aerial parts, tincture, capsule, fresh, and tea. Whole dried herb is the most economical and lets you brew tea; tincture is convenient for daily use and travel; capsules are easiest if you don't like the taste.
How should I store Gotu Kola?+
Airtight glass, cool dark; dried 1 yr
Is Gotu Kola safe during pregnancy?+
Gotu Kola has pregnancy cautions. Generally safe; avoid in pregnancy (theoretical); rare contact dermatitis If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your midwife, doctor, or a certified herbalist before using.
Is Gotu Kola safe for pets?+
Gotu Kola is generally safe around pets. Safe in small amounts As always, larger medicinal doses should be cleared with your vet.
Where does Gotu Kola come from?+
Aerial parts; India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar
What are the energetics of Gotu Kola?+
In traditional herbal systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, Gotu Kola is considered cool, moist, and slightly bitter. Energetics describe how an herb feels in the body — cooling or warming, drying or moistening. They help match the herb to the person and the season.
