This week’s herb is Gotu kola, this humble herb carries remarkable therapeutic benefits. Not only in increasing our resilience to stressors, reducing anxiety and supporting mood1all while supporting and improving the function of the nervous system.2
Studies have shown it is able to significantly reduce the startle response3, which could be likened to our bodies alarm system, that can be set off by something sudden or unexpected and can sometimes cascade into those overwhelming feelings of panic or anxiety. Making it a valuable herb to help calm the farm.
As always, herbal medicine works best when it is matched to the individual, which is why we take care to personalise treatment, so you receive the right support for your unique situation.
1. Jana U, Sur T, Maity L, Debnath P, Bhattacharyya D. A Clinical Study on the Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Centella Asiatica. Nepal Medical College Journal. 2010;12(1):8-11.
2. Bone K, Mills S. Principles and practice of phytotherapy: Modern herbal medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier; 2013.
3. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Effects of Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) on Acoustic Startle Response in Healthy Subjects. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2000;20(6):680-4.