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Herbs for men typically don’t get the same attention as herbs for women.
Yet, there are hundreds of herbs, such as Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha and Triphala, among others, that offer specific benefits for men’s health.
Today, we’re focusing on Gotu Kola’s for men, including its benefits, how it can help promote healthy brain function, cardiovascular health, hair growth and more.
Contents
- What is Gotu Kola
- Traditional Uses
- Top 5 Benefits
- How to Use
- Side Effects
- Quality Supplements
- Resources
What is Gotu Kola?
Also known as “the herb of longevity”, Indian Pennywort, and Centella Asiatica Gotu Kola is one of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s most prized traditional herbs and functional foods.
This creeping vine belongs to the parsley family, and is considered an:
- Adaptogen (helps the body adapt to and thrive under stress),
- Nootropic (promotes brain function),
- And a rasayana (a rejuvenating herb).
According to Ayurvedic principles, Gotu Kola is considered tridoshic, meaning it can benefit all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha).
Gotu Kola leaves are the most-studied part of the plant, and contain the highest concentration of active plant compounds, such as triterpenoid saponins, tannins, essential oils, resins, flavonoids, alkaloids and others.
These compounds, particularly triterpenoid saponins, are believed to be responsible for Gotu Kola’s many health benefits.
Traditional Uses of Gotu Kola For Men
Gotu Kola may be trending for its brain health benefits, but it has many traditional uses in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other traditional Asian herbalism practices for men, including:
- To promote memory, focus, and other aspects of cognitive function
- Easing digestive complaints*
- For protection and good fortune
- To promote normal immune function*
- To support metabolic health, including normal sugar metabolism*
- Supporting overall cardiovascular function*
- To enhance meditation, prayer, and spirituality
- For healthy skin and certain skin conditions*
- For wound healing*
Although there has not been enough time for research to confirm or explain all these traditional uses, Gotu Kola is still frequently used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for these and other purposes.
Additionally, a growing body of research has begun to validate several traditional uses of Gotu Kola for men, as well as the mechanisms behind its effectiveness.
The Following Are Five Benefits of Gotu Kola For Men Based On Research And Ancient Ayurvedic Herbalism Principles
1. Promotes Brain Health
Many health-conscious men have heard of nootropics, a classification of herbs that help with focus, memory and overall cognitive performance.
Gotu Kola fits into this category, with several studies suggesting its antioxidant triterpenes can help support learning, memory, focus, recall and neuroplasticity.
How does it work?
Antioxidants naturally reduce stress on the brain and body by scavenging free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells if left unchecked.
Additionally, one study showed Gotu Kola extract increased choline in the brain. This is significant because choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in various aspects of brain function, including memory, learning and recall.
Learn more in: 5 Gotu Kola Benefits For Brain Function
3. May Support Healthy Circulation
Blood pressure and cardiovascular health are increasingly important for middle-aged and older men, and a top reason men adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Gotu Kola is one of Ayurveda’s lesser-known herbs for promoting normal blood pressure and cardiovascular function, and several studies have demonstrated these same benefits.
How does it work?
Its antioxidant compounds are believed to support normal circulation and blood vessel health.
As mentioned previously, Gotu Kola is also a well-known stress tonic (adaptogen) and rasayana (rejuvenator), which may also explain its benefits for blood pressure and cardiovascular function.
Always consult your doctor and an Ayurvedic practitioner (as most medical doctors aren’t trained in Ayurvedic herbalism) before taking Gotu Kola for circulation, as it is typically not considered safe for individuals with low blood pressure.
2. Gotu Kola Can Help With Hair Loss
Hair loss can be a source of stress and mystery for men, especially as they reach middle age.
Fortunately, this isn’t just a modern issue, and there are many traditional herbs and herbal formulas that can help.
Gotu Kola has a long history of use for promoting hair health, strength, and growth in men and women when used internally and applied topically.
How does it work?
Although more research is needed to know how it works, one study demonstrated that topical application of a Gotu Kola hair ointment helped increase hair growth and protein content.
Gotu Kola, when taken internally, may also be recommended in Ayurveda for hair growth due to its cooling and circulatory-promoting properties.
Its antioxidant properties likely also promote scalp health, while its adaptogenic properties, which help reduce stress, a common cause of hair loss, stunted hair growth, and shedding in men and women.
We discuss this at length, including DIY recipes for Gotu Kola hair growth treatments in: Gotu Kola For Hair: Ayurvedic Secrets and Treatments.
