Herbal Highlight

Though synonymous with tomato sauce (ketchup), the now gigantic condiment business started by Henry Heinz, has its roots in horseradish (pardon the pun). Born to German immigrants, the would-be condiment king grew up in Pennsylvania which in the mid-1800s was recognised as fertile ground for eye watering horseradish root, a classic German flavouring companion to fish and fatty meats such as roast beef. There were no refrigerators or freezers during this time and people ate fresh foods in the seasons when they were available. During the winter they ate what they had preserved in the late summer and autumn. Heinz’s first product was grated horseradish, from his mother Anna Heinz's recipe, preserved and bottled in clear glass to assure customers of its purity. This saved homemakers from a thankless, but necessary task. Horseradish sauce was not easy to make. It required long and tedious grating and the smell could be very strong. When it was being prepared it could cause the eyes to water and noses to burn. Heinz believed that women would gladly skip the process of grating their own horseradish if they could buy a trusted, packaged product. His hunch proved correct and the product sold well, becoming one of the earliest convenience foods. By 1898 Heinz’s factory had become the largest food processing facility in the world. In herbal medicine circles horseradish root is perhaps best known as lending a fiery kick, along with cayenne (Capsicum frutescens), to the oxymel known as Fire Cider, a favourite wintertime tonic remedy famed for its immune building and sinus clearing properties. 

Energetically horseradish is a pungent, very hot herb, meaning it also stimulates digestion and circulation, which can be warming on cold winter days. Internationally renowned medical herbalist David Hoffmann says it “stimulates the digestive process whilst easing wind and griping pains.” As well as being a circulatory stimulant, horseradish is an antimicrobial, expectorant and diuretic herb, that is particularly useful in supporting patients with either upper respiratory or urinary tract infections. It is widely used in combination with other ingredients, such as garlic (Allium sativum), in herbal decongestant formulations where it is reputed to eliminate excessive catarrh from the respiratory tract, as seen in hay fever and sinusitis.” 

UK clinical herbalist Lucy Jones, known for growing and processing most of her own herbs, says she often includes horseradish in prescriptions for patients with long standing sinus issues. “The Horseradish helps to resolve stagnancy in the circulation in the sinus area and shifts stubborn long-standing infections.” 

References

Quave, C.L. Quave Research Group Website. Version 11.0, April 2015. Armoracia rusticana G. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb., Brassicaceae by Andrew Mongue [Internet]; 2015 [accessed 16 Oct 2023]. Available from https://etnobotanica.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Plant-Monograph-Book-4.2013.pdf

Ruby E. Heinz: First Products and an Innovative Factory. c2023 Heinz History Center (updated 15 Oct 2019; accessed 16 Oct 2023). Available from https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/blog/collection-spotlight-heinz-first-products-innovative-factory/

Ngozi A. How To Make Homemade Fire Cider (With Video!). The Herbal Academy. (updated 21 Dec 2016: accessed 16 Oct 2023).  Available from https://theherbalacademy.com/homemade-fire-cider/

Hoffmann D. The New Holistic Herbal. Element:Dorest. 1990. p. 207

Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements, 4th Ed. Sydney: Elsevier, 2015. p. 574

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023. p189-90

Commonly known as the “father of all foods”, alfalfa (also known as lucerne) is a tonic plant rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, that is used to treat many diseases due to its pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This perennial clover-type leguminous plant species is also commonly baled for hay as an animal fodder in Australia. The sprouts (germinated seeds) are a popular health food and the ground dried herb may be given during convalescence and debility because it is rich in vitamins and minerals.  

An energetically cooling herb, alfalfa has a long tradition of use as an Ayurvedic medicine, used in central nervous and digestive system disorders. It has been used in the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms in women. Hot flushes and night sweating completely disappeared with the treatment of alfalfa extract. It is also used to reduce haemorrhage, as a tonic after blood loss and during anaemia, and is considered useful in lowering cholesterol levels.  

