About this Botanical:
In many parts of the world, Gotu kola has also long been prized for its purported abilities to ease physical ailments. In Thailand, for example, cold Gotu kola tea is considered something of an all-around health tonic, thought to be effective as a treatment for fever, dysentery and hepatitis, even helping ease anxiety and depression.
Tradition and folkloric medicine aside, according to modern science, what gives Gotu kola its oomph, are compounds known as triterpenoid saponins, said to boost antioxidants and increase blood supply to areas of the body that need it. (They are also thought to reduce inflammation.) The next time you need a soothing way to deal with modern life, do what the ancients did. Fill a kettle, listen to the water boil, infuse a pot of Gotu kola and sip your way to peace.
