Gotu Kola Powder – Organic

Gotu Kola Powder is made from the dried leaves of the gotu kola plant, a perennial herb known for its mild, earthy flavor. Traditionally enjoyed as a tea or blended into herbal preparations, it can also be added to smoothies or incorporated into recipes.

Convenient and shelf-stable, this fine powder offers a simple way to explore a classic botanical ingredient with a long history of use in traditional cuisines and preparations. Its subtle taste makes it easy to mix into both drinks and foods.

Organic Gotu Kola Powder

Z Natural Foods takes pride in bringing customers a wide range of foods and herbs from around the globe in their most versatile forms, and our pure organic gotu kola leaf powder is no exception.

While gotu kola leaf products come in many forms (powder, tea, capsules, and extracts), the versatility of a pure gotu kola leaf powder stands firm in an impressive lineup of competitors.

Our gotu kola leaf powder has a wide range of uses and endless potential for creativity. Indeed, modern extraction techniques provide a highly concentrated and effective herbal product and are the preferred versions for consumption. However, sometimes the subtle and straightforward whole herb version of a plant medicine is the most appropriate approach for long-term use.

With a slightly bitter, sweet, and herbaceous flavor, gotu kola powder shows excellent potential for limitless production applications. Our mission is to provide customers with great-tasting, highly functional foods with endless applications in their most versatile form, supporting a variety of lifestyles. We proudly introduce this incredible member of our diverse line of functional foods: Z Natural Foods’ Organic Gotu Kola Powder.

Interesting and unique facts about the Gotu Kola leaf:

• Gotu kola means frog feet because the leaf resembles the shape of a frog
• In India, gotu kola is also called brahmi
• Gotu kola leaves are a typical food in salads
• In Southeast Asia, the elephant’s strong memory and longevity are correlated to their common consumption of gotu kola leaves. 
• In TCM, gota kola is called the “fountain of life” because it is considered one of the great longevity herbs.
• In India, gotu kola is sometimes called the “tiger herb” as wounded tigers would roll themselves in gotu kola plants.
• Gotu kola’s relaxing effect on the central nervous system is believed to occur through its ability to increase GABA levels.
• A cup of gotu kola tea before meditation is believed to heighten awareness and improve focus. 
• Two herbs that are most traditionally combined with gotu kola are bacopa and tulsi, aka holy basil.
• Gotu kola leaf looks like the cerebellum in the brain.
• Gotu kola is a member of the same family as cumin, carrots, fennel, and cilantro.

Gotu kola is a prime player in Traditional Chinese (TCM), Western, and Ayurvedic herbal medicine. 

It is one of the few herbs considered a true tonic, nervine, and has adaptogen-like qualities. Most product descriptions on the internet only want to discuss the general benefits of herbs and foods based on Western principles. However, here at Z Natural Foods, we wish to provide educational material you can’t just find in one place, discussing the application of food or herbs in various forms of traditional medicine. 

So, let’s look at how gotu kola plays a role in all three medicine systems.  

Gotu kola: An Ayurvedic perspective

Ayurvedic medicine works on three primary doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), comprising elements (water, earth, air, fire, and ether). Doshas are believed to be the energy that circulates in the body and governs physiological activity.

• Vata is the movement of blood, oxygen, and neurotransmitters. It governs the movement of thoughts, emotions, and bodily functions.
• Pitta comprises fire and water elements. It governs metabolism, transforming food into energy. Pitta is the fire that deals with physical digestion and mentally digesting life experiences.
• Kapha: The structure of grounding and stability governing nourishment and growth. It governs stability, strength, and lubrication in the body. It is important to note that excess Kapha can lead to lethargy, weight gain, and congestion.

“One of the unique principles of Ayurveda is the understanding of health as a result of the coordinated functioning of the soul, mind, and body in an intimate relationship with everything else in the cosmos- material and non­material. It believes the constituent factors of the human body and the cosmos are the same.”

In Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola is known as a “pharmacy in one herb” because of its wide range of potential benefits:

• Brain tonic (supports blood flow to the brain, feet, and hands)
• Skin condition disorders (red, inflamed skin),
• Antioxidant, diuretic, systemic anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial

Gotu kola is used extensively as a rasayana, aka tonic (with an average daily dose of 3-6 grams), to support strength, skin quality, digestive power, and improve intelligence. Yogis traditionally use Gotu kola to develop the crown chakra.

A cup of gotu kola tea before meditation is believed to heighten awareness and calm the mind and emotions.