The late Australian herbalist, Dorothy Hall said, “it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t need alfalfa in a general food sense, but a description of the more specific ‘Alfalfa-type’ will show when it is needed medicinally.” And, Hall says, one part of this picture is “all the diseases caused initially by irritation; followed by inflammation, congestion and impaired function. This person is irritable, swollen here and there, with itchy or even painful areas of congestion and soreness which may change locality from day to day or time to time.” In her charming familiar tone Hall muses that alfalfa is for the “sins of the highly developed countries.” “Cultural sophistication always brings with it decadence from over-supply and over-indulgence in the good things of life at the table, far more than is needed for body maintenance and energy. Perhaps it’s not so coincidental that alfalfa has become popular at the time it is most needed. The remedy is always found close to the disease.” 

References

Raeeszadeh M, Beheshtipour J, Jamali R, Akbari A. The Antioxidant Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Its Biochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pathological Effects on Nicotine-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Liver. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 Mar 26;2022:2691577. doi: 10.1155/2022/2691577. PMID: 35378828; PMCID: PMC8976666.

van Wyk B, Wink M. Medicinal Plants of the World. Pretoria: Briza Publications; 2004. p. 201

Mills S. The Complete Guide to Modern Herbalism. Thorsons:London. 1989. p.144

Bora KS, Sharma A. Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Medicago sativa: A review, Pharmaceutical Biology. 2011;49(2):211-220, DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2010.504732

Hall D. Dorothy Hall’s Herbal Medicine. Sydney:Lothian. 1988. p. 82-5

Red Clover, like dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), is a world citizen found as a field plant worldwide. Traditionally red clover is known as an alterative (blood cleanser) and lymphatic tonic, helpful in clearing skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, benign cysts of the breast and premenstrual breast tenderness. It can also be used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis. Add 5 to 10 drops of the liquid extract to an eye bath full of cooled boiled water. This wonderful cleansing herb is also well known as an antispasmodic and expectorant useful for those suffering from bronchial ailments or spasmodic coughs, such as whooping cough, and viral coughs like those of measles.  

With a small, but pretty, purplish (red) flower this leguminous plant is a favourite of old school herbalists. Our very own founder, pioneer of herbal medicine in Australia, Lyndsay Shume, says himself: “I think it's special. It’s a fantastic healer and a beautiful blood purifier. I’ve got the belief that if you can make your blood perfect then you’re probably perfect…We’ve (traditional herbalists) always said things are fixed through the blood. That’s what we believe.” Grandmother of Australian herbalism, the late Dorothy Hall, says “The ‘Red clover’ person may also have deep-seated infection foci like boils, carbuncles, infected sebaceous cysts, infected cystic acne, etc., where the evidence of the ‘bad blood’ is found just under the skin.” One of the most beloved herbalists of our time, the late Juliette de Bairacli Levy, says “often called “the prize herb,” …[it is] especially good for cleansing the blood, soothing the nerves, promoting sleep and restoring fertility.”  

In more recent years red clover has become a widely researched herb for menopausal health due to the presence of phytoestrogens. A recent meta-analysis found that red clover can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. English clinical herbalist Lucy Jones says: “I do wonder whether a large part of its action [for menopausal symptoms] is through its ability to help clean the blood and support the lymphatic system rather than just manipulate levels of oestrogen, or the appearance of oestrogen, in the body.” 

References

Hall D. Dorothy Hall’s Herbal Medicine. Sydney:Lothian. 1988. p. 254

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023. p303-4

Hall D. Dorothy Hall’s Herbal Medicine. Sydney:Lothian. 1988. p. 254-5

de Bairacli Levy J. Common Herbs for Natural Health. Ash Tree Publishing:New York. 1997. p. 43

Kanadys W, Barańska A, Błaszczuk A, et al. Evaluation of Clinical Meaningfulness of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Extract to Relieve Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1258. Published 2021 Apr 11. doi:10.3390/nu13041258

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023. p303-4

Gościniak A, Szulc P, Zielewicz W, Walkowiak J, Cielecka-Piontek J. Multidirectional Effects of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in Support of Menopause Therapy. Molecules. 2023 Jul 3;28(13):5178. doi: 10.3390/molecules28135178. PMID: 37446841; PMCID: PMC10343205.

Aniseed, not to be confused with star anise Illicium verum, is one of the oldest medicinal plants primarily grown for its fruits (aniseeds). This warming, aromatic herb has a delicious, sweet liquorice-like flavour and is a commonly used, and very safe, herbal remedy that is well suited for all age groups from children to the elderly. 

