Through the centuries, many have searched for the magic potion to eternal youth. The ‘eternal’ may not exist but perhaps a potion to ward off many of the symptoms of aging may be as close to you as your yard or natural health food store.
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) a low growing trailing plant with kidney shaped leaves grows wild in the warmer parts of the United States, Asia, and the South Pacific. For centuries, Asians have been using it as a longevity tonic. In China, it is called the “fountain of youth.” In Sri Lanka, an old proverb says “Two leaves a day keeps old age away.”
This shy little plant is packed with all the goodies to help you stave off the symptoms of old age. Gotu kola nourishes your brain thus making you more alert and improving your memory. It improves heart and vein health; it can help reduce cellulite; it promotes healthy blood vessels; stimulates the regeneration of skin cells and underlying connective tissue, i.e. the skin and cornea; it can help with hair loss; it’s anti-inflammatory; and it’s an endocrine tonic to name just a few of its fabulous properties.
Create a paste by taking a couple of tablespoons of dried gotu kola powder and adding enough distilled water or rose water to create a mushy mixture. Making an anti-aging facemask to reduce age spots and rejuvenate the skin is easy. Using a half a teaspoon of powdered gotu kola, mix with 1-tablespoon white clay and enough honey to combine. Trying your mixture on a little patch first—the irritation test—if all is well, apply over face and leave mask on for 10 to 15 minutes while relaxing and drinking a cup of herbal tea.
So how can this little green wonder do all this? Gotu kola contains B-vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Silicon, Zinc, Amino acids, Phytosterols and Tannins to name just a few of the constituents.
The great Hippocrates is often quoted for saying, “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” Using gotu kola is a perfect example of how to do this. One can use fresh leaves in salads, smoothies or tea, use dried with other herbs, or use in higher concentrations as a tincture, powdered in capsules or smoothies…and that my friend is your potion!
(This article is for information purposes only. It is not meant to treat or replace conventional medicine. Avoid during pregnancy or hyper-thyroid conditions.)
