Gotu Kola for Skin: Benefits and How to Use

Aging is one of the most challenging phases we face in our thirties, bringing wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Are you experiencing this as well? Luckily, there exists an ancient magical skin healer—a plant native to the wetlands of Asia and Africa—that can help restore your youthful glow: gotu kola. For many decades, gotu kola has been celebrated for its remarkable skin benefits. Yogis, monks, and Daoist masters have long used this herb for its cognitive advantages, and today it has gained prominence in modern skincare.

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu kola, also known as Bramhi, Indian pennywort, or Asiatic Pennywort, is scientifically classified as Centella Asiatica. This ancient perennial herb is native to India and other parts of Asia. It’s integral to holistic and Ayurvedic medicine due to its restorative and longevity-enhancing benefits.

Gotu kola is not only excellent for skin health; it also offers numerous additional benefits. When consumed, it can enhance neurological function, improve immune responses, and support nervous system health. This powerful herb has the ability to alleviate various health issues, making it a popular choice in supplements, capsules, tinctures, teas, and numerous skincare products.

Indian pennywort has been widely used in ancient medicine for brain enhancement, infection treatment, and anxiety reduction, often consumed for its longevity-promoting properties. Known as Brahmi, this traditional name reflects gotu kola’s reputation for enhancing cognitive function and skill development.

What is in Gotu Kola?

Gotu kola’s presence in a variety of skincare products is attributed to its rich composition, which includes amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and various phytochemicals. These nutrients are essential for slowing down aging and combating its visible effects, protecting the skin from environmental stressors.

A compound called triterpene saponins is abundant in gotu kola and contributes to skin tightness and firmness. Additionally, phytonutrients like flavonoids serve as antioxidants, helping to prevent free radical damage. This combination of nutrients enhances collagen production and skin tissue health, which are vital for maintaining skin elasticity and a youthful appearance.

Another significant benefit of gotu kola is its ability to improve blood circulation. Enhanced circulation accelerates the skin healing process, making it effective for treating pimples, blemishes, and scars, as well as conditions like varicose veins, stubborn cellulite, and broken capillaries.

Improved blood circulation also addresses hair loss; proper blood flow is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the scalp. Given its wide range of health and skincare benefits, gotu kola is frequently utilized in oils, eye creams, serums, and other skincare products, as well as taken as supplement capsules or brewed as tea.

Gotu Kola in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, gotu kola is known as Mandukaparni and is considered a Rasayana herb used to support skin health and combat aging. It is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for colds, coughs, and bleeding disorders due to its ability to balance the Kapha and Pitta doshas.

This herb possesses ‘medhya’ properties that enhance memory and cognitive function. When ingested, gotu kola detoxifies the body by flushing out waste. Brahmi is also beneficial for treating cardiac disorders, anemia, urinary tract issues, and diabetes.

Gotu kola is often described as nature’s botox therapy, helping to slow down both mental and physical aging. It enhances skin complexion and smoothness by improving blood circulation, detoxifying the skin, and promoting overall skin health.

Gotu Kola in Science

Scientifically recognized as Centella Asiatica, gotu kola’s medicinal properties have been rigorously studied, leading to its widespread use in the skincare and pharmaceutical industries.

This ancient herb is rich in pentacyclic triterpenoids—a group of phytochemicals known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing properties. These plant nutrients stimulate collagen production, which is one of the primary reasons why gotu kola is a key ingredient in anti-aging creams and treatments.

Benefits of Gotu Kola for Skin Care

Gotu kola is rich in natural antioxidants, enhancing the skin’s resilience against environmental stressors that can harm the skin and contribute to premature aging signs, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness.

The herb possesses deep cleansing properties, effectively removing dirt, bacteria, and oil that can clog facial pores and cause breakouts.

Pennywort leaves can tighten, brighten, and smooth the skin. When applied as a face pack, they effectively address scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles. Additionally, the herb treats dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, which is why it is commonly included as an ingredient in eye creams and night serums.

Gotu kola is renowned for its calming properties, making it an excellent skin soother. It reduces temporary redness and alleviates discomfort associated with skin sensitivity, which is why it is frequently used in face creams suitable for sensitive skin.

Brahmi is a natural hydrator for the skin, helping to retain moisture and maintain a youthful glow that requires adequate water levels in the body. This makes it a key ingredient in moisturizing products. Improved blood circulation and hydration are crucial in combating common signs of aging.

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of gotu kola for the skin, let’s look at how these advantages are substantiated scientifically.

1. Hydrates Skin

Aging is an inevitable phase; however, it can start prematurely due to internal health conditions and exposure to environmental pollutants that damage the skin barrier. This results in dryness and dehydration.