4. Gotu Kola Can Help Reduce Stress
Stress, specifically chronic stress, is a causal or contributing factor to nearly all of the most common issues in men (and all genders).
This is why adaptogens, such as Ashwagandha, Tulsi and Gotu Kola, have become so popular; they help us adapt to daily stressors while promoting normal nervous system regulation, calm focus and even enhancing energy.
How does it work?
Regarding Gotu Kola, various studies have validated its adaptogenic properties, showing it may promote multiple facets of nervous system and neural cell function, including:
- Supporting nervous system function*
- Supporting mitochondrial repair*
- Supporting neuronal plasticity (vital for learning and memory), neurotransmitter function, and neuronal function and growth via its benefits on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)*
- Promoting overall nerve cell health, synaptic density, and neural cell resilience*
- Balancing cellular and nervous system oxidation via its antioxidant compounds*
This, and years of historical use, is why Gotu Kola is such a popular ingredient in brain support supplements.
For example, Organic India’s Joy! is a synergistic blend of Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, Bacopa, and Shankhpushpi to uplift the spirit and ease stress of body and mind.
5. May Promote Normal Metabolism
Herbs and biohacking for metabolism are all the rage in integrative health circles, and a key reason for gotu kola for men is gaining popularity.
This trend has centuries-old roots in Ayurveda and other traditional wellness practices, where various herbs and dietary regimes are recommended to promote healthy weight, digestion, and sugar metabolism based on a person’s dosha.
Metabolic health is particularly relevant for middle-aged and older men, as their metabolism may become compromised due to age and certain lifestyle habits.
Although not the only herb for metabolism, Gotu Kola is sometimes recommended to promote normal glucose metabolism and digestion, a recommendation supported by various studies.
Other Ayurvedic herbs for metabolism include Ceylon Cinnamon, Ivy Gourd (Bimbi), Madagascar Periwinkle, and Great Bougainvillea.
How To Use Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola can be found as a tea, as a leafy green (typically in Asian markets), or as a supplement, which is usually the most convenient option for busy men.
The right dose for you depends on various factors, including your health goals, dosha, the concentration, form, and composition of the herbal preparation, as well as other individual factors.
As a general starting point, Organic India’s Gotu Kola Herbal Supplement contains 700 mg of Gotu Kola per capsule, with a recommended daily dose of 2 capsules.
If you prefer a less potent form, Gotu Kola teas typically contain a lower concentration of herbs per serving, especially when combined with other ingredients.
For topical use on hair, you can open Gotu Kola capsules or use the powder to mix with oils, conditioners, or other hair growth treatments.
Check with your Ayurvedic practitioner for individual recommendations on dosage.
Side Effects of Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is generally considered very safe to take in normal recommended amounts.
For example, most studies on Gotu Kola have used doses of 250-1000 mg per day, and sometimes higher amounts.
Talk to your doctor before taking Gotu Kola if you have low blood pressure or low blood sugar, as it may affect your levels.
In rare cases, Gotu Kola can cause jaundice, but this is usually if it’s taken in very high doses or if someone has a pre-existing liver condition.
How To Find Safe, Organic, & Authentic Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola can vary significantly in quality depending on how it’s grown and where it’s sourced.
As a wetland-marsh-loving plant, it can grow in contaminated areas, so knowing what you’re getting is essential.
At Organic India, all of our Gotu Kola is grown using organic regenerative practices by our co-op of farmers.
We ensure purity by testing every batch for contaminants such as heavy metals, mold, and pesticides so you can enjoy our Gotu Kola and all our herbs with confidence.
Shop Organic India’s Gotu Kola Supplements For Men’s Health
Organic India has a variety of Gotu Kola supplements to choose from, including:
- Gotu Kola Brain & Nervous System Support Capsules
- Memory Capsules
- Joy! Capsules
- Peaceful Sleep Capsules
- Chocolate Moringa Latte
Prefer to take your supplements with food? Then try these Gotu Kola recipes:
May the herb of longevity bless you with greater health of body, mind and spirit!
Looking For More Ayurvedic Herbs For Men?
About the Author: Kristen Boye
Kristen Boye is a freelance natural health and green living writer, copywriter, and editor. Kristen was raised on an organic farm in British Columbia which inspired her life’s work. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Health, is a Certified Natural Foods Chef, a medicinal herb farmer, natural foods advocate, and is obsessed with writing, homesteading, researching, regenerative agriculture, and words in general. Kristen lives with her husband and two children on their medicinal herb farm in Western North Carolina. Visit her online at: www.holisticwritingconcepts.com.