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GOTU KOLA
(Centella asiatica)
Parts used
Leaves and stem.
Properties
Rejuvenative tonic, nervine, blood purifying, diuretic.
Energies
Clears excess Fire, reduces excess Water,
strengthens and calms Air. Tonifies immunity and energy.
Gotu kola has similar properties to ashwaghanda,
though it works more on the nerve, blood and marrow tissues than hormonal and reproductive fluids.
It cleanses the blood, so is good for fevers and skin complaints, and calms and strengthens the nerves.
Ayurveda has a unique classification
for herbs called 'satvic'. These herbs clear and calm the mind and spirit and promote
the qualities needed for spiritual practice. Such herbs, including ashwaghanda,
sandalwood, and gotu kola, have several properties acting at the physical level,
but in addition have an extra sphere of influence, the mental and spiritual. The Indian name for gotu kola is
Brahmi, or that which leads to knowledge of Brahman, or supreme reality.
Such herbs are taken to promote tranquillity and prepare for meditation. David Frawley states that gotu kola wakens the crown
chakra, vitalizes brain cells and balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
For meditation, take gotu kola infusion with honey.
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