The Facts About Gotu Kola Herb Effects

Gotu kola herb effects on the body are related to the many compounds found in the plant. Two of these compounds, bacoside A and B, provide the benefits of gotu kola that are referred to by herbalists as adaptogenic.

Gotu kola is now included in some premier dietary supplements.

An adaptogen is an herb that increases the bodys resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. As an adaptogenic herb, benefits of gotu kola include increased energy and decreased anxiety or nervousness.

Over the years adaptogens have been referred to by other names, such as rejuvenating herbs, herbal tonics or restoratives. The word adaptogen was chosen by Dr. Nikolai Lazarev in the 1940s, because herbs and other botanicals in this category allow the human body to adapt to stressful situations.

Long before chemical evaluation of the plant was possible, traditional healers throughout much of Asia recognized that gotu kola herb effects on the human body included improved wound healing. Scientific evaluation has shown that the plant has antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activity.

The definition of adaptogens was expanded in the late 1960s by Israel I. Brekhman, PhD and Dr. I.V. Dardymov. To be classified as an adaptogen, an herb must be non-toxic at normal doses, safe for long term use, aid the natural defense systems of the body and have a normalizing effect on human physiology.

Numerous studies have shown that the benefits of gotu kola are not countered by risks and so the herb fits that part of the definition.

All prescription drugs have side effects. When evaluating prescription drugs, researchers must decide if the benefit of a drug outweighs the health risks associated with the drug.

Although some medicinal herbs can be unsafe if used incorrectly and some plants are poisonous, when it comes to herbs and plants that have been used historically for food, teas and flavorings, the safety for long term use cannot be questioned. Gotu kola herb effects are all positive at dosages as high as 3000 mg per day.

Research has shown that the health benefits of gotu kola include supporting healthy immune system function. In addition, the herb helps to normalize or balance physiological reactions to stress. So, it fits the last parts of the definition, as well.

In some cases people react to stress with nervousness or hyperactivity (nail-biting, finger tapping, etc.), while in other people exhaustion sets in quickly. In either case, adaptogenic herbs such as gotu kola are beneficial.

Most people see the benefits of gotu kola immediately. Even with the first dose, there is an improvement in energy without the nervousness that accompanies caffeine and other stimulants. In Thailand, gotu kola leaves are eaten in the afternoon as a pick me up.

Scientific evaluation has shown that bacoside A (one of the components contributing to gotu kola herb effects) contributes to the release of nitric oxide. Within the human body, nitric oxide allows the arteries and veins to relax so that blood flows more freely throughout the body.

This effect is probably the reason behind the traditional use of the juice from the leaves to relieve high blood pressure. With this knowledge, it is safe to say that the health benefits of gotu kola could be many, since many health problems, including heart disease, chronic fatigue and erectile dysfunction, are related to poor circulation.

Bacoside B is a protein that nourishes brain cells. Most people have heard that the benefits of gotu kola include improved memory, but with the combination of improved circulation and increased nourishment to the brain, many find that gotu kola improves overall mental clarity, attention to detail and even level of confidence.

Because of the knowledge of gotu kola herb effects in the human body, the better daily health supplements designed to promote a longer healthier life contain this herb, as well as other nutrients and botanicals that may prevent the development of chronic and life threatening diseases.

Gotu kola, alone, may not be the long sought after fountain of youth, but it does seem likely that it is an important ingredient in a well-balanced daily diet.

Mila Sabido is editor of http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com. Visit us for more info on http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com/gotu-kola-herb-effects.html and how to choose a quality supplement.

Ten Reasons To Use Herbs Every Day
Taking herbs every day can help your body in so many ways-from building a stronger immune system to giving you more energy, from heightening your senses to helping you think more clearly.1. Better Digestion:Many herbalists believe that your digestion is one of the most important health assets you have. Health and vitality start in the digestive area in the belly, the place the ancients called the hara. Your digestion supports your energy, strengt...

Key Vitamins For Seniors You Need To Know About Now
This Vitamins for Seniors article is intended to provide seniors with the information they need to make educated vitamin choices possible. There are a lot of choices out there yet many lack the necessary information they need to good supplement choices. Seniors even more than others need to supplement their diet as they run the real risk of real inadequate nutrition.As the body grows older, it needs even more life-giving vitamins to ward off dise...

Diabetes Herbs
When there's a natural remedy for most illnesses today, can diabetes be far behind? Here's some good news for diabetic patients who would like to consider a natural alternative. Amazon Botanicals has a 100% natural product, which it calls "Sugar Control" that is helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. "Sugar control" is made from two wonder natural diabetes herbs from Peru Yacon and Pata de vaca. Yacon is a perennial plant that is grown un...

What Common Herbs for Menopause are Used?
Menopause for many women has accompanying symptoms that can cause great discomfort and sometime embarrassment. We have heard of the infamous hot flashes and night sweats along with the mood swings, weight gain, depression and anxiety. There is a variety of treatments available that provide effective relief including prescription medications that may include Hormone Replacement Therapy (estrogen and progesterone) and anti-depressants. The problem ...

Discover Turmeric Health Benefits
From the rhizomes (root) of this perennial plant found in India, come the highly valued turmeric health benefits. However, turmeric has other talents besides being used for medicine. Turmeric is a fairly new arrival to most Americans spice racks, but it's been a mainstay flavoring spice of Indian curries for thousands of years. In addition to its role as a flavoring spice, turmeric has a long history of use in India's Ayurvedic medicine.Indeed, i...