Centella Asiatic (Gotu kola) - a rejuvenating agent in Ayurvedic medicine. Centella Asiatica: properties, features of application and preparations

Nature has given man an incredible array of herbs and fruit-bearing plants to strengthen and restore health, to preserve youth and beauty. Many of them are known from ancient times, but continue to surprise and today with their miraculous properties.

Such priceless gifts include Centella Asiatic. Its other names are tiger grass, fungus and Gotu kola. This is a perennial creeping plant of the umbrella family, which was discovered by the ayurvedic medicine world more than three thousand years ago. Due to a rather wide range of useful properties, this herb is used not only for medicinal purposes.

Description and dissemination

Centella Asiatic (Gothu Cola) is easily recognizable. In nature, it occurs along ditches and swamps, spreads thick over the ground, has small, rounded, kidney-shaped leaves on short petioles with a three-dimensional hole and plain yellowish (reddish) flowers. Centellus Asian, despite the geographic prefix, is distributed not only in Asia, but also in Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea. In Asia, it can be found in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

According to the widespread opinion of biologists, the discovery of a curative plant was greatly facilitated by the observation of the animal world. So, for example, Asian tigers, having received wounds during a fight with the enemy, hunting or experiencing internal ailments, found thickets of Centella and literally rolled on them with their backs. Probably, from here the plant got its other name - tiger grass.

Cultivation

The plant is unpretentious in the care and does not require fertilizing, fertilizer, loves the humid lowlands. Most often it grows wildly, but it is easily amenable to cultivation. In nature, the plant reaches a height of not more than three centimeters, in private areas with a moderate fertility of the soil can grow up to 15 cm. The zentelle is capable of rapidly and greatly expanding and capturing other areas of the earth. So that it does not turn into a weed, you need to periodically thin out the seedlings.

In the absence of a site, Centella Asian can be grown as a houseplant. To do this, you need a wide low pot with drainage holes, maintaining the moisture of the earth coma and the absence of direct sunlight.

Properties

Healing properties of Centella Asian have long been known. If before it was used only for the treatment of colds and rapid healing of wounds, today the range of useful qualities has significantly expanded. Among the main ones - rejuvenating, moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and strengthening actions.

Extract of Centella asiatica (centella asiatica) activates the synthesis of collagen in the dermis, increases microcirculation and skin regeneration, smooths wrinkles. Ayurvedic medicine ascribes Centella to Asiatic antibacterial properties that help in the regulation of metabolic processes of the body and the fight against infections, as well as a strengthening and stimulating effect on the brain and nerve cells.

Application

Centella Asiatic thanks to such a rich list of useful qualities is widely used in cosmetology for facial skin care, in folk medicine, modern pharmaceutics and healthy nutrition.

In medicine

From the medical side there is a huge list of problems with which Centella Asiaticus helps to fight. So, the plant extract is used in the treatment of fever, hypertension, asthma, tuberculosis, epilepsy, peptic ulcer, neuroses, varicose veins. In addition, they prepare tinctures and decoctions from the roots and stems of Centella Asiatica. They are used as a means for fighting and preventing dermatological problems (acne, burns, psoriasis, eczema). It is also known that the plant increases mental activity, so its use is useful for students of adolescents and people of advanced age. More recently, science has shown the positive effect of Centella Asiatic in the treatment of cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

In cosmetology

The plant splendidly resorbs scars, smoothes scars, heals deep wounds, relieves swelling and fights cellulite. Periodic application of rejuvenating procedures with Centella Asian makes the skin of the face elastic, smooth and gives it a fresh, natural appearance.

In cooking

Grinded grass leaves are added to food and beverages as a tonic, antiseptic and mild laxative. In the food go and the roots of the plant. Dairy decoctions from this herb in Asian countries are used as an effective tonic for the nervous system. In addition, there are popular teas from centellas and ginseng, salads and curry (seasoning).

Preparations

Today there are many cosmetic and medicinal products, which include Centella Asiatic. Preparations include face and body skin creams, gels, oral capsules, rejuvenating masks, serums, tinctures, essential oils and ointments. Centellus Asian is used to create anti-cellulite cosmetics, lotions for problem skin and oils after sunburn. Also, grass is a part of dietary supplements against alcohol dependence (for example, "Alkostop").

Cosmetics with the application of Centella Asiaticus have special conditions of use and storage. So, creams are applied to the skin with a special spatula (cosmetic spatula), and keep them only in a cool place (in the refrigerator, on the bottom shelf) and in a tightly closed container. This helps to preserve all the medicinal properties of the components as much as possible.

Contraindications

Centella Asiatica has no contraindications and side effects. Its use can be limited only to individual intolerance. And although the healing properties of plants help in the treatment of a variety of diseases, skin aging and are especially effective for pregnant women, it is not a panacea for all diseases. It is necessary to observe moderate doses of extracts, oils, in order to avoid allergic reactions. Before use, it is advisable to consult a specialist.