There is so much to be grateful for~ the wild places in nature, good friends, sunrises and sunsets, spring wild flowers, snow on the mountain~ just to name a few. However, keeping the body strong and healthy, to enjoy it all, can be a challenge. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite plants to do just that.
Traditionally, Gotu Kola, Centella asiatica, is considered a cerebral and central nervous system tonic, rejuvenative, adaptogen and yin tonic as it brings the body into balance. Being high in minerals, especially magnesium and alglutamine, it transports nutrients across the blood brain barrier. One taste of the tea or tincture has a very earthy, salty and expanding quality that immediately stimulates the upper chakras. The nervous system needs minerals to function properly. This makes it very useful for poor memory and mental fog, and provides better alertness, focus and concentration, good memory recall, vitality and longevity. Recent research suggests it treats anxiety, ADD, fearfulness and nervousness as It thins the capillaries and increases circulation. Afterall, it is one of the elephant’s favorite wild foods.
I love eating Gotu Kola fresh out of the garden as a salad treat with a little lemon on it. A tea of the dried leaves is one of my favorite plants for meditation enhancement. I am told in Nepal, during the ceremony for the first day of spring, Gotu Kola leaf is given to school children to help them in their studies by improving memory and concentration.
According to some scientific literature, Gotu Kola increases epithelial cell’s (skin & mucus membrane cells) ability to produce proper cell membranes out of proteins and lipids, meaning it keeps the skin nice and soft, not dry and flaky. This is good for folks who get very dry skin, fissures on the elbows and cracks on the soles of the feet. It effects the transfer of RNA in these cells, making them less rigid and enhances the integrity and vascularization of connective tissue as well as the skin. It stimulates hair and nail growth by improving the elasticity and strength in the veins. Most clinical herbalists report that as a tonic, it can take several months to see long term results. If someone is suffering from pruritis (itchiosis), it may start working sooner and keep from driving them crazy. It decreases uric acid levels in the blood making it favorable on varicose veins and all venous deseases, stretch marks, eczema, and cellulitis.
As a desert girl, I have very dry skin and will use any natural ingredient that helps protect my skin from rapid aging. It’s good to take care of your skin, your skin will take care of you.
Love to all and wishing wellness.
Feather