Ayurvedic qualities of Gotu Kola

Rasa (Taste): Bitter

Guna (Qualities): Light to digest

Vipaka (Third level of digesting, deep level of taste), Sweet taste after digestion

Veerya (Potency): Cold

Effects on Tridosha (The influence of movement, transformation, and sensory functions): Balances kapha and pitta due to bitterness

Pravhaba (effect of the herb): Improves intelligence

Gotu kola: A TCM perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes all foods and herbs have energy. TCM teaches us that foods and herbs have Yin/ Yang energy, five temperatures, five flavors, and four directions. Within these principles, Yin and Yang’s action is the general property, and temperature is the extremeness of the properties. In simple terms, Yin is cooling, builds blood, and has downward-moving energy. Yang is warming, energizing, and has upward-moving energy. Because Yang is the heating element, and Yin is the cooling element, those with too much heat are said to have a Yang excess, causing a Yin deficiency.

One of the primary theories of TCM is the five phases. It states that the ingredient’s taste is a key to determining its action in the body. Pungent ingredients often promote the circulation of Qi and body fluids. Bitter foods like gotu kola frequently have clearing and drying actions that promote elimination through the urine and bowels. The five-phase theory also connects taste with the organs and meridians it targets. Gotu kola is believed to target the spleen (assists in digestion and fluid metabolism), kidneys (regulates urinary, reproductive system, and storing Jing, the life essence), and the liver (regulates Qi, body fluids, and takes a lead role in balancing emotions).

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ji Xue Cao, aka Gotu Kola, is 

• Cold in nature with a bitter, pungent, sweet flavor and astringent properties. 
• Part of a category of herbs known for clearing heat and relieving toxicity. 
• Has an affinity for the spleen, liver, kidney, and the large and small intestine channels. 

Inflammation and infectious conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are known as internal heat. When an individual suffers from such conditions, it is believed to result from a Yin (cold) deficiency or an excess of Yang (heat). Gotu Kola’s ability to disperse damp-heat and reduce swelling makes it a perfect choice for these types of conditions. Therefore, some conditions or symptoms for which a TCM practitioner may suggest gout kola are heat stroke, boils, diarrhea, traumatic injuries, or any condition where the skin is red and inflamed. In TCM, gotu kola is called the “miracle elixir” or “fountain of life” because it is considered one of the great longevity herbs. In fact, a legend speaks of an herbalist who consumed gotu kola daily and was reported to live to the age of 200.

Gotu kola: A Western Herbal Medicine Perspective

The general term used to describe “brain tonics” is nervines. A nervine is a nerve tonic that mildly relaxes without the strong suppressive effects of a sedative. Nervines restore emotional balance and nourish nerves and the nervous system.

Some examples are skullcap, lemon balm, milky oats, and passionflower. Much like Ayurvedic medicine, Western herbalism considers gotu kola a tremendous cerebral tonic known to potentially do the following.

• Promote circulation
• Inhibit neuroinflammatory responses
• Support cognitive function and memory
• Potentially relieve situational anxiety.

However, in Western herbal medicine, gotu kola is defined as a nootropic herb or “cognitive enhancer”.  

Nootropics are a category of substances (both natural and synthetic)that show potential for improving cognitive function via relaxation, supporting a healthy mood, memory, attention, and creativity. The Romanian psychologist Corneliu Giurgea first defined the term Nootropic and was also the first to synthesize one of the most well-known substances in this general category, Piracetam, in 1964. The Giurgea Nootropic Criteria states that for any substance to be considered a nootropic, it must do the following:

• Enhance learning and memory.
• Enhance the resistance of learned behaviors/memories to conditions that disrupt them.
• Protect the brain against a broad spectrum of physical or chemical injuries.
• Increase our ability to focus and pay attention
• Lack of common side effects that are related to other psychotropic drugs
• Be non-toxic at clinical dosages

Keep in mind that many herbs directly affect the nervous system, like sedatives (hops), anxiolytics (valerian, kava), antispasmodics (vervain, kava), analgesics (California poppy), and nervines (milky wild oat, passionflower).

These herbs are often miscategorized as nootropics. While the above herbs have specific nootropic-like attributes, they don’t fulfill the criteria to be considered actual nootropics. However, it is exciting to know that nootropics do support many of these particular actions. Nootropics in traditional systems of medicine are not often used as individual entities. They are usually combined with supportive herbs like adaptogens and nervines to support and balance their effects. With adaptogens, HPA axis and SAS restorative benefits on the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, and nervines calming and emotionally balancing effects, these three categories of herbs are a match made in heaven.

Furthermore, according to herbalist David Winston, Gotu kola has the following attributes.

