Gotu Kola

Why You Should Grow Gotu Kola in Your Garden

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is often referred to as Pennywort, Pennyweed or Spadeleaf.  It is a low-growing perennial herb native to the warm, tropical climates of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa and the South Pacific. It grows all over the place in Australia and we regularly spot it in our travels around the suburbs of Sydney. It has kidney-shaped leaves with indented edges, that grow on tall stems.  These stems also spread and root at the nodes. The flowers are white to pink and arise from nodes at ground level, so it can be hard to see them hidden under the leaves.

It’s a very common unassuming little groundcover, but this humble plant packs quite a punch as a food/medicine especially in Ayurvedic (Indian/Sri Lankan healing systems).  It has been used for many centuries as a treatment for respiratory ailments and a variety of other conditions, including fatigue, arthritis, memory enhancement, stomach problems, asthma and fever.  It is also known as Brahmi and taken to improve meditation practice. 

In the garden or in a pot, gotu kola is very easy to grow and grows anywhere as long as conditions are never dry and it works well near a water source or as a groundcover in dark, shady areas.  All you have to do it make sure the soil never dries out, no maintenance is necessary. 

Harvest the leaves for their health benefits.  Take two to three small leaves a day, eaten raw, tossed through a salad or in a sandwich can reduce disorders like poor memory, rheumatism, arthritis, abscesses and high blood pressure. 

People of Sri Lanka and India use the plant regularly in their diet, as much for food as for medicinal purposes.  A member of the parsley family, gotu kola is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain optimal health. It is an herb that clears toxins, reduces inflammation, assists the immune system in healing and regeneration, and balances the nervous system. 

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