Some interesting observations about Gotu kola

Introduction Centella asiatica, is also known as pennywort or Gotu kola (from the Sinhalese word gotu-kola) by the people of South Asia. It is known for its remarkable healing properties. In many parts of South Asia, gotu-kola is drunk just like tea, or as a cool drink. It is also popular as a salad. The present article highlights some recent findings with the use of this plant.

Growth conditions
The plants grow well in marshy areas with heavy rainfall at altitudes between 400 - 1500 metres.

Role of gotu kola for treatment in animals
Current research findings give evidence to traditional folk wisdom practices that Centella asiatica extract can be effective in the treatment of several ailments that companion animals suffer from.

You can use gotu-kola for your pet if your pet is suffering from skin ulcers, wounds and burns. The healing time is greatly accelerated when gotu-kola extracts are applied to slow-healing wounds too. Besides this, gotu kola has also been found to have a remarkable healing effect on suture wounds after surgery.

Besides wounds and other skin disorders, extracts of gotu-kola when given orallyhelp to improve mental alertness, reduce anxiety and have a calming effect on your pets.

Active constituents
The active constituent of extracts of Centella asiatica are believed to be pentacyclic triterpene derivatives. Specific medicinally active components isolated from the extracts include asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside.

Listed below are some ways in which you can use gotu-kola extract for your pet.

Wound healer
Centella asiatica has been shown to hasten wound healing in a large number of scientific reports. If your cat or dog has a wound, apply gotu kola ointment on the wound and see the results. You will notice that your pets' wounds heal faster and better.

Burns heal faster
Burns are painful conditions that often take very long to heal. When an ointment containing gotu-kola is applied on the burn, it has been seen that the time for healing is reduced rather dramatically. Even in infected wounds, where the infection is on the skin and lower layers (but has not yet reached the bones) the wounds appear to benefit with application of a fresh paste of gotu kola.

Anxiolytic effects
In Chinese and Indian traditional medicine, extracts of Centella asiatica are often given to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. If your pet is hyperactive, tends to be very aggressive or suffers from spells of restlessness or is not very alert, try giving gotu - kola extracts.


Conclusion
This article highlights the useful role that Centella asiatica plays in a wide variety of ailments in pets. However, all medication should be given only after proper consultation and under the supervised care of a veterinary naturopath or holistic veterinary practitioner.