Where can gotu kola be found?

Gotu kola is a perennial plant native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific. A member of the parsley family, it has no taste or smell. It thrives in and around water.

What zone does gotu kola grow in?

Whatever name you call gotu kola, it thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. While grown as a decorative ground cover and/or a culinary herb in moist to wet soils, it has become invasive in China’s Dongting Lake wetlands as well as Hawaii and other Pacific islands.

What is gotu kola called in English?

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is an herb in the parsley family. It has a long history of use in the traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine systems. Gotu kola contains certain chemicals that seem to decrease swelling and blood pressure.

What is the herb gotu kola used for?

Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health — and some studies seem to agree.

How do I know if I have gotu kola?

Look for the gotu kola’s kidney bean-shaped or fan-shaped medium green leaves with serrated edges. Observe whether the veins on each leaf extend outward from a center point located at the bottom of the leaf’s split edge, like the veins on gotu kola leaves.

Can I grow gotu kola indoors?

Growing gotu kola indoors is not so hard, even for beginner gardeners. According to gardeningknowhow.com, to start growing gotu kola indoors, you can plant gotu kola seeds in a container filled with moist, lightweight potting soil. You also need to be sure that the container has a drainage hole in the bottom.

How do I identify gotu kola?

What gotu kola looks like?

Other plants that have a visual resemblance to gotu kola are several Ranunculus species, which have similar leaf formation; and other Hydrocotyle species.

How do you grow gotu kola at home?

Plant gotu kola seeds in a container filled with moist, lightweight potting soil. Be sure the container has a drainage hole in the bottom. Water thoroughly after planting. Thereafter, water as needed to keep the soil evenly and consistently moist.

How do you eat gotu kola leaves?

There are no sources of gotu kola besides the plant itself. Some people eat gotu kola leaves in salad or steep them to make tea.