Gotu Kola plant, Centella asiatica, has the synonym Hydrocotle asiatica and is also known as Indian Pennywort and Arthritus Plant. Gotu Kola is a traditional Asian food and herb, which is regarded as food for both the brain and body. Increases mental clarity and longevity. In southern Asia the leaves are used as flavouring in curry and raw in salads. A useful medicinal and culinary herb. Gotu Kola plant is a native of Asia and India and prefers moist, well composted soils in a protected, partially shaded position. Drought and frost tender – will tolerate a light frost. A perennial ground cover, growing to 0.1m x 0.5m.
Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health — and some studies seem to agree.
In the garden or in a pot, gotu kola is very easy to grow and grows anywhere as long as conditions are never dry and it works well near a water source or as a ground cover in dark, shady areas.