Fortunately, gotu kola contains bioactive compounds—including triterpenoid saponins, triterpene steroids, essential amino acids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds—that help repair the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

When moisture levels increase in the stratum corneum, the skin appears healthier, plumper, and fresher.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Free radical damage and oxidative stress are primary causes of premature aging and various skin disorders, including cancer. To combat these effects, our bodies need antioxidants, which are abundant in gotu kola.

Enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase exhibit powerful antioxidant activities, reducing free radical damage. Additionally, the production of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) aids in lowering oxidative stress.

Several studies suggest that triterpenes in gotu kola, including asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and madecassoside, can bolster GPX and SOD enzymes, enhancing antioxidant activity.

3. Cleanses Skin

According to Ayurvedic studies, gotu kola is known for its detoxifying properties, helping to remove toxins and impurities from the blood, thus cleansing the skin.

The herb acts as a natural astringent, removing excess oil and keeping skin pores clean and unclogged.

4. Tightens Skin

Sagging skin is a sign of aging that results from decreased collagen production. While this is a natural aspect of aging, younger individuals can also experience it. To counteract this effect, it’s recommended to consume foods and skincare products that promote collagen production. Gotu kola contains phytochemicals such as polyacetylenes and triterpenoid saponins that enhance collagen synthesis, prevent collagen breakdown, and stimulate fibroblast growth, providing structural support and elasticity to the skin.

5. Great Wound Healer

Gotu kola serves as an excellent wound healer, possessing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent the spread of infection and reduce swelling. Its calming effects also soothe the skin. With improved blood supply, gotu kola accelerates wound healing.

Additionally, its ability to enhance collagen production and fibroblast proliferation speeds up re-epithelialization and wound contraction, improving the tensile strength of the healing area and preventing breakdown.

6. Skin Brightening Effects

Hyperpigmentation, which manifests as dark patches on the skin, is often caused by excess melanin production. Frequent or unprotected sun exposure, along with internal health issues like diabetes, can stimulate this overproduction. In Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola is referred to as a ‘varnaya’ herb, indicating its skin-lightening properties.

The herbal extract contains flavonoids, centelloids, and tannins that significantly inhibit tyrosinase activity, helping to reduce excess melanin production. Regular use of gotu kola can diminish dark spots, black patches, and enhance the skin’s natural glow.

7. Reduce Stress Marks

Not only external pollutants, but mental conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression can impact skin health. Chronic stress is often linked to premature aging and the formation of stress marks. The anti-aging, antidepressant, and calming properties of gotu kola can aid in reducing stress marks.

Whether ingested or applied topically, gotu kola can help mitigate stress and its effects on the skin.

8. Treats Acne

Historically, gotu kola has been utilized to address various skin conditions, including acne (referred to as Yuvana Pidakas in Ayurveda). Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe inflamed acne lesions, while its antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics prevent bacterial growth in facial pores and promote wound healing. Additionally, gotu kola minimizes the formation of acne marks and scars.

9. Treat Eczema and Psoriasis

Gotu kola contains triterpenes such as madecassoside and asiaticoside, which are responsible for its medicinal properties. The herb’s anti-inflammatory effects alleviate conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, gotu kola may reduce symptoms such as itching and redness.

10. Medicine for Skin Infections

Gotu kola exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties beneficial in treating skin infections. A powerful compound called asiatic acid in gotu kola combats various bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus.

A 2014 study tested three ancient Ayurvedic herb extracts including Centella Asiatica (gotu kola), Curcuma longa, and Strobilanthes Crispus for the treatment of herpes virus, showing promising results.

11. Prevent Skin Cancer

Gotu kola contains pentacyclic triterpenoids such as asiatic acid, which help protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays that may lead to melanoma. The herb also impedes the proliferation of melanoma cells by promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. The antioxidants found in gotu kola protect damaged cells from oxidative stress and minimize healthy cell death.

12. Heals Cellulite

Similar to scars and stress marks, cellulite and stretch marks can also be treated with gotu kola. The herb’s ability to enhance collagen synthesis and improve blood circulation aids in cellulite reduction, which arises from fat deposits beneath the skin.

Research shows that saponins in gotu kola can inhibit scar formation while stimulating collagen production. A 2015 study demonstrated that gotu kola extract could reduce the appearance of abdominal stretch marks in participants over a period of 6 to 12 weeks.

How to Use Gotu Kola for Skin

Gotu kola is a versatile herb with various applications. To reap the skin benefits of gotu kola, consider these effective methods:

Start with 2 to 3 fresh leaves to absorb its full nutrients and experience its skin-healing properties.

If fresh leaves are not readily available, explore various gotu kola products tailored to your skincare needs. These are available as leaves, powder, oil, cream, and serums. Below are some ways to incorporate gotu kola into your skincare routine.

