All about Gotu Kola Extract

Gotu Kola Benefits; Gotu Kola Facts

Gotu kola extract comes from the gotu kola plant, an herb that has a long history of use in India's Ayurveda medicine, and grows native to India, as well as China, Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia and even certain parts of the United States.

The leaves are the part of the herb used for therapeutic purposes.

Gotu kola extract is best known for promoting healthy skin and helping skin conditions, such as burns, scar tissue, psoriasis, and the like.

More recently, however, it has been attributed a broad range of benefits that include enhancing mental acuity, staving off memory deterioration, improving blood flow by strengthening blood vessels, and mitigating unsightly varicose veins.

Unlike some other herbal remedies, where the scientific evidence is scant, the gotu kola benefits are strongly suggested by various studies.

For example, in the book published by Reader's Digest called "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs" it states: "In one study, 30 developmentally disabled children were found to have significantly better concentration and attention after taking gotu kola for 12 weeks..." and "In more than a dozen studies observing gotu kola's effects on veins...about 80% of patients with varicose veins and similar problems showed substantial improvement."

The active constituent of the herb is called asiaticoside. It is this substance which harbors properties that seem to be able to help the body build connective tissues, such as the collagen that keeps skin firm, and enhance vascular and neuorological functioning.

Because gotu kola extract is not considered an essential nutrient there is no RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) set. Although rare, possible gotu kola side effects include: increased sensitivity to sunlight and headaches. Topically applied gotu kola can sometimes cause rashes.

If taken as a nutritional supplement, stick to a reasonable but not excessive dosage of approximately 75 mgs to 100 mgs.

One product contains Gotu Kola extract is Xtend-Life's Total Balance, which we take personally and recommend highly. Total Balance with Gotu Kola

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