Gotukola – Fresh ( Moms’s Garden )

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.

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🌿 Top Health Benefits of Gotukola (Centella asiatica)

1. 🧠 Improves Brain Function & Memory

• Enhances memory, concentration, and mental clarity.

• Traditionally used for students, elders, and those with mental fatigue or stress.

• May help slow cognitive decline (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia).

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2. 🧠 Improves Microcirculation to the Brain and Eyes

• Gotukola enhances blood flow in small blood vessels, including those in the retina and optic nerve.

• This may help in preventing or slowing down age-related vision decline and eye fatigue.

• 🧠 Brain-Eye Connection

  • Gotukola improves mental clarity and memory, which also supports the visual processing centers in the brain.

  • Helpful for people who suffer from visual strain due to stress or mental fatigue.

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3. 🧴 Promotes Clear Skin & Wound Healing

• Rich in triterpenoids, which boost collagen production.

• Helps in healing wounds, acne, burns, eczema, and stretch marks.

• Used in herbal creams for anti-aging and skin repair.

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4. 🩸 Improves Blood Circulation

• Strengthens blood vessels and capillaries.

• Supports healthy veins — helps with varicose veins, swollen legs, and poor circulation.

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5. 🌱 Powerful Detoxifier (Liver & Kidneys)

• Helps cleanse the blood and flush toxins.

• Traditionally used for liver issues, skin problems, and general detox.

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6. ❤️ Supports Heart Health

• Helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol when consumed regularly.

• Strengthens blood vessels, reducing risk of cardiovascular issues.

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7. 🩹 Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant

• Contains natural compounds that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

• May support conditions like arthritis, asthma, and skin allergies.

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8. 💧 Improves Skin Hydration & Elasticity

• Common in beauty supplements for younger-looking skin.

• Promotes firmness, glow, and reduced wrinkles.

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9. 🌿 Digestive Aid

• Supports gut health, relieves ulcers, and improves bowel function.

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10. 🧘‍♂️ Ayurvedic Uses

• Used as a rejuvenating tonic (“Medhya Rasayana”).

• Balances all three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

• Taken as fresh juice, sambol, porridge (kola kenda), or capsules.

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🥗 Gotukola Sambol Recipe

(Fresh Centella asiatica salad with coconut)

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 bunch Gotukola (washed and finely shredded)

• ¼ cup fresh grated coconut

• 1 small red onion, finely sliced

• 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped

• Salt to taste

• Juice of ½ lime

• (Optional) A pinch of pepper or a few drops of maldive fish extract for added taste

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

✅ Step 1: Prepare Gotukola

• Wash the leaves well in clean water.

• Discard thick stems; use tender stems and all the leaves.

• Finely slice the gotukola using a sharp knife or shred by hand.

✅ Step 2: Mix the Sambol

In a clean bowl, combine:

• Chopped gotukola

• Grated coconut

• Sliced onion

• Chopped green chili

• Salt to taste

✅ Step 3: Finish with Lime

• Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice.

• Mix everything thoroughly but gently.

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✅ Serve With:

• Steamed rice

• Dhal curry or chicken curry

• Pol sambol and fried dry fish

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🧡 Optional Variations:

• Add chopped tomato for juiciness.

• Mix in maldive fish flakes or dried shrimp powder for a non-veg version.

• For a soft-texture version, lightly sauté the mixture in a hot dry pan for 1–2 minutes (but traditionally it’s eaten raw).