Medicinal plants
provide
health and cosmetic benefits.
And among those that undoubtedly resonate in our ears as a natural remedy: But,
what is centella asiatica used for?
"
Medicinal herbs
are plants used by people to prevent or cure a disease," states the
MedlinePlus
site , the United States National Library of Medicine,
In addition, they report, with the aim of relieving symptoms, increasing energy, relaxing, losing weight, among others.
But it is worth clarifying, the health portal highlights, natural remedies are not regulated or tested like medications.
Properties of gotu kola
Centella asiatica or
pennywort
, by its scientific name, is a climbing herbaceous plant of the
Apiaceae
family .
It is characterized by having
thin stems and pink or white flowers
.
The natural habitat of this plant is humid areas with little light.
It is native to Sri Lanka, Madagascar and some areas of South Africa, but has long gained popularity in Western lands.
Centella asiatica was used in traditional medicine in China and India.
According to Sergio Domínguez Gil Cepeda, member of
Medicinal Plants and Homeopathy of the Official College of Pharmacists (COF)
of Asturias, Spain, it was used in traditional medicine in China and India, especially for the
healing of wounds.
This plant from
Ayurveda medicine,
known as
Gotu Kola
, is associated with
healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
properties , reports
Mejor con Salud
, from
AS
.
But in addition to its
medicinal
applications , it stands out for its
use in cooking
, especially in salads.
What is centella asiatica used for?
It is believed that
triterpenoids and saponins
, the main components of Centella asiatica, are most responsible for its broad therapeutic actions, highlights the publication of the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH).
And added the herb is recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions and other conditions such as the following:
Leprosy
Lupus
Asiatic spark.
It can be used as a cream or gel.
Varicose ulcers
Eczema
Psoriasis
Relieve and treat anemia
Diarrhea
Amenorrhea
Diseases of the female genitourinary tract
Relieve anxiety
Improve cognitive ability
Improves cognitive ability and reduces anxiety.
Regarding its consumption, it is now used in various formats, such as
gels, soaps, creams
.
The chosen form depends on the result you want to obtain.
For external use , natural poultices or plasters
are recommended
.
Centella asiatica to reduce cellulite
Many link centella asiatica for its ability to
reduce cellulite
, both consumed
orally or as an external treatment.
The substances responsible for this "virtue" are
fatty acids, tannins, phytosterols and mucilage.
This herb stimulates the lymphatic system and allows it to excrete waste through urine, perspiration and feces.
Centella asiatica can be used to reduce cellulite with massage.
It also activates blood circulation therefore increasing irrigation and oxygenation of the skin.
The treatment is based on taking tablets or drops daily and performing massages with creams and gels containing gotu kola, about twice a week.
This technique
is not advisable for pregnant
or lactating women.
How to use gotu kola in cooking
Centella asiatica is an
edible plant, rich in vitamins
, that allows the preparation of many healthy dishes, summarized from the
Cuidate Plus
platform .
It is used to make
salads
,
accompany rice
or to add flavor to other foods, such as
soups or vegetables
.
An infusion of gotu kola to take advantage of its properties.
It is common to use centella to make
infusions
by mixing two tablespoons of it with a liter of hot water and letting it rest.
Another option is
to make pesto
by mixing a tablespoon of this plant with a little parsley, garlic and chopped walnuts and a tablespoon of olive oil.