• Acts as an essential medicine for autoimmune conditions.
• Strengthens connective tissues and is indicated for connective tissue disorders with red, inflamed skin.
• It is a traditional Ayurvedic brain tonic increasing oxygen flow and circulation to the brain, feet, and hands.
• Used for varicose veins and used topically for preventing scarring from burns and surgery.

The following was stated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects.

• Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a single 12-g orally administered dose of Gotu Kola (N = 20) or placebo (N = 20).
• The results revealed that compared with placebo, Gotu Kola significantly attenuated the peak ASR amplitude 30 and 60 minutes after treatment.
• However, Gotu Kola had no significant effect on self-rated mood, heart rate, or blood pressure.

These preliminary findings suggest that Gotu Kola has anxiolytic activity in humans as revealed by the ASR.

The following was stated in another study looking at the positive modulation of cognition and mood in healthy elderly volunteers following the administration of Centella asiatica.

• Twenty-eight healthy elderly participants received the plant extract at various doses ranging from 250, 500, and 750 mg once daily for 2 months.
• Cognitive performance and event-related potential were assessed using the computerized test battery.
• In contrast, mood was assessed using Bond-Lader visual analogue scales before the trial and after single, 1, and 2 months after treatment.
• Results showed that the high dose of the plant extract enhanced working memory and increased the N100 component amplitude of event-related potential.
• Improvements in self-rated mood were also found following the Centella asiatica treatment.

Therefore, it was concluded that “the present findings suggest the potential of Centella asiatica to attenuate the age-related decline in cognitive function and mood disorder in the healthy elderly.”

Summary of Important Information

Z Natural Foods handpicks specific ingredients for our customers based on three concepts to provide the best possible quality product, supporting optimal well-being.

• Versatility
• History of safe and effective usage
• Strong evidence of positive research outcomes in human

Important summary points

• Gotu kola is a key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Western, and Ayurvedic traditions.
• It is considered a tonic, nervine (nerve soother), and has adaptogen-like qualities.
• In Ayurveda, it’s known as a “pharmacy in one herb” and traditionally used to support brain function, skin health, and overall vitality.
• Known actions include antioxidant, diuretic, antibacterial, and systemic anti-inflammatory properties.
• Commonly used as a rasayana (rejuvenating tonic), typically 3–6g daily, for strength, digestion, skin quality, and mental clarity.
• In TCM, Gotu Kola (Ji Xue Cao) is “cold” in nature with bitter, pungent, and sweet notes, used to clear heat and toxicity.
• It’s believed to benefit the spleen, liver, kidneys, and intestinal channels.
• As a nervine, Gotu Kola gently calms and nourishes the nervous system without sedative effects.
• In Western herbalism, it’s viewed as a nootropic (cognitive enhancer).
• Nootropics are best used with adaptogens and nervines for balanced support to the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

 

Some research suggests that Gotu Kola may contain the following constituents:

• Minerals: Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese
• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Beta carotene
• Amino Acids: Glutamic Acid, Glycine
• Triterpenes: Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid,, Oxyasiaticoside, Centelloside
• Triterpenoid Glycosides: Asiaticoside
• Volatile oil: Valerin
• Glycoside: Madicassoside
• Saponin Glycosides: Brahminoside, Brahmoside

This product is 100% natural and minimally processed. Taste, smell, texture, and color vary from batch to batch.

Suggested Use: Mix one tablespoon with juice and yogurt, or add to your favorite smoothie.

Other preparations:Infusion: Use the ratio of 1 tablespoon of product for every 8 ounces of distilled water. Bring water to a boil and then take off. Put tea in a mug with water and cover for 15 minutes. (This method is specific for whole-leaf herbs and teas).

Tincture: This method can take 15 to 30 days. You will need three items (a mason jar with a cover, the herb/herbs of your choice, and liquid for extracting). The extracting liquid can be alcohol, alcohol/ water combo, vinegar, or vegetable glycerin. Take the product and fill the jar ¾ full, add the liquid of your choice, and close the jar. Then shake the jar, so everything is well mixed. Give the jar a good shake several times a day. After 15 to 30 days, strain and bottle in glass tincture jars.

Mixing suggestions: To increase flavor and nutritional profile, combined with our bacopa leaf powder as a tincture or infusion.

Botanical Name: Centella Asiatica.

Other Names: Indian Pennywort, Marsh Penny, Spadeleaf, Tiger’s Herb, Brahmi, and Pennywort.

Parts Used: Gotu Kola Leaf.
Ingredients: Raw Gotu Kola Leaf.

Origin: Packaged with care in Florida, USA.
Certifications: Certified USDA Organic.