Did you know that Gotu Kola is called 'Ka Dawai Bah' or the all-in-one medicine in Meghalaya, a state in India? And what if we told you that it has the power to heal wounds and treat skin lesions?
In fact, some sources cite that Gotu Kola is just like the plant "man-duka parni' which is listed in Susruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit book about Ayurvedic medicine. It's surprising to see a plant with so many benefits for your skin and body be so under-utilized in our skincare routines. Very few brands have truly explored the magic of Gotu Kola for skin, us being one of them.
For this reason alone, today we're going to talk about the benefits of Gotu Kola for the skin and how you can enjoy them in your skincare routine.
What is Gotu Kola?
Gotu Kola: A Japanese Powerhouse
Gotu Kola is recognized by several names worldwide. While it is scientifically called Centella Asiatica, some other common names for Gotu Kola include the following:
- Indian pennywort
- Asiatic pennywort
- Spadeleaf
- Coinwort
- Brahmi-buti
How does it appear? It's a slender plant. Its stems appear green to reddish, and they have long-stalked green leaves with round leaf tips. Plus, the leaves are smooth, thin, and soft. And where does it come from? Well, it's native to countries like India, Japan, and China.
In fact, it is considered a 'go-to' herb in Kampo medicine, the study of Chinese medicine in Japan after its introduction. Not just that, this super ingredient also finds itself a special place in other medicinal philosophies, including:
- Thai medicine
- Indonesian medicine
- Hawaiian medicine
Quick story? It's also called the 'Miracle Elixir of Life' because legend has it that a Chinese herbalist lived 200+ years because of Gotu Kola. Wondering what makes it so powerful and special? Let's see!
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out on Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is a blessing when it comes to your delicate skin! Here's why👇
Anti-Aging Properties
Gotu Kola is primarily found in anti-aging products. Why? Because it is excellent at promoting collagen for your skin. Triterpenoids, which play an important role in this plant's defense, are one of the reasons why skincare enthusiasts love it. It is these Triterpenoids that help promote collagen synthesis. And when our skin has adequate collagen, it appears firm and youthful.
Collagen also plays an important role in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When your body does not produce adequate collagen, your skin starts to sag. The fine lines eventually turn to wrinkles, making your 30s look like 40s and 50s. Consequently, consistent use of Gotu Kola in your routine can help replenish collagen levels in your skin, keeping early signs of aging at bay!
Healing and Regeneration
It also makes an excellent ingredient for wound healing. Wondering how? Gotu Kola extracts contain glycoside madecassoside, which is anti-inflammatory. Plus, it contains asiaticoside, which is known to promote healing.
Gotu Kola promotes wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis in connective tissues while reducing the inflammatory reaction of your skin after the scar. Additionally, it increases the antioxidant levels in the cell. This, in turn, promotes faster wound healing and scar maturity.
Its ability to aid collagen synthesis in connective tissues is also the reason why it works wonders for the rejuvenation of aged or damaged tissues. An example of this is its use in creams meant to treat stretch marks post-pregnancy.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Qualities
Besides the components mentioned above, Gotu Kola contains a host of other powerful components that make it a good antioxidant. For instance, polyphenols, flavonoids, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.
Since antioxidants help fight free radicals, the use of Gotu Kola in your skincare helps prevent irritation and early signs of aging. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory qualities help soothe the skin and reduce itching, making it easier to manage skin concerns like eczema.
Some of these ingredients also help strengthen your skin's protective barrier. Thus, reducing transepidermal water loss.
Adding Gotu Kola to Your Japanese Skincare Routines
One of the ways to introduce Gotu Kola in your Japanese-inspired skincare routines is via topical application. For this, you will need to find a Gotu Kola-infused product, like our Rejuvenating Night Gel.
There's more than one reason we decided to infuse Gotu Kola into our night routine. Firstly, its benefits. From hydration to skin scar healing and collagen synthesis, Gotu Kotu extracts offer everything your skin needs for that healthy glow.
Secondly, when you sleep at night, your skin is in repair mode. It works to repair the damage your skin has experienced throughout the day. Addition of Gotu Kola increases your skin's repair and regenerative powers. As a result, you wake up with a refreshed complexion.
Besides Gotu Kola, you will find other skin-nourishing Japanese ingredients, such as Japanese Plum extracts. Extracted from Nanko Ume, a high-grade plum from Japan's Wakayama Prefecture, this super ingredient improves your skin's elasticity. As a result, it complements Gotu Kola's collagen promotion beautifully, leaving you with plump skin.
Some other products that you can consider are Gotu Kola serums, which target concerns like skin pigmentation, dark spots, or aging. Another use may be in an eye cream for dark circles and puffiness since this hero ingredient is also known to promote better blood circulation.
Including Gotu Kola in Routines? Here’s What You Need to Take Care of
Including Gotu Kola for skin care may sound like an excellent plan and the immediate next step for you. Sadly, no ingredient is foolproof. This is why you need to be mindful of the following things:
- Do a patch test before fully adopting a product to check for any reactions.
- Use it when you think it will work the best. For instance, using it in the evening allows it to work overnight when your skin is in repair mode.
- Always apply it on clean skin.
- Don't skip on your sunscreen. While Gotu Kola does offer sun protection, it is not a substitute for sunscreens.
- Pay attention to how your skin responds.
- Gotu Kola pairs well with other skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide. So think about combining products for enhanced benefits.
- If you have sensitive skin or skin concerns, it's best to pay your dermatologist a visit before starting any new ingredient.
Gotu Kola and Holistic Wellness
Traditional Medicine Approach
Research suggests that this herbaceous plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. For instance, locals and traditional healers have used Gotu Kola extracts to heal wounds. In fact, people in India and Africa have used this plant for the treatment of leprosy. Some other uses of this plant in treatment have been for concerns like:
- Bladder inactivity
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Diabetes
- Stomach problems
- Jaundice
You will be surprised to know Gotu Kola is used for green salad in Sri Lankan cuisine. At the same time, people in rural areas of the northern States of Peninsular Malaysia drink Gotu Kola juices. But that's not all. It is also effective for stress.
Stress Reduction and Skincare
Gotu Kola is known for its adaptogenic properties. What does this mean? It helps the body adapt to stress and promotes relaxation. This can indirectly benefit the skin by reducing stress-related inflammation and improving overall skin function.
Furthermore, stress can exacerbate various skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, while also accelerating aging processes. Gotu Kola's stress-reducing effects can help mitigate these negative impacts, leading to healthier, more radiant skin.
Gotu Kola - The Miracle Ingredient
Gotu Kola is just like the top dog of skincare ingredients, gaining the recognition it deserves. Its history of effectiveness dates back centuries and can be traced to various parts of the world. Thus making it one of the oldest ingredients around. And what do we say about its benefits?
This antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, healer ingredient deserves a place in your skincare routine, especially your nighttime skincare routine. From mental calmness to acne scars, pigmentation, and hydration, it does so much and more.
So, would you give it a try? And if the answer is yes, don't forget to check out our Gotu Kola-infused Rejuvenating Night Gel.
