Know what you're putting in your body.

158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

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STRESS & ANXIETY

Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica

also known as centella

Moderate

A small wetland herb used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Modern research is most consistent for wound healing, vein support, and skin repair — making it more of a connective-tissue herb than the brain tonic some marketing suggests.

Supports wound healing through its effect on collagen and connective tissue
Eases symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency — heavy, swollen legs and varicose veins
Topical preparations may improve the appearance of scars, including stretch marks
Mild calming effect in traditional use
Some evidence for supporting cognitive function, though research is small
Long traditional use as a tonic for connective tissue, including skin, joints, and blood vessels

Rare reports of liver injury — stop and seek medical attention if jaundice or right-side abdominal pain develop

Use caution with sedative medications

May raise blood sugar in some people, lower it in others — monitor with diabetes medication

May increase cholesterol slightly with long-term high doses

Skip during pregnancy and nursing — limited safety data

Limit continuous use to about six weeks at a time

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro · Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

Works with

Bacopa Gotu kola (triterpenoids, collagen synthesis, cerebral circulation) and bacopa (bacosides, synaptic density) are complementary Ayurvedic brain tonics.

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