Gotu Kola Extract Info
Gotu kola extract deserves to be catalogued as one of the most capable herbs in the world. It is believed to be a favorite of elephants and now increasingly of human beings for its many and varied health benefits. It is a herb that is red-flowered that grows in the southern US, China, middle and southern Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and even Australia. Its appearance changes whether its growing in water where it has large broad leaves or on dry land where its leaves tend to be small and thin. It is a medicinal herb with its therapeutic prowess contained in the plant's leaf. Lastly, it's also been used for centuries in India's Ayurvedic medicine and is today used by many Westerners and herbalists alike due to its tremendous health benefits, which we'll discuss in the next section.
Gotu Kola Extract
Gotu Kola BenefitsThe key gotu kola facts or benefits are tremendous and varied. Gotu Kola extract's chief active compound is asiaticoside from which the many therapeutic gotu kola benefits derive. (The active ingredients are known as triterpenes.) Let's go over those benefits now.
- Gotu kola strengthens blood vessels and consequently helps lessen the effects of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
- The gotu kola extract has long been purported to promote longevity (although scientific evidence is scant).
- It significantly improves or enhances cognitive abilities including concentration and memory improvement. Clinical studies validates this.
- Gotu kola herb helps the body build connective tissue, thus keeping ligaments, joints, and skin firm and healthier. It also has been shown in one study that it helps control cellulite due to its ability to enhance production of collagen, which is why perhaps it has long been touted for enhancing longevity.
- Can treat burns and wound. In fact, it has been used in Europe since the late 19th century for just that purpose.
- Has been used and tested for reducing liver function with those who have alcohol-induced cirrhosis and other conditions that harm liver health
Gotu Kola Side Effects
Precautions & GuidelinesWhat are the key gotu kola side effects? First, know that gotu kola is taken orally and applied topically. Some side effects of gotu kola include headaches, skin rash (when applied topically to the skin), and increased sensitivity to sunlight. It should be noted, however, that these side effects are very rare. Still, if you experience any of these symptoms, reduce the dosage. If that doesn't work, stop taking it entirely. All in all, it is a very safe herb, providing many therapeutic benefits to humankind, and has no known negative drug or nutrient interactions. Lastly, pregnant and nursing women should not use gotu kola without consulting with their doctor. It is also wise to consult with a physician before beginning the use of a new supplement.
Choosing A Quality Gotu Kola Extract Supplement
Ideally, the gotu kola herb should be produced at pharmaceutical standard GMP registered facilities. Facilities that are GMP registered comply with the most rigid standards so as to minimize the possibility of contamination. These are the same standards pharmaceutical companies in the United States are required to operate under as mandated by the FDA. Nutritional supplements are not regulated by FDA and as such fraud is rampant with many so-called supplements containing contaminants with 1 in 5 not having the ingredients as proclaimed on the label!
A second key point is to look for gotu kola that comes in standardized extracts. Making standardized extracts is more expensive, which is why most herb manufacturers don't do it, but this is vital as the standardized extracts preserve the active compounds where the therapeutic benefits of the herb are derived. Lastly and ideally, make sure the herbal supplement does not contain any fillers or additives such as sucrose (sugar), starch, gluten, silica (sand) or any other artificial colors, dyes, or flavors.
Recommendation
In my research, we came across a company based in New Zealand that meets all of the above strict criteria. This company offers GMP compliant products, producing pharmaceutical-grade quality supplements. Their multivitamin with herbal extracts product not only has Gotu Kola extract but other vital nutrients. This company's multivitamin product is a scientifically formulated containing a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, trace and specialty minerals, herbal extracts, and nutrient-rich enzymes.
Yours in health, hope, and harmony, Nutritional-Supplement-Bible.com
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