What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu Kola is the dried aerial parts of Centella asiatica, a low-growing herbaceous plant in the carrot and parsley family (Apiaceae). It carries the common names Indian Pennywort and, confusingly, Brahmi.

About the plant

Gotu kola grows in the wetlands of India, Sri Lanka, China, and Southeast Asia, where it has a long place in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian tradition. In Sri Lanka it is a daily leafy green: "gotu kola sambol," chopped with coconut, lime, and chili, is a national dish. A naming note: "Brahmi" is used as a common name for both gotu kola and the unrelated species Bacopa monnieri, so the two are sometimes confused; this product is Centella asiatica. Its characteristic compounds are the triterpene saponins asiaticoside and madecassoside.

Gotu Kola: form & sizes

We carry Gotu Kola as cut and sifted dried aerial parts, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Gotu Kola in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Gotu Kola at a glance

Botanical name

Centella asiatica

Family

Apiaceae

Native region

the wetlands of Asia

Plant part

aerial parts

Also known as

Indian Pennywort, Brahmi (one of two plants by that name)

Characteristic compounds

Asiaticoside, madecassoside

Form

cut and sifted dried aerial parts

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb