Health benefits of Gotu Kola

I came across this article on a herb called gotu kola, which has been found to calm anxiety naturally, among other benefits. Here's sharing with you since you are interested in herbology and you may find it useful as a reference too. I will also archive this information in my blog for future reference.

(NaturalHealth365) " For many centuries, gotu kola has been a mainstay of both the Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healing systems. Botanically known as Centella asiatica, and also referred to as Asiatic pennywort, this member of the parsley family has been used in TCM to treat kidney failure and malaria, as well as a variety of skin conditions – including leprosy. In Ayurveda,, where it is known as brahmi, gotu kola is prescribed for similar purposes.

But, gotu kola may also have potent psychological and mental benefits, such as the power to improve cognitive abilities, reduce anxiety and enhance longevity."
- See more at: http://www.naturalhealth365.com/natural_cures/0930_gotu_kola_anxiety.html#sthash.Rhkn9E6h.dpuf

I googled and found another article that shares similar findings on the benefits and uses of the gotu kola herb. http://www.naturalnews.com/026457_gotu_kola_herb_benefits.html

Bacopa Monnieri

I have checked out this very informative article on bacopa, which I learnt is an Adaptogen herb that is validated for improving memory, reducing anxiety, increasing memory and promoting longevity. 

It is also helpful to learn that taking the dose together with meals instead of on an empty stomach can prevent side effects such as cramping/bloating, and that bacopa takes some time to work, with much improvements showing in 8-12 weeks. 

I also learnt that bacopa goes well with "Milk Thistle, Curcumin, Green Tea Catechins, and Ashwagandha".

Borage

I noted from this article that borage is a herb that is now naturalized in most parts of Europe, and it has a "cucumber-like fragrance", and when steeped in water, it imparts a coolness to it and a faint cucumber flavour". As for its uses, I learnt borage can be used for fevers and pulmonary (lung) complaints, or as a gargle to relieve inflammation and ulcers in the mouth or throats".

I read in this related article on some ways the borage leaves can be used.

http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Borage

"The leaves can also be used. Some ideas for use include:

• Adding to gin-based summer cocktails
• Placing the young leaves into salads cooked like spinach or dipped in batter asfritters
• Use the leaves uncooked in salads and soups, as they have a cucumber flavor
• Add sprigs to wine, cider, and fruit drinks
• Freeze the flowers into ice cubes
• Use the flowers as garnishes in salads
• Candy the flowers for cake decorations."

This blog below says that the Indian borage is used as a cough remedy too.

http://gardeningwithwilson.com/2007/11/08/gcs-feature-articles-for-oct-07/

"In Singapore, the Indian Borage is often mistakened as a type of mint. To make things worse, a rough search using the Internet search engine will yield has several confusing common names. Botanically, the Indian Borage is known as Plectranthus amboinicus and is a member of Lamiaceae and this herb is famed for its use as a cough remedy."