Gotu Kola for Skin: Benefits and How to Use

Aging. One of the hardest things to work on in our thirties. It comes with wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Are you in the same phase? Lucky for you, we found there is an ancient magical skin healer, a plant from wetlands of Asia and Africa that restore your youth ness. Gotu kola for skin has been used for many decades. Yogis, monks, and Daoist masters used the herb for its cognitive benefits which now become a prominent medicine and ingredient for modern skin care.

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu kola also called Bramhi, Indian pennywort, Asiatic Pennywort, or just Pennywort is scientifically named Centella Asiatica. It is an ancient perennial herb native to India and other parts of Asia. The herb is used in holistic and Ayurvedic medicine because of its benefits of restoration and longevity.

Goto kola is not only great for skin health but also provides a range of benefits. It can help improve our neurological, immune, and nervous responses when ingested. Gotu kola is a wholesome powerful herb that has the ability to alleviate all health issues and revitalize our body that’s why it has been used as supplements, capsules, tinctures, teas, and also in many skin care products.

Indian pennywort is widely used in ancient medicine for improving brain function, treating infections, and reducing anxiety, and is consumed for longevity. Brahmi is the traditional name given to Gotu kola which means knowledge that shows Gotu kola is great for brain functions and skill development.

What is in Gotu Kola?

Gotu kola is used in mostly all types of skin care products due to amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals in the herb. These are the nutrients that our skin needs to slow down aging and cut off its symptoms by protecting it from environmental stressors.

A compound called triterpene saponins is high in Gotu kola which helps keep skin tight and firm. Also, the available phytonutrients called flavonoids in the herb acts as antioxidants and prevent free radical damage. This combination of nutrients and compounds in the herb increases collagen formation and skin tissue which is vital to maintain skin elasticity and youthfulness.

Another wholesome benefit of Gotu kola that makes it an amazing medicine for overall well-being is its ability to improve blood circulation. Better blood circulation boosts the skin healing process which is helpful in pimples, blemishes, and scars, and is also effective in aiding varicose veins, stubborn cellulite, and broken capillaries.

The ability to improve blood circulation helps hair loss problems because to deliver the essential nutrients and oxygen to the scalp, it is important to have proper blood circulation. Considering All these potential health and skin care benefits, Gotu kola is used as an important ingredient in oils, eye creams, serums, and other skin care products. It is often taken as supplement capsules or consumed as a tea.

Gotu Kola in Ayurveda

Gotu kola known as Mandukaparni in Ayurveda has been used as a Rasayana herb to support skin health and fight off aging. It is a popular Ayurveda remedy for colds, coughs, and bleeding disorders because it balances the Kapha and pitta doshas.

The herb has ‘medhya’ properties that enhance memory power. When ingested, Gotu kola flushes out waste from the body and acts as a natural detoxifier. Brami is also useful in the treatment of cardiac disorders, anemia, urinary tract conditions, and diabetes.

It is nature’s botox therapy that slows down mental and physical aging. Gotu kola works great for skin complexion and smoothness. It purifies the blood, improves blood circulation, and detoxifies the skin to promote skin health.

Gotu Kola in Science

Gotu kola scientifically referred Centella Asiatica has proved many of its medicinal properties so the herb is widely used in the skincare and pharmaceutical industries.

This ancient herb is rich in pentacyclic triterpenoids which is a group of phytochemicals that possess anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, and wound healing properties. All these plant nutrients and compounds help in stimulating collagen production which is the main reason why Gotu kola has been used in anti-aging creams and treatments.

Benefits of Gotu Kola for Skin Care

Gotu kola is rich in natural antioxidants. It improves our skin’s ability to fight off environmental stressors that can break the skin, and removes impurities that can cause signs of premature aging like fine lines, and wrinkles. dark spots, and dull skin.

The herb has deep cleansing properties. Brahmi clears your face from dirt, bacteria, and oil that clogs facial pores and creates pimples.

Pennywort leaves can tighten, brighten, and smooth skin. It gives effective results for scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles when applied as a face pack. The herb treats dark circles and puffiness around the eyes which is why it is often added as a key ingredient to eye creams and night serums.

Gotu kola has calming properties and is a great skin soother. It reduced temporary redness in the skin and alleviates discomfort from skin sensitivity. That’s why it is prominently used in face creams as it can be used on sensitive skins too.

Brahmi is a natural hydrator for the skin. It helps in keeping moisture in the skin and helps maintain a youthful look and natural glow that is possible only with the right amount of H2O in the body. This is what makes the herb a major ingredient in moisturizing products. Better blood circulation and hydration are ultimates ways to keep common aging signs at bay.

We have seen what are the Benefits of Gotu Kola for Skin, now let’s see how all these benefits are proven.