In traditional herbal medicine aniseed is a useful carminative for the symptomatic treatment of mild, spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints including bloating, flatulence, colic, nausea and indigestion, and for catarrh of the respiratory tract where it is used as an expectorant in coughs and colds and also for whooping cough and asthma. Consumption of aniseed in lactating women works as a galactagogue to increase milk supply and also gives relief to their infants from gastrointestinal problems. It is also used traditionally as a diuretic to increase urine flow, as an appetite stimulant and to increase libido. It has beneficial effects on dysmenorrhea and menopausal hot flushes in women. 

Many countries around the Mediterranean region, such as Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain and France, have traditional alcoholic beverages produced with aniseed such as arak, pastis, absinthe, ouzo, sambuca and raki. The common special feature of all these beverages is their unique behaviour during dilution with water. Adding a large amount of water causes the clear liquor to turn instantly into an opaque, translucent milky-white colour, a phenomenon known as the ouzo effect (also louche or spontaneous emulsification). This occurs when a strongly hydrophobic volatile oil, such as trans-anethole, is dissolved in a water miscible solvent, such as ethanol, and the concentration of ethanol is lowered by addition of small amounts of water. This observation illustrates the important role ethanol serves to help pull out the full spectrum of constituents in herbal material. 

References

HEC monograph

Whelan R. Dandelions. R.J.Whelan Ltd c2011 (accessed 11 Oct 2023). Available from https://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/aniseed.html

Botet R. The "ouzo effect", recent developments and application to therapeutic drug carrying. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2012;352. 10.1088/1742-6596/352/1/012047.

Özgüven M. Handbook of Herbs and Spices (Second Edition), Volume 2, 2012.

Devil’s claw is a weedy, perennial tuberous plant with visually striking fruits, some say diabolical (the other common name is wood spider), found in the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. It is named after these fruits which have numerous characteristically long protrusions with sharp hooks as well as two straight thorns on the upper surface. To enable survival during long severe dry periods the plant forms potato like, water storing, secondary tubers which branch off horizontally from primary tubers. It is these secondary tubers that are harvested for their medicinal properties. Devil claw’s impressive reputation stems from its traditional uses which include treating dyspepsia, stimulating the appetite, constipation and as a bitter tonic for liver and gall bladder complaints. 

Devil's claw is a ‘celebrity’ among arthritis natural remedies being approved by German Commission E for the treatment of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is one of the most highly commercialised indigenous traditional medicines from Africa, with bulk exports mainly to Europe. It is commonly used for general body aches, especially muscle and joint aches and pains in the elderly. The hunter-gatherer San people of Botswana, among the oldest cultures on earth, say most aged people use it for painful muscles and joints, taking it daily on a long-term basis. 

An open study in people with rheumatic conditions assessed the safety and efficacy of 960mg (480mg twice daily) of devil’s claw in 259 patients over eight weeks. They reported significant improvements in pain, stiffness and function and 66% of patients had reduced or stopped their pain medication by week eight. Another randomised double-blind study compared the effects of treatment with devil’s claw (2610mg per day) and diacerein (100mg per day), a slow acting drug for osteoarthritis (OA). The study found that both treatment groups showed similar considerable improvements in symptoms of OA however those receiving devil’s claw required fewer rescue analgesics. 

References

Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements, 4th Ed. Sydney: Elsevier, 2015. p. 276

HEC monograph

Warnock M, McBean D, Suter A, Tan J, Whittaker P. Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders. Phytother Res. 2007 Dec;21(12):1228-33.

Leblan D, Chantre P, Fournié B. Harpagophytum procumbens in the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Four-month results of a prospective, multicenter, double-blind trial versus diacerhein. Joint Bone Spine. 2000;67(5):462-7.

The evergreen shrub glossy privet, regarded as an environmental weed and invasive species in Australia, is a member of the olive family and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for more than 1000 years. The Latin lucidum means bright or shiny and refers to glossy privet’s eponymous leaves however it is the fruit that is used in herbal medicine. In TCM it is a commonly prescribed herbal material in a number of formulae used to tonify the kidneys and strengthen bone. Therefore, it has long been used for the treatment of osteoporosis in China and is a component of many herbal formulae for this condition. It has also been used for the treatment of eye and skin disorders such as tinnitus and blurred vision. It is also used for the prevention of grey hair.

