Are you noticing wrinkles and fine lines on your face as you get older? For a comprehensive skin makeover, use Ayurveda's ancient skin secret, Gotu kola.

Centella Asiatica, often known as Gotu kola, has brought about a revolution in the cosmetics business due to its numerous skin advantages. Gotu kola treats everything from skin suppleness to wound healing to acne.

Continue reading to learn about its different benefits, the proper dosage, and the best ways to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu Kola is a species of a leafy plant that has been utilized in Asian cuisines for centuries, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine and ayurvedic medicine. It is a perennial plant native to Southeast Asia's tropical wetlands, where it is widely consumed as a juice, tea, or green leafy vegetable. Gotu Kola possesses antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and memory-boosting effects.

• Ayurvedic View of Gotu Kola
  Gotu kola, also known as Mandukaparni in Ayurveda, has been utilized as a Rasayana plant that promotes skin health and prevents aging since ancient times.

• Scientific View of Gotu Kola
  The medicinal benefits of Gotu kola, scientifically known as Centella Asiatica, have led to its widespread use in the pharmaceutical and skin care industries. It has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and wound-healing effects.

What are the Benefits of Gotu Kola for Skin Care?

• Hydrates Skin
  Age, internal health issues, and environmental exposure decrease and destroy the skin barrier. This results in inadequate moisture retention and dry, parched skin.
  
  Triterpenoid saponins, triterpene steroids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and essential amino acids are bioactive elements in Gotu kola that help restore the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. Your skin appears plump, hydrated, and healthy due to the increased moisture content in the stratum corneum.
  
  
• Rich in Antioxidants
  Oxidative stress is a major cause of premature skin aging and a wide range of skin problems, including skin cancer. Normally, antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase lower the number of free radicals in the body. Additionally, the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 reduces oxidative stress.
  
  
• Used for Skin Cleansing
  According to Ayurvedic medicine, Gotu kola has incredible cleansing capabilities. It cleanses your skin and removes amatoxins, which are known to cause a variety of skin disorders. Furthermore, its astringent properties eliminate excess oil from the skin, keeping your pores clean.
  
  
• Used to Tighten Loose Skin
  Skin drooping is a normal part of the aging process. Phytochemicals in Gotu kola, particularly triterpenoid saponins and polyacetylenes, are known to enhance collagen formation, prevent collagen breakdown, and stimulate fibroblast proliferation. This provides structural support to the skin and increases its suppleness.
  
  
• Accelerates Wound Healing
  Gotu kola has the ability to heal wounds and burns. Its antibacterial characteristics help to prevent further infection, while its anti-inflammatory effects help to minimize swelling around the lesion. Gotu kola soothes the skin and increases blood circulation to the wound, allowing for faster healing.
  
  It boosts collagen formation and fibroblast proliferation, hastening wound healing and re-epithelialization. This, in turn, boosts the healing area's tensile strength and inhibits wound degradation.
  
  
• Has Skin Brightening/ Whitening Properties
  Excess melanin production can be stimulated by excessive sun exposure or medical diseases such as diabetes, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Ayurvedic scriptures list Gotu kola as a 'varna' (skin lightening) plant.
  
  Its extracts, which contain centelloids, flavonoids, and tannins, have strong tyrosinase inhibitory properties, which diminish melanogenesis. As a result, using Gotu kola on a regular basis can help to remove dark spots and give your skin a clear, bright look.
  
  
• Reduces Stress Marks
  Stress, depression, and anxiety can all have a negative impact on your skin's health. Chronic stress is frequently linked to skin aging and the development of stress markings on the face. The relaxing, antidepressant and anti-aging benefits of Gotu kola are well known. Both the herb's ingestion and topical application can help you combat the numerous detrimental impacts of stress on your skin.

Some Medicinal Uses of Gotu Kola

Both traditional and western medicine have recognized Gotu Kola Asiatica's varied medicinal effects. The following skin conditions can be addressed by consuming Gotu kola extract and/or using it topically:

• Wounds and burns
• Atopic dermatitis and other skin inflammatory conditions
• Acne and skin infections
• Cardiac conditions
• Diabetes
• Cognitive functioning
• Liver conditions
• Urinary tract disorders
• Fever
• Skin, lung, ovary, and other cancers

How to Use Gotu Kola in Your Skincare?

Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola) is available in the form of leaves, powder, oil, cream, and serums. Here's a quick approach to incorporating Gotu kola into your daily skincare routine.

A. Gotu Kola Oil

Gotu kola oil is typically prepared from the plant's leaves by infusing them with a carrier oil such as sesame. Check the ingredients and usage instructions on the bottle before using Gotu kola oil. Take note of whether the oil has been prediluted with a carrier oil or if it needs to be diluted further before application to the skin.

• Acne Treatment - Use 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil with 10 ml of Gotu kola oil as a spot therapy for irritated acne lesions. After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.
  
  
• For Suntan & Dark Spots - 1.5 tablespoon Gotu kola oil, 1/2 tablespoon red sandalwood powder, and 1/2 tablespoon yashtimadhu powder Apply to the face and other hyperpigmented areas after thoroughly mixing. Allow it to sit for 30 to 40 minutes before washing it off.
  
  
• As An Anti-Aging Massage Oil - To begin, cleanse your face. Apply 2-3 drops of rosehip essential oil to 10 ml of Gotu kola oil to your skin. Massage the face lightly with upward strokes. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before removing it with lukewarm water or a damp towel.

B. Gotu Kola Powder

• Dry Skin Face Pack - 1 tablespoon Gotu Kola powder, 1/2 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon ela powder, and 1 teaspoon Triphala powder Make a paste with some milk and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off.
  
  
• Oily Skin Face Pack - 1 tablespoon Gotu kola powder, 1/2 tablespoon amla powder, and 1/2 tablespoon hibiscus powder Combine this with enough rose water to make a paste, then apply it to your oily skin. Allow it to sit for 30 to 40 minutes before washing it off.
  
  
• Anti-Aging Face Pack - 1.5 tablespoon Gotu kola powder, 1/2 tablespoon Guduchi powder, and 1/2 tablespoon ashwagandha powder Make a paste with the honey and rose water and apply it to your skin. Allow it to sit for 40 minutes to an hour before washing it off.

C. Gotu Kola Serum & Creams

Scars, stretch marks, dark spots, and cellulite can all be treated with Centella Asiatica serums and Gotu kola creams. Serums containing Gotu kola perform like magic on aged skin. Regular use can aid in the removal of age spots, the reduction of wrinkles, and the stimulation of collagen formation.

A Gotu kola moisturizer is recommended for sensitive skin as well as dry and oily skin because it can calm your hyperactive immune system and avoid allergic responses.

What are the Side Effects Associated with Gotu Kola?

Too much Gotu Kola on the skin might cause allergic responses and skin irritation. Overdosing on the herb can cause headaches, diarrhea, dehydration, sleepiness, and other symptoms. Long-term usage of Gotu kola without supervision may interfere with pregnancy and reproduction.

Gotu kola, being an anxiolytic plant, should not be used with other antidepressants or sleeping drugs. If you are taking hepatoprotective medications, consult your Ayurvedic doctor for the proper dosage.

Conclusion

With the western world gradually discovering Gotu kola's great skin advantages, its extracts are increasingly being incorporated into a variety of skin care products, particularly anti-aging treatments. The plant can also be used to treat minor wounds, burns, inflammatory disorders, and skin infections.

Its hydrating, oil-regulating, skin-calming and restorative properties make it suitable for all skin types. Rather than overloading your skin with products, simplify your routine by including Gotu kola for well-nourished, glowing, and youthful skin.

Frequently Asked Questions - Skin Benefits of Gotu Kola

What does Gotu kola do for the skin?

It is primarily found in anti-aging and suncare products, particularly since it promotes collagen formation, minimizes scars and strains, and boosts antioxidant levels in freshly produced tissues. Furthermore, it helps to maintain skin cells firm and prevents skin drooping.

Does Gotu kola increase collagen?

Chemicals in Gotu kola appear to reduce edema and blood pressure. It also appears to boost collagen formation, which may aid in wound healing. Gotu kola is used to treat burns and impaired circulation, which can contribute to varicose veins.

Does Gotu kola contain collagen?

Centella Asiatica also known as Gotu kola – contains asiatcoside which supports collagen function, acne, and wound healing.

Is Gotu kola good for scars?

Gotu kola extracts can help prevent and heal larger scars (keloids). Standardized preparations of Gotu kola yielding up to 100 percent total triterpenoids are commonly used, with 60 mg taken once or twice daily.