In Sanskrit, Gotu Kola is called brahmi (Brahma means cosmic consciousness). Its leaf looks like the 2 hemispheres of the brain and its action is upon brain function - tissue, memory, etc. I have a lot of experience with this herb. After a fall from my Eventer over a ditch jump in the '70's, I had a severe concussion and drank Gotu Kola tea every hour while my brother kept me awake reading to me. It is decongestant, aids circulation and is calming.
A friend actually grew "tons" of Gotu Kola in her green house and would bring giant bags of the fresh herb for me to feed to a laminitic mare and it really helped her. While working at a rescue facility, we had a mare brought in who was blind and held her head tilted all the time - I connected with her and read her field, discovering that someone had beaten her on the head. I started her on Gotu Kola and she began improving. She eventually held her head straighter and her eyesight began to return. I also fed her Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and cod liver oil for her eyes.
A friend who drag raced a Harley (nitro-fueled motorcycle with 2 engines!) wrecked many years ago and had a serious concussion. He took Gotu Kola and we felt that it helped during his very long recovery.
Gotu Kola tea is relaxing, not a stimulant, but it enhances brain function, so it makes you feel better and more productive. I love the taste of the fresh herb and of tea from the dried leaves. I used to make huge salads with it when Cathie brought bags of it. That was a time when I truly felt my most clear headed! Gotu Kola is a profound "memory herb".
Too high a dose can cause headaches and aggravate itching. Do not exceed 1000 milligrams daily or 4 cups of tea per day unless advised by a practitioner. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA.