Glossy privet is one of the most frequently used liver/kidney Yin tonifying TCM herbs for the treatment of liver cancer. As a tonic herb it is effective in improving chemotherapy induced bone marrow suppression, hair loss and immunosuppression. It has also been used to enhance the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy in TCM clinical practice. 

Glossy privet is commonly used in TCM herbal formulations for its positive impact on the immune system and to assist in fighting infections. In vitro studies have shown that it has these properties, but it has not yet been studied in humans showing a clinical benefit.

References

Yeon SW, Choi SR, Liu Q, Jo YH, Choi DH, Kim MR, Ryu SH, Lee S, Hwang BY, Hwang HS, Lee MK. Therapeutic Potentials of Secoiridoids from the Fruits of Ligustrum lucidum Aiton against Inflammation-Related Skin Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Jul 27;15(8):932. doi: 10.3390/ph15080932. PMID: 36015080; PMCID: PMC9415915.

Feng X, Lyu Y, Wu Z, Fang Y, Xu H, Zhao P, et al. Fructus ligustri lucidi ethanol extract improves bone mineral density and properties through modulating calcium absorption-related gene expression in kidney and duodenum of growing rats. Calcif Tissue Int. 2014 Apr;94(4):433-41. doi: 10.1007/s00223-013-9825-4. Epub 2013 Dec 17.

Pang Z, Zhi-yan Z, Wang W, Ma Y, Feng-ju N, Zhang X, Han C. The advances in research on the pharmacological effects of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:281873. doi: 10.1155/2015/281873. Epub 2015 Mar 22. PMID: 25874204; PMCID: PMC4385624.

Hu B, Du Q, Deng S, An HM, Pan CF, Shen KP, Xu L, Wei MM, Wang SS. Ligustrum lucidum Ait. fruit extract induces apoptosis and cell senescence in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through upregulation of p21. Oncol Rep. 2014 Sep;32(3):1037-42. doi: 10.3892/or.2014.3312. Epub 2014 Jul 7. PMID: 25017491.

Sun RN, Zhang YN, Wang J, Liu HJ, Kong LB. [Active components of Ligustrum lucidum inhibiting hepatitis C virus replicase activity]. [Article in Chinese] Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2013 Sep;48(9):1390-6.

Juniper is widely known as the main flavouring component in gin. In fact the word ‘gin’ is derived from the French and Dutch word for juniper, genévrier and genever. The drink is thought to be derived from an old recipe found in the 1299 Dutch natural history encyclopedia Der Naturen Bloeme (The Flower of Nature) which recommended boiling juniper berries in rainwater or wine to treat stomach pain. With the revolt of the Netherlands in the sixteenth century British soldiers, merchants, travellers and religious figures discovered the gin which they called “Dutch Courage” and it has been refined ever since. 

Juniper works as a diuretic and antiseptic in conditions such as cystitis. Bitter and carminative actions aid digestion and ease flatulence and dyspepsia. It is used in rheumatism and arthritis as well as externally to ease the pain in joints and muscles. 

Herbalist extraordinaire, the late Dorothy Hall, said “there are some herb partners which seldom appear alone. Juniper goes with Celery (Apium graveolens) like cheese with olives, or dates with walnuts.” She goes on to explain that they complement each other so synergy is achieved when both are given together. “While Celery supplies a boost to the body’s necessary sodium requirements…Juniper provides the potassium compounds to counter-balance. Sodium and potassium together maintain the ‘pump’ into cells of vital cell nutrients and the ‘pump’ out again of cell wastes,” she said.

References

Understanding Gin Botanicals. Enotria Winecellars Spirits Beacon. (accessed 16 Aug 2023). Available from https://spiritsbeacon.com/guides/spirits/understanding-gin-botanicals

Juniper. The Herbarium. (accessed 16 Aug 2023). Available form https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/juniper/

Hoffman D. The New Holistic Herbal. Melbourne:Element. 1990.p. 209

Hall D. Dorothy Hall’s Herbal Medicine. Sydney:Lothian. 1988. p. 207

Couchgrass, like dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), is another valuable herb cast into the annoying worthless weed category by virtue of its extensive system of rhizomes which help the plant spread remorsefully through cultivated land. Experienced UK herbal practitioner Simon Mills describes it as “the archetypal weed of cultivation” making it a pest for farmers and gardeners. 17th Century English herbalist Culpeper concurs saying: ”...for it is a constant customer to the place it get footing in.”

