Description
Gotukola (ගොටුකොළ) — also known as Centella asiatica or Indian Pennywort — is one of the most respected medicinal leafy greens in both Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medicine. It’s consumed in sambol (salad), porridge, or as a herbal drink. Known as the “herb of longevity,” it offers powerful health benefits for the brain, skin, circulation, and more.
🌿 Top Health Benefits of Gotukola (Centella asiatica)
1. 🧠 Improves Brain Function & Memory
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Enhances memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
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Traditionally used for students, elders, and those with mental fatigue or stress.
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May help slow cognitive decline (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia).
2. 🧠 Improves Microcirculation to the Brain and Eyes
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Gotukola enhances blood flow in small blood vessels, including those in the retina and optic nerve.
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This may help in preventing or slowing down age-related vision decline and eye fatigue.
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🧠 Brain-Eye Connection
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Gotukola improves mental clarity and memory, which also supports the visual processing centers in the brain.
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Helpful for people who suffer from visual strain due to stress or mental fatigue.
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3. 🧴 Promotes Clear Skin & Wound Healing
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Rich in triterpenoids, which boost collagen production.
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Helps in healing wounds, acne, burns, eczema, and stretch marks.
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Used in herbal creams for anti-aging and skin repair.
4. 🩸 Improves Blood Circulation
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Strengthens blood vessels and capillaries.
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Supports healthy veins — helps with varicose veins, swollen legs, and poor circulation.
5. 🌱 Powerful Detoxifier (Liver & Kidneys)
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Helps cleanse the blood and flush toxins.
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Traditionally used for liver issues, skin problems, and general detox.
6. ❤️ Supports Heart Health
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Helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol when consumed regularly.
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Strengthens blood vessels, reducing risk of cardiovascular issues.
7. 🩹 Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant
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Contains natural compounds that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
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May support conditions like arthritis, asthma, and skin allergies.
8. 💧 Improves Skin Hydration & Elasticity
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Common in beauty supplements for younger-looking skin.
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Promotes firmness, glow, and reduced wrinkles.
9. 🌿 Digestive Aid
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Supports gut health, relieves ulcers, and improves bowel function.
10. 🧘♂️ Ayurvedic Uses
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Used as a rejuvenating tonic (“Medhya Rasayana”).
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Balances all three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
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Taken as fresh juice, sambol, porridge (kola kenda), or capsules.
🥗 Gotukola Sambol Recipe
(Fresh Centella asiatica salad with coconut)
📝 Ingredients:
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1 bunch Gotukola (washed and finely shredded)
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¼ cup fresh grated coconut
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1 small red onion, finely sliced
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1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
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Salt to taste
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Juice of ½ lime
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(Optional) A pinch of pepper or a few drops of maldive fish extract for added taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
✅ Step 1: Prepare Gotukola
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Wash the leaves well in clean water.
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Discard thick stems; use tender stems and all the leaves.
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Finely slice the gotukola using a sharp knife or shred by hand.
✅ Step 2: Mix the Sambol
In a clean bowl, combine:
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Chopped gotukola
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Grated coconut
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Sliced onion
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Chopped green chili
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Salt to taste
✅ Step 3: Finish with Lime
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Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice.
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Mix everything thoroughly but gently.
✅ Serve With:
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Steamed rice
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Dhal curry or chicken curry
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Pol sambol and fried dry fish
🧡 Optional Variations:
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Add chopped tomato for juiciness.
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Mix in maldive fish flakes or dried shrimp powder for a non-veg version.
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For a soft-texture version, lightly sauté the mixture in a hot dry pan for 1–2 minutes (but traditionally it’s eaten raw).
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