Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola): Nature’s Gift for Health and Wellness

Many times people lose mental clarity due to constant thinking, worrying, fainting or fatigue. In such a situation, many things and worries occupy the mind, due to which a person is not able to think properly. Due to confusion and stress in the mind, a person is not able to face the situation properly. Gotu Kola improves mental clarity by working out this mental confusion and stress and regenerates brain cells. Also, by improving the supply of blood to the brain, it gives oxygen to the brain, which brings more clarity to the mind.

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Many people are unable to pay attention to anything for a long time and they also lack alertness. In most people, this happens due to stress and anxiety. This problem can be overcome by Gotu Kola. According to Ayurveda, for attention span and alertness, one can take two grams of Gotu Kola powder twice a day with milk.

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Many times we feel so mentally tired that we are unable to concentrate on anything, get worried quickly, feel irritable and our work efficiency also gets affected. All these symptoms are caused by a decrease in the level of dopamine hormone in the brain. Gotu Kola regulates the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which reduces mental fatigue and improves work efficiency.

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There can be many reasons for memory loss. This can be due to aging, dementia, amnesia and cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease. Gotu kola helps in improving memory. Amnesia is memory loss caused by injury or damage to the brain. Mandukaparni has a protective effect on brain cells and anti-amnesiac functions. Gotu kola helps in reducing oxidative stress and memory loss in the brain, improving the ability to remember and also increasing the memory of the amnesia patient.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. In this disease, beta-amyloid (β-amyloid) accumulates in the brain, causing toxins to accumulate in the brain. But Gotu kola reduces brain toxicity and cell death caused by beta-amyloid. It also reduces dementia and its symptoms in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Gotu kola positively reduces cognitive damage caused by aging. According to a study, Gotu kola is associated with the improvement of cognitive performance, mood and memory in elderly people.

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Gotu kola contains a compound that helps improve attention and the habit of reacting without thinking in children. In Ayurveda, Gotu kola powder mixed with Mukta Pishti, Shankhpushpi, Yashtimadhu (licorice) and Brahmi is used for attention deficit disorder ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

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In Ayurveda, Gotu Kola is well known for treating depression which includes agitation, despair, irritability, restlessness, suicidal thoughts and aggressive behavior. It calms the mind and reduces all these symptoms by calming down the pitta agitation in the brain. For maximum results, it should be used in combination with Mukta Pishti and Jatamansi.

In Ayurveda, Gotu Kola is also used to boost intellectual capacity. For this purpose, a paste is prepared by grinding 3 grams of this fresh herb in a small amount of cow's milk. It is advisable to take this paste in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm milk. After this breakfast should be skipped and in the afternoon, a light vegetarian meal should be taken. This remedy should be done for 12 days. In traditional medicine, gotu kola powder is mixed with ghee (clarified butter) and given to children to improve mental ability.

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Gotu kola improves mental functions and reduces anxiety. However, using this single herb does not give good results. When it is used in combination with other herbs like jatamasi, shankhpushpi and mukta-pishti, it gives good results while treating anxiety.

Gotu kola has soporific (sleep inducing) effects, these results are due to its calming action on the mind. Gotu kola restores mental energy and rejuvenates cells by reducing oxidative stress in the brain.In Ayurveda, 3 grams of Gotu kola powder is recommended to be taken with a cup of milk one hour before bedtime for a week. It helps to treat insomnia and improves the level of good sleep and promotes relaxation.

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However, Gotu kola is not very effective in epilepsy when it is used alone. Along with other herbs like Vacha (Acorus calamus), Kulanjan and cardamom seeds, it has a very good effect in managing epilepsy. In Ayurveda, these herbs are used in the treatment of epilepsy and fainting.

Gotu Kola improves blood circulation by inducing relaxation in the swollen veins. Improved circulation by Gotu Kola reduces discomfort, pain and edema in the legs. 

Internal consumption of Gotu Kola helps in quick healing of wounds. It is usually used for people with diabetes. Fine powder of Gotu Kola leaves can be mixed with water and applied on the skin wound. This improves the blood supply to the affected area. It can be applied on the skin in wounds, skin ulcers and minor burns. 

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In case of cracked heels, one part gotu kola powder should be mixed with 7 parts beeswax or petroleum jelly. The cream made with this ratio should be applied on the cracked heels twice a day. This combination shows results within 2 to 4 weeks.

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