However, this medicinal rhizome has been used in herbal medicine since classical Greek times where it was recommended by Dioscorides (author of De materia medica) for “stone in the bladder”. One of couchgrass's other common names is dog grass which comes from the fact that sick dogs will chew its rough leaves as an emetic to make them vomit. Culpeper said “…If you know it not by this description, watch the dogs when they are sick and they will quickly lead you to it.” Culpeper concludes his account of its medicinal virtues with: ”…and although a gardener be of another opinion, yet a physician holds half an acre of them to be worth five acres of carrots twice told over.”

In her 2023 book A Working Herbal Dispensary: Respecting Herbs as Individuals, self-sufficient UK medical herbalist Lucy Jones describes the physiological virtues of couchgrass: “Couchgrass is a valuable urinary system antiseptic and demulcent diuretic, providing a soothing action on hot, irritated urinary passages while encouraging increased production of urine. It is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial – a helpful herb in many conditions, including cystitis, dysuria [painful urination], haematuria [blood in the urine], irritable bladder, prostatitis, urethritis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, oedema, and incontinence. It soothes the urinary passages and eases discomfort, as well as assisting with the passage of urinary gravel. It is an old remedy for hypercholesterolaemia, arthritis, and gout. Couch[grass] also brings its antimicrobial and demulcent qualities to the respiratory system, being expectorant and decongestant. It is sometimes prescribed for irritating coughs and bronchitis.”

References

Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin:London. 1991. p.465
Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Middlesex:Penguin Books. 1978. p. 370
Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary: Respecting Herbs as Individuals. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023 p110.

The history of calendula, also known as pot marigold, is filled with poetry and symbolism. At dawn the blossom opens, and rises with the sun, creating a poetic image of the “awakening” of a flower. Its golden orange colour brightens the day until sunset when the flower closes for the evening. Calendula’s luminous blooms and sensitivity to the sun have earned it the moniker “herbal sunshine,” vying with sunflower in literary popularity. Perhaps the most exquisite poetic reference to calendula is from one of England’s finest poets, John Keats, whose verse is known for its vivid imagery and sensuous appeal. In his poem “I stood tiptoe upon a little hill” (London 1817) the author keenly describes calendula (which he refers to as marigold) beginning with:

I stood tip-toe upon a little hill,

The air was cooling, and so very still,…

I was light-hearted, And many pleasures to my vision started;…

Open afresh your round of starry folds, Ye ardent marigolds!”

On a hot day the sun pulls the medicinal resins up into the calendula flowers making them very sticky. Keats refers to this in the next line:

Dry up the moisture from your golden lids

For great Apollo [the Greek God of the sun and light] bids

That in these days your praises should be sung

 On many harps, which he has lately strung;

And when again your dewiness he kisses, Tell him, I have you in my world of blisses:…

According to herbal medicine educator and researcher, Dr Sue Evans, plants have always been part of cultures throughout history and this is tied to the understanding of the herbal medicine within that culture. She says the dominance of science in modern herbal medicine, and the emphasis on phytochemisty, has meant that the social sciences and humanities often get ignored. She suggests modern herbalists can think about herbs in a broader context and resolve this disconnect by examining them through the lens of subjects such as music, literature and poetry. In this context calendula’s cheerfulness makes it a wonderful ally for people who are feeling low as it can lift the spirits, or as Keats observed make one “light-hearted”, when there is melancholy and mild depression. 

This familiar garden flower has long been touted as a topical anti-infective remedy for wounds resistant to healing. Calendula is used as a therapy for a wide array of skin disorders ranging from chapped hands to lacerations. According to the German Commission E, topical applications of calendula are safe and efficacious in decreasing inflammation and promoting granulation of wounds, burns, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Based on the results of a 2023 human clinical study calendula may have beneficial healing properties, and be effective, in accelerating the healing of second-degree burn wounds and can be used as a supplement to treat wounds.