1. Hydrates Skin

Aging is a phase of life that everyone has to experience. But sometimes it starts very earlier due to internal health conditions and high exposure to the polluted elements that damage the skin barrier. So your skin becomes dry and dehydrated.

There are some bioactive compounds in plants that can help with this. Fortunately, Gotu kola has such bioactive compounds that include triterpenoid saponins, triterpene steroids, essential amino acids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These compounds help repair the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

When the moisture content gets increases in the stratum corneum, the skin looks healthy, plumpy, and fresh.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Free radical damage and oxidative stress are the main causes of premature aging, premature greying, and various other skin disorders including cancer. To shut down these activities our body needs antioxidants which are high in Gotu kola.

Enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase show powerful antioxidant activities and reduce free radical damage in the body. Also, the production of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 is also helpful in lowering oxidative stress.

According to several studies, triterpenes such as Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, and Madecassoside in Gotu kola can increase GPX and SOD enzymes and accelerate Nrf2 to improve the antioxidant activity in the body.

3. Cleanses Skin

Based on Ayurvedic studies, Gotu kola has detoxifying properties. It removes toxins, and impurities from the blood and cleanses the skin.

The herb is a natural astringent that is capable of removing excess oil from the skin and face that help keep skin pores clean and unclogged.

4. Tighten Skin

Saggy skin is a sign of aging that occurs due to less collagen production. It is a natural process but nowadays it affects young people too. So they advised taking foods and skin care products to increase collagen production. As you guessed, Gotu kola has phytochemicals such as polyacetylenes and triterpenoid saponins that are proven to improve collagen production, prevent collagen breakdown, and stimulate fibroblast growth. This gives structural support and elasticity to the skin.

5. Great Wound Healer

Gotu kola is an amazing wound healer. The herb has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help stop infection spread to other areas and reduce swelling around the affected area. It also has calming effects that soothe the skin. All these effects with good blood supply will speed up wound healing.

Further, Gotu kola’s ability to improve collagen production and fibroblast proliferation accelerates re-epithelialization and wound contraction. As a result, it improves the tensile strength of the healing area and prevents breakdown.

6. Skin Brightening Effects

Hyperpigmentation, formally known as black patches in the skin is caused due to excess melanin production. Frequent exposure or unprotected exposure to the sun or internal health conditions like diabetes can stimulate excess melanin production. According to Ayurvedic science, Gotu kola is referred to as ‘varnaya’ herb which means skin-lightening herb.

The herbal extract contains flavonoids, centelloids, and tannins showing high tyrosinase inhibition effects that decrease excess melanin production. Regular application of Gotu kola can reduce dark spots, and black patches and gives a natural glow to the skin.

7. Reduce Stress Marks

Not only external pollutants but also mental conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression can also affect skin health. Chronic stress is often associated with premature aging and stress marks. The anti-aging, antidepressant, and calming properties of Gotu kola have been used for reducing stress marks. 

Gotu kola when ingested or with the topical application can help reduce stress and fight off the effects of stress on the skin.

8. Treats Acne

Since ancient times Gotu kola has been used to treat a range of skin diseases including acne or Yuvana Pidakas in Ayurveda. The anti-inflammatory properties soothe inflamed acne lesions. Gotu kola has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that cut off bacterial growth in facial pores and accelerate wound healing. The herb also curbs the formation of acne marks and scars.

9. Treat Eczema And Psoriasis

Gotu kola has triterpenes such as Madecassoside and Asiaticoside which are believed to be the reasons for its medicinal properties. The anti-inflammatory ability of Gotu kola by preventing proinflammatory cytokines makes it an amazing medicine for inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Aside from inflammation, Gotu kola also lowers symptoms of pruritus and erythema.

10. Medicine for Skin Infections

Gotu kola provides antibacterial and antiviral properties that are helpful in the treatment of skin treatments. A powerful compound called Asiatic acid in Gotu kola fights against a range of bacterial strains including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and others.

A study in 2014 tested three ancient ayurvedic herb extracts such as Centella Asiatica (Gotu kola), Curcuma longa L., and Strobilanthes Crispus L. for the treatment of herpes virus, and it worked.

11. Prevent Skin Cancer

Gotu kola has Pentacyclic triterpenoids such as Asiatic acid that protect your skin against the negative effects of UV rays which may lead to melanoma. Further melanoma proliferation by apoptosis in cancer cells is also prevented. The antioxidants in Gotu kola protect damaged cells by lowering oxidative stress and curbing healthy cell death.

12. Heals Cellulite

Like scars and stress marks, cellulite and stretch marks can also be treated with Gotu kola. The ability to produce new collagen synthesis and improve the blood circulation of Gotu kola helps cellulite removal. Cellulite is fat cells that are deposited under the skin.

Research showed saponins in Gotu kola prevent the formation of wound scars with stimulated collagen production.

