There is a notion that Mother Nature knows best. While it is so tempting to proclaim all gifts of nature as panacea and perfect alternative to synthetic ingredients, some natural medicines are better be treated with caution.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is quickly becoming a hot cosmetic ingredient although it has a long history of use dating back to Ayurvedic medicine. Also known as Indian pennywort, brahmi, and talepetrako, gotu kola extract has been traditionally used for wound healing, leprosy sores, and reducing scarring.

A June 2008 study in The University of Mysore in India has shown that gotu kola can preserve brain function thanks to diminishing oxidative stress in brain cells. Gotu kola is not a stimulant and does not contain caffeine. On the contrary, it has a sedative action.

Thanks to the presence of antioxidant triterpenes called asiaticoside and madecassoside gotu kola is useful in strengthening blood vessels and skin capillaries, potentially reducing risk of undereye circles and bruising. Gotu kola is also helpful in healing of psoriasis. Read more of this post