Calendula is especially beneficial with cysts, swollen glands or chronic skin conditions such as acne where it helps to move stagnation, particularly in the lymphatic system. As a digestive calendula is indicated where there are chronic problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies and leaky gut syndrome. As a detoxifier, especially of the liver, it also has a hormone balancing effect helping to regulate periods and ease painful menstruation.

To read more please login and visit the Resources page on our website for our new calendula monograph. There you can take advantage of our monthly specials. Calendula also features in our new Naturopath’s Guide to Acne.

References

Hylton, W ed. The Rodale Herb Book. Rodale Press, 1974. p. 381

Lovell Verinder E. The Plant Clinic. Thames & Hudson: Port Melbourne. 2021. p. 131

Evans, S. The Impact of Science on Herbal Medicine. Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA). Naturopathic Symposium May 2023, Melbourne.

Rezai S, Rahzani K, Hekmatpou D, Rostami A. Effect of oral Calendula officinalis on second-degree burn wound healing. Scars Burn Heal. 2023 Jan 4;9:20595131221134053. doi: 10.1177/20595131221134053. PMID: 36632430; PMCID: PMC9827526.

Calendula (Pot Marigold). IMGateway. c2001-2023 UnityHealth Proprietary Limited (accessed 24 Jul 2023). Available from https://www.imgateway.net/page.jsp?profRef=ProfHerbs_CalendulaPotMarigoldph

Lovell Verinder E. The Plant Clinic. Thames & Hudson: Port Melbourne. 2021. p. 131

Gotu kola is a tropical plant which has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in southeast Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka and China. It has also been referred to by the name brahmi but most authorities associate brahmi with Bacopa monniera. Also known as Indian pennywort, gotu kola is recognised for its rapid healing and anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to improve memory, anxiety and depression. It is one of the chief herbs for treating skin problems, varicose veins, to heal wounds, for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells and is well known as a universal panacea for promoting longevity. This beguiling promise of longevity through cell regeneration is the herb’s main attraction.

Gotu kola has high nutritional value and in Sri Lanka, where it is known as the secret of perpetual youth, it has been a staple food in many households for generations. There it is served in a popular breakfast porridge known as kola (which means leaf in Sinhala) kanda, a nutritious mix of red rice, fresh coconut, garlic, pepper, salt and a blend of green leaves. It is used for general wellbeing and especially beneficial for the sick, elderly or arthritic. In fact a Sri Lankan legend has it that people observed elephants, an animal renowned for its longevity, eating wild growing gotu kola and decided to try it themselves thus discovering the plant’s medicinal properties and giving credence to the saying ‘to have a memory like an elephant’. This led to the Sinhalese proverb, ‘two leaves a day keep old age away’.

When the ‘doctrine of signatures’ (some visible or other clue that indicates a plant’s therapeutic use) is considered gotu kola leaf looks very much like the human brain, particularly the cerebellum portion, bringing to attention the mind strengthening and cognitive supportive aspects of this herb. A human clinical study aimed at managing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and other age-related problems in the elderly returned positive results. MCI is a problem which may convert into Alzheimer’s disease in later stages. In 60 people aged 65 and above gotu kola aqueous extract was prescribed in a dose of 500mg twice a day (1000mg daily) for six months. A favourable improvement was observed in MCI along with other problems like hypertension, insomnia, loss of appetite and constipation.

References

Braun L, Cohen M. Essential Herbs and Natural Substances. Chatswood: Elsevier Australia; 2017. p. 2011

European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Assessment report on Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, herba [Internet]. London: European Medicines Agency; c1995-2023  [updated Mar 30 2022;cited 3 Jul 2023]. Available from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centella-asiatica-l-urb-herba-revision-1_en.pdf

Gohil KJ, Patel JA, Gajjar AK. Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010;72(5):546–556. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.78519

Huson P. Mastering Herbalism – A Practical Guide. First Madison Books:Oxford. 2001. p. 309-11

vFoster S, Tyler VE, Tyler VM. Tyler’s Honest Herbal. 4th edn. Routledge:New York. 1999. p. 199-200

Tiwari S, Singh S, Patwardhan K, Gehlot S, Gambhir IS. Effect of Centella asiatica on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and other common age-related clinical problems. Digest J Nanomat Biostruct. 2008;3:215–20.