Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola / Indian Pennywort)
Gotu Kola (Gotu Kola / Indian Pennywort)
Centella asiatica
The 'frog leaf' creeper — memory, calm and skin repair in a single cooling herb.
Gotu kola creeper · Herb · Parts: Leaf, Whole plant
- Taste (rasa)
- Bitter, Sweet, Astringent
- Energy (virya)
- Cooling
- Balances
- Pitta, Vata, Kapha
What it is used for
Benefits
- Supports memory, concentration and mental calm
- Encourages wound healing, scar softening and collagen repair
- Used for heavy, tired legs and poor venous circulation
How it has been used
Traditional uses & benefits
Mandukaparni is a medhya rasayana — a herb for the intellect. Where ashwagandha rebuilds the body, this one clears and cools the mind.
Traditional uses
- Memory, study and mental fatigue
- Wound healing, scars, stretch marks and skin repair
- Heavy legs, varicose veins and poor circulation
Practical guidance
- 1Take it in the day for clarity; it is calming but not sedating.
- 2Fresh leaf juice is traditional in South India; powder in ghee is the classical medhya form.
- 3Cycle 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off rather than taking it indefinitely.
How much
Dosage
Powder 1-2 g daily, or 30-60 ml of fresh leaf juice.
How to take it
Preparation & usage
Leaf juice
Blend a handful of fresh leaves with water and strain.
Morning
Brahmi-style ghee
Stir 1 g of powder into warm ghee or milk.
Evening
Read this first
Precautions
- Avoid in pregnancy and with active liver disease
- Can deepen the effect of sedatives and anti-anxiety medication
- Take in cycles of 6 weeks with a break rather than continuously
Where this comes from
Sources
Common questions
What is Gotu Kola used for?
The 'frog leaf' creeper — memory, calm and skin repair in a single cooling herb. In traditional use the main applications are: Supports memory, concentration and mental calm; Encourages wound healing, scar softening and collagen repair; Used for heavy, tired legs and poor venous circulation.
What is the typical dosage of Gotu Kola?
Powder 1-2 g daily, or 30-60 ml of fresh leaf juice. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.
How and when should Gotu Kola be taken?
Leaf juice: Blend a handful of fresh leaves with water and strain. Timing — Morning
Are there any precautions with Gotu Kola?
Avoid in pregnancy and with active liver disease Can deepen the effect of sedatives and anti-anxiety medication Take in cycles of 6 weeks with a break rather than continuously Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.
Does Gotu Kola replace medical treatment?
No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.
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