Centella (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban), of the Apiaceae family, is also known as Gotu Kola and Pennywort. Native to areas such as Sri Lanka and South Africa, the leaves of this swamp plant have been used around the world for centuries to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis.

Centella was first used in India where it is part of Ayurvedic medicine and is popular as a nerve tonic to promote relaxation and enhance memory. Indian healers use this herb to treat skin inflammations and as a mild diuretic. Oriental healers rely on Centella to treat emotional disorders such as depression.

Centella has also been employed as an energy tonic, an aphrodisiac, and as a treatment for high blood pressure and mental disorders. Centella is a vital herb in Ayurveda, the traditional science of health in India, where it is used to "strengthen both the white and gray matter of the brain", stimulate learning, memory and alertness, and calm or sedate anxiety when necessary. Traditional Chinese medicinal believed Centella provided longevity, and thus called it the "fountain of youth" herb in China. In the United States, Centella is found in countless energy formulas and tonics.

This herb has also been used to bring down fever and relieve congestion due to colds and upper respiratory infections. Recent studies show that Centella has positive effects on the circulatory system; it seems to improve the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. It has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, as well as leg cramps, swelling of the legs, and heaviness or tingling in the legs. This is particularly useful for bedridden people.

Centella has even been used as 'food for the brain' after a nervous breakdown to rebuild energy reserves, or to prevent a nervous breakdown. It has an energizing effect on the cells of the brain, relieves high blood pressure, mental fatigue, senility, and helps the body defend itself against various toxins. It works as a blood purifier and in strengthening the heart, as well as with bowel problems, rheumatism, skin problems, and also promotes blood circulation in the lower limbs and reduces the pain and swelling due to phlebitis.

A common misconception is that Centella contains caffeine, which is simply not true. Researchers have found that Centellacontains several glycosides that exhibit wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities, and in large doses it can act as a sedative. Other researchers have shown that fresh leaves of the Centella plant are effective in healing chronic skin ulcers and other wounds.

Centella contains a group of triterpenes called asiaticosides that possess strong antioxidant properties. In modern health care Centella is used primarily for venous insufficiency, localized inflammation and infection, and post-surgery recovery. Centella is also used for the following:

• SKIN: Open wounds, sores, ulcers, other infections and radiation ulcers.
• CONFINEMENT: Bed sores, phlebitis, tingling, night cramps.
• VEIN PROBLEMS: Phlebitis, varicose veins, cellulite and edema.
• GYNECOLOGY: Lesions during pregnancy, delivery and obstetric manipulations, and episiotomy tears.

Centella affects various stages of tissue development, including keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers). Asiaticosides stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin. Centella has been found to have significant results in healing of skin, other connective tissues, lymph tissue, blood vessels (decreasing capillary fragility), and mucous membranes.

Centella contains Vitamins A, G, K, and is also high in magnesium. Supporting agents for Centella include: Bilberry, Butcher's Broom, Silica, Zinc, Vitamins C, E and D.

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