Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort Seeds, Herb Caribbeangardenseed

Centella Asiatica,used as a vegetable and medicinal herb. Perennial

Centella asiatica, more commonly known as gotu kola, has enjoyed a long history as a medicinal herb in the Orient. Gotu kola, an evergreen perennial and creeping ground cover, is sensitive to frost. It grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and higher, making it suitable for planting in the warmth of the San Francisco Bay area. The plant features scalloped, inch-long leaves, small pinkish flowers, and measures 8 inches tall by about 3 feet wide. It thrives in boglike conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens with moist soil and a lack of strong, direct sunlight. Gotu kola is also tolerant of most soil types, including clay, sand and loam. Propagate gotu kola by seed to grow this useful and attractive plant in your garden.

Indian Pennywort or Gotu kola is used to treat bacterial, viral, or parastitic infections such as urinary tract infection, cholera, dysentery, the common cold, influenza, H1N1 (swine) flu and tuberculosis. Pennywort can help protect the immune system from toxins.

Because of its antibiotic properties, it has the capability to speed up the healing process of wounds. Indian Pennywort can also improve blood flow while reinforcing the veins and capillaries and making them stronger.

Asiatic Pennywort, Indian Pennywort, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Gotu kola is used both in Indian medicine (Ayurveda) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but in the Western world it is probably is known as an interesting “anti-aging” plant.

The plant originated in the low-lying marshes of India and Southeast Asia and Australia, it is no wonder then that this area as wide distribution there are many names for this plant (Kola, Fo-ti, Gotu Kola , mandukaparni, Luei Gong Gen, Antanan, Pegagan, Brahmi, etc.).

The active principles of Centella are Bacoside and Asiatocoside, which are responsible for the different healing effects.

Gotu Kola the leaves are used for:

– Problems with blood circulation such as varicose veins.

– For memory and poor concentration (Alzheimer)

– In wound healing and strengthening connective tissue (in India leprosy is treated with Gotu Kola)

– High blood pressure

– To improve the renewal of blood

– To stimulate the formation of cartilage.

In India and Indonesian cuisine Gotu Kola is used in some curry mixes and is also used to flavor “Dhal”.dishes

Does not withstand temperatures below 5 ° C.

How To Grow
1
Fill a container of any size with potting soil.

2
Plant the gotu kola seeds in the soil, spaced at least 2 or 3 inches apart.

3
Water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist at all times; do not allow it to dry out.

4
Transplant the seedlings into larger individual pots when they have grown their first set of true leaves.

5
Allow the seedlings to grow in the containers for their first year. Keep the containers indoors or in a greenhouse during the winter.

6
Plant gotu kola seedlings in the garden anytime after your area’s last frost date. Choose a moist, sunny or semishady spot for the plant’s permanent location.