According to a study in 2015, Gotu kola extract can reduce the appearance of abdominal stretch marks. the study tested over 15 participants for a period of 6 to 12 weeks.

How to Use Gotu Kola for Skin

Gotu kola is a powerful herb that can be used in many ways. But to get the benefits of Gotu kola for the skin there are a few ways that give better results. Starts with eating 2 to 3 fresh leaves and et its full nutrients and healing your skin.

If you are not accessible to fresh leaves, try a range of Gotu kola products considering your skincare requirements. The Gotu kola range is available as leaves, powder, oil, cream, and serums. Here we will help you find how to use Gotu kola for skin care.

A) Gotu Kola Powder

The fresh Gotu kola leaves are dried naturally and powdered. Using a powder form of the herb is easy and convenient as you can mix it with your regular skincare routine products.

Let’s see the recipes you can make with Gotu kola 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 Ela (cardamom) powder, and 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder.
• Mix all the ingredients well.
• Prepare a paste by adding milk and applying it to the face.
• Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wash off the paste 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 them well.
• Prepare a paste by adding rose water and applying it to your face.
• Leave it for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Wash off the pack 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 some honey and rose water and applying it.
• Leave it for a minimum of 40 minutes to a maximum of an hour and wash it off.

B) Gotu Kola Oil

Gotu kola oil is extracted from plant leaves using infusion with carrier oil. Before using the oil, check the ingredients and instructions in the package.

Check if the oil is prediluted with a carrier oil, otherwise, you want to do dilution before applying it to the skin.

1. For Acne

For inflammation on acne, mix 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil with 10 ml of Gotu kola oil and apply the mixture to the affected areas.

Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and wash off the oil 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 the face and hyperpigmented areas. Wash it off after 30 to 40 minutes.

3. For Anti-aging

Cleanse your face well. Next, mix 2 to 3 drops of rosehip essential oil with 10 ml of Gotu kola oil. Apply the mixture to the skin and massage gently upwards. Wash off with lukewarm water after 10 to 15 minutes. Instead of washing with water, you can also use a moist towel to wipe off the oil.

C) Gotu Kola Leaves

If you want to alleviate your body internally, consume fresh Gotu kola leaves or make a tea or drink using the leaves.

How to Add Gotu Kola to Food

1. Gotu Kola Tea

To make a Gotu kola tea, you can either use Gotu kola tea bags, a teaspoon of Gotu kola extract, or 3 to 5 Gotu kola leaves while brewing.

Consumption of Gotu kola tea benefits skin health including anti-aging.

2. Gotu Kola Juice

For fresh green juice with Gotu kola, take a bunch of its leaves. After washing them, put them in a blender with a cup of water, lemon juice, roasted cumin powder, and salt for taste. If you like sweetness, add honey or natural sugar.

Squeeze out the juice using a fine sieve and a spatula. If needed add water for consistency.

Regular consumption of this juice improves overall health and provides glowing skin.

Based on Ayurveda instructions, 5 to 10 ml Gotu kola juice extract is safe for daily intake. 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 and wash them thoroughly. After removing the stems, chop them and mix them with your favorite ingredients in a bowl. Have a nutritious salad for better days.

How to Use Gotu Kola For Treament

1. For Wounds and Infections

Make a fine paste from fresh Gotu kola leaves and apply it to wounds and skin infections. It speeds up healing and reduces inflammation.

For fungal infections, mix ground Gotu kola leaf paste with crushed garlic or haritaki powder. Apply this paste to affected areas and leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it off.

2. For Eczema

Mix 2 tablespoons of Gotu kola leaf paste with 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 tablespoon of Triphala powder. Apply the paste on eczema lesions and leave it for 1 hour and then wash it off.

D) Gotu Kola Creams and Serums

Gotu kola creams and Serums with Centella Asiatica are good treatments for stretch marks, scars, dark spots, and cellulite. The serums work great for aging skin.

Regular usage of Gotu kola serums and creams can fade age spots, and wrinkles, and increase collagen production.

Aside from using it for oily and dry skin, Gotu kola moisturizer is the perfect remedy for sensitive skin as it calms the hyperactive immune system and avoids unwanted allergic reactions.

Final Words!

Gotu kola is a natural soother and is great alternate cream for those who are easily prone to sensitivity and temporary redness. It works as an effective moisture regulator, and skin hydrator, and keeps skin glowing. Gotu kola for skin acts as an astringent and a moisturizer which is rare in herbs. All these qualities make Gotu kola opt for dry, oily, and combination skin types.

As the western world started recognizing Ayurveda herbs and their benefits, they started adding those ingredients to the products. In this way, the benefits of Gotu kola for skin care have been identified by the modern medicine and beauty industries so now they added it to various skin care products, especially anti-aging types.

Rather than worrying and trying too many products on your skin, buckle up, and buy organic Gotu kola powder or its products and add it to your regular routine and nourish the skin.