A) Gotu Kola Powder

Gotu kola leaves can be naturally dried and ground into a powder. This convenient form makes it easy to mix with your regular skincare products.

Here are some recipes you can create using gotu kola powder for your skincare routine:

1. Dry Skin Face Pack

Ingredients

Process

• Take 1 tablespoon of gotu kola powder, 1/2 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder, and 1 teaspoon of triphala powder.
• Mix all ingredients well.
• Prepare a paste by adding milk and apply it to the face.
• Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wash off with water.

2. Oily Skin Face Pack

Ingredients

Process

• Take 1 tablespoon of gotu kola powder and 1/2 tablespoon each of amla and hibiscus powder.
• Mix well.
• Prepare a paste using rose water and apply it to your face.
• Leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Wash off with water.

3. Anti-aging Face Pack

Ingredients

Process

• Take 1 1/2 tablespoon of gotu kola powder, 1/2 tablespoon of guduchi powder, and 1/2 tablespoon of ashwagandha powder.
• Mix everything well.
• Make a paste by adding honey and rose water.
• Leave it on for 40 minutes to an hour, then wash off.

B) Gotu Kola Oil

Gotu kola oil is extracted from the plant leaves through infusion with a carrier oil. Before use, always check ingredients and instructions on the package.

Ensure that the oil is pre-diluted with a carrier oil; otherwise, you should dilute it before applying it to your skin.

1. For Acne

For inflamed acne, mix 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil with 10 ml of gotu kola oil. Apply the mixture to the affected areas, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

2. For Dark Spots

Mix 1 1/2 tablespoon of gotu kola oil with 1/2 tablespoon each of yashtomadhu powder and sandalwood powder. Apply the mixture to your face and hyperpigmented areas, and wash it off after 30 to 40 minutes.

3. For Anti-aging

Cleanse your face, then mix 2 to 3 drops of rosehip essential oil with 10 ml of gotu kola oil. Apply the mixture to the skin and gently massage upwards. You can wash off with lukewarm water after 10 to 15 minutes, or use a moist towel to wipe off the oil.

C) Gotu Kola Leaves

For internal benefits, you can consume fresh gotu kola leaves or brew them into a tea or drink.

How to Add Gotu Kola to Food

1. Gotu Kola Tea

To make gotu kola tea, use gotu kola tea bags, a teaspoon of gotu kola extract, or 3 to 5 fresh leaves while brewing.

Drinking gotu kola tea provides skin health benefits, including anti-aging properties.

2. Gotu Kola Juice

To make fresh green juice with gotu kola, take a bunch of its leaves, wash them, and blend with a cup of water, lemon juice, roasted cumin powder, and salt to taste. For sweetness, add honey or natural sugar.

Squeeze out the juice using a fine sieve or spatula and add water to adjust the consistency.

Regular consumption of this juice supports overall health and promotes glowing skin.

According to Ayurveda, a daily intake of 5 to 10 ml of gotu kola juice extract is considered safe. However, consult your doctor if you are trying it for the first time.

3. Gotu Kola Salad

Take a bunch of fresh gotu kola leaves, wash them thoroughly, remove stems, chop them, and mix with your favorite salad ingredients for a nutritious meal.

How to Use Gotu Kola for Treatment

1. For Wounds and Infections

Make a fine paste from fresh gotu kola leaves and apply it to wounds and skin infections to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

For fungal infections, mix ground gotu kola leaf paste with crushed garlic or haritaki powder. Apply to the affected area and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

2. For Eczema

Mix 2 tablespoons of gotu kola leaf paste with 1/2 tablespoon each of turmeric powder and triphala powder. Apply the paste to eczema lesions and leave it on for 1 hour before washing it off.

D) Gotu Kola Creams and Serums

Gotu kola creams and serums containing centella asiatica are effective treatments for stretch marks, scars, dark spots, and cellulite. These products work particularly well on aging skin.

Regular use of gotu kola serums and creams can diminish age spots and wrinkles while boosting collagen production.

In addition to their suitability for oily and dry skin types, gotu kola moisturizers are ideal for sensitive skin, calming overactive immune responses and minimizing allergic reactions.

Final Words!

Gotu kola serves as a natural soothing remedy and is an excellent alternative for individuals prone to sensitivity and temporary redness. It functions as both an astringent and a moisturizer—qualities that are rare in herbs. All these attributes render gotu kola suitable for dry, oily, and combination skin types.

With the growing recognition of Ayurvedic herbs in the Western world, many beauty brands have begun to incorporate gotu kola into their products. As a result, the benefits of gotu kola for skincare have gained acknowledgment from the modern medicine and beauty industries, making it a key ingredient in various anti-aging products.

Instead of worrying and experimenting with countless products on your skin, invest in organic gotu kola powder or its related products. Incorporate it into your regular skincare routine and nurture your skin!