Gotu Kola

Transplanting:

To transplant gotu kola to the ground or a larger area, ensure that:

• The hole is made at least as wide as the plant pot, and
• the depth of the hole is such that the top of the soil from the gotu kola plant is level with the surface soil of the ground or larger area.
• It is advised not to remove much of the roots from the gotu kola when transplanting unless you notice extreme root bound. If the plant (has extreme root bound) has lots of roots that are knotted up particularly at the bottom of the pot, you can cut under 30% of the roots, primarily at the bottom of the pot, and also remove some of the older leaves if the plant has lots of leaves.
• Ensure that gotu kola gets lots of water shortly after transplanting to lessen the effects of plant shock.

Light Conditions:

• Full Sun:
  Gotu kola can be grown in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
• Partial Sun:
  In our climate, gotu kola may grow well with 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, either morning and/or afternoon sun.
• Full Shade:
  Gotu kola may grow well with less than 3 hours of sunlight per day, but be sure to monitor (at least until the plant gets established) whether the plant is growing well after placing in the shade.

Soil:

• Moist or seasonally waterlogged soil that is poor, average or rich in nutrients. The plant has been reported to grow in relatively wet environments, namely pastures, meadows, ditches, riversides, ponds, wetlands, wet forests, grass thickets, farming areas and along roadsides. It can also grow at the base of old stone walls and rocky sunny places near lowland hills.
• Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.

Watering Frequency:

• Water the soil often, primarily when the soil is almost dry or dry.
• Gotu kola is sensitive to drought so watering should be such that the soil is kept moist.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

• Gotu kola is regarded as an invasive weed in some parts and as a result, amendments and fertiliser should not be necessary.
• If you notice that the plant appears to wither, monitor the lighting conditions, the soil moisture (in particular) and whether the plant is root bound.

Pruning:

• Prune (deadhead) stems or leaves when they appear to wilt, look diseased, or turn yellow or brown.
• Pruning can aid in stimulating new growth.

Beverage -

The gotu kola leaves can be used to make a tonic tea. In addition, a drink can be made by having the juice of the leaves diluted with water and mixed with sugar.

 

Culinary -

In small amounts, gotu kola can be incorporated raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable in curries, soups and stews. It has a somewhat bitter taste so it is advised to apply in small amounts to avoid it overpowering the dish.

 

Enhances memory.

 

Encourages lactation.

 

Used as an aphrodisiac.

 

Used for arthritis, asthma, abdominal disorders, common cold, flu, fever and fatigue.

 

Aids in relieving challenges with veins in the legs such as varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

 

Externally (topically) used to treat hypertrophic scarring, psoriasis and minor wounds. Also, extracts have been used in skin care products to increase collagen and firm the skin.

 

Gound Cover -

Its low growing nature makes it useful as a ground cover.

Pollinators of the flowers include:

• Honey bees -
  Gotu kola flowers provide a good source of pollen for the bees.

Toxicity -

Avoid taking in large quantities and for prolonged periods as it can produce adverse effects such as narcotic effects, headache, vertigo and may induce a coma (in sensitive individuals).

 

Skin Sensitivity -

Gotu kola may irritate the skin of some individuals but this is not common.

 

It is advised that you consult with your physician before taking any herbal medicine.