Commonly known as Asiatic Pennywort in English, Mandukaparni in Sanskrit Vallarai Keerai in Tamil and Swaraswataku in Telugu, this herb grows widely in temperate and tropical climatic conditions, in several regions of the world, but is native to the warm and swampy areas of India, Sri Lanka and other South Asian nations. The entire plant is utilised in a wide variety of therapeutic applications. In particular, the lean, reddish green stems and bright green, inverted cone-shaped leaves of this herb are a flavourful culinary ingredient as well as an efficacious medicinal constituent. Gotu Kola is a mild adaptogen. It is also mildly anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, anxiolytic, a cerebral tonic, a stimulant that helps in circulation, a diuretic, nervine and vulnerary nervous disorders, epilepsy, senility and premature aging. As a brain tonic, it is said to aid intelligence and memory. It is said to reduce stress and depression. It is also said to be useful for varicose veins, rheumatism and various blood diseases. It is widely consumed for its help in cognitive abilities.
