Many of you who have had the chance to use one of our bestsellers Gotukola Indian Ginseng Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir Facial Serum have asked us to tell you more about Gotu kola – one of the key ingredients in this formula. So here’s a short primer on this precious herb that can truly transform your skin.
Gotu- what? Does Bhrami ring a bell?
Gotu kola (Sanskrit: Brahmi, Latin: Centella asiatica), is highly reminiscent of the shape of the human brain. Don’t they say, in nature, form follows function? There is a reason why this herb has been revered by ancient Indian and Chinese traditions and referred to as a longevity herb.
Gotu kola is a true adaptogen, a term used to describe herbs that have a balancing and harmonizing effect on the mind, body and spirit. Its benefits range from significantly improving memory and restoring brain cell and nerve function to improving blood quality and circulation and facilitating the healing of wounds.
Gotu kola grows widely throughout Central Asia and parts of Africa and is native to China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and various islands in the South Pacific. The wild-growing Himalayan varieties are rare and highly sought after in the world of medicine.
While Indians and the Chinese have been using this herb for thousands of years, it has made a comeback in the modern time for preventing skin ageing in the western world. Forbes magazine only recently called this herb a latest anti-ageing breakthrough but it has been the centerpiece of plant-based medical systems across the world for thousands of years. Gotu kola or Bhrami is considered Sāttvik (most pure, closest to nature) and Varnya Dravya (colour and complexion promoter) in ancient Ayurvedic texts and is known to make skin youthful.
An overview in the Indian Journal of Medicine calls Gotu kola a “potential herbal cure-all” while a research summary published in Phytomedicine, says: “Centella asiatica has been subjected to quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations.”
Gotu Kola, more widely known as Bacopa Monnieri in most recently-dated ayurvedic texts, is referred to as “Brahmi” and you wouldn’t be wrong to call it that. But because Bacopa Monnieri is not as available in the West as it is in India and other parts of Asia, Bacopa Monnieri has often been substituted with gotu kola. For this reason, Gotu kola and Bacopa Monnieri are referred to as Brahmi. (1)
Although Gotu Kola and Bacopa Monnieri have similar uses, they differ in some other ways. For example: Gotu Kola has certain chemical properties that helps reduce blood pressure and increases collagen production (2) while Bacopa Monnieri is mostly used for Alzheimer disease, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as to increase memory and thinking skills. (3)
Gotu Kola (Latin: Centella asiatica) is a Parsley family non-aromatic herb which is an ingredient used in skin care products like serums, eye creams and beauty oils because of its health and skin care properties.
Here are some Gotu Kola skin benefits you can’t miss out on:
Brahmi (Gotu Kola) Benefits for Skin
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Provides Moisture:
Collagen levels drop as you get older and Brahmi helps boost collagen production which improves the skin’s elasticity. The increase in collagen production adds moisture to the face and wards off wrinkles which reduces the effects of ageing. (4)
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Helps with Anti-Ageing:
Anti-ageing; one of the skin benefits of Brahmi, which contains everything the skin needs to combat ageing like amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids and phytochemicals (5). This potent combination is a remedy for skin inflammation, healing wounds, improving collagen production and circulation. The presence of antioxidants boosts your skin’s vitality which contributes to your healthy feel and look.
Learn about what is the right age to start using anti-ageing products.
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Speeds up skin’s immunity to heal:
The presence of triterpenoids, a chemical property, in Brahmi speeds up wound healing (6). Not only does it speed up wound healing, it disinfects the skin reducing the appearance of scarring and leaves you with smooth and healthy skin (7).
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Helps against stretch marks:
Brahmi is known for having a property that increases collagen production, together with the presence of terpenoids (8) help against stretch marks by reducing its appearance as well as preventing new ones from forming. It is even known to battle cellulite by minimising its appearance (9).
Also learn about the best way to have blemish free skin.
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Brightens the skin:
Another Gotu Kola’s benefits for your face is that it helps to brighten dark circles, pigmented areas on your skin and reduce puffiness. It rejuvenates your skin when absorbed making your skin look bright and feel fresh.
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Acts as barrier for the skin:
Brahmi, which is primarily found in sunscreen and scar-fading products, protects your skin from UV rays (10). As mentioned earlier, it helps with pigmentation and acts as a barrier to protect your skin from sunlight.
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Helps treat acne:
Brahmi speeds up healing which includes skin conditions like acne and scarring. It improves acne prone skin effectively.
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Heals allergies and skin sensitivities:
Due to Brahmi’s anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used to relieve and/or get rid of skin allergies and heal skin sensitivity. (11)
Now that you know the benefits of brahmi for your skin, here are the product with brahmi you can add to your daily skincare - Just Herb’s Gotukola Indian Ginseng Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir Facial Serum:
- For all skin types.
- Helps against dark circles and wrinkles.
- Reduces pigmentation.
- dull skin.
Read about the 11 skincare habits to follow for glowing skin.
How to use Brahmi leaves for Skin
Brahmi leaves can be ingested by simply chewing on it or by adding it to your tea. Although Brahmi can be consumed daily in specific amounts, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic doctor to avoid overdose and or allergies.
How to use Brahmi powder for Skin
There are benefits to taking Brahmi powder for your skin.
- Taking 1-2 tsp of Brahmi powder.
- Add 2-3 drops of rose water.
- Make a paste.Brightens
- Apply this on your face (the affected areas).
- This mixture helps with all the benefits listed above.
Also read 4 major benefits of bakuchiol for skincare.
How to grow Gotu kula:
In the garden, gotu kola grows nearly anywhere as long as conditions are never dry, and works well near water or as a groundcover in dark, shady areas. Just ensure that the soil never dries out. Otherwise no particular care is necessary. Just enjoy watching it grow. You can always pluck and toss a few leaves into your salad for beauty that begins within.
So, if you are intrigued and want to experience gotu kola skin benefits, do try out Just Herbs Gotukola Indian Ginseng Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir Facial Serum. This multitasking elixir facial serum nourishes and restores a natural glow and youthfulness to tired, ageing and pigmented skin. Read about the 11 skincare habits to follow for glowing skin.
Gotukola Indian Ginseng Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir Facial Serum
- Suits all skin types
- Fragrance free
- Free from petrochemicals, parabens, SLS/SLES PEG/PPG, Genetically modified ingredients(GMO) and other harmful synthetic ingredients
Also read 4 major benefits of bakuchiol for skincare.
Gotukola Indian Ginseng Rejuvenating Beauty Elixir Facial Serum
- Suits all skin types
- Fragrance free
- Free from petrochemicals, parabens, SLS/SLES PEG/PPG, Genetically modified ingredients(GMO) and other harmful synthetic ingredients
FAQs
Q. Is Brahmi And Gotu Kola The Same?
A: Yes. Gotu Kola is mostly called Brahmi.
Q. How long does Brahmi take to work?
A: It depends on if you’re ingesting it or applying it. But it takes around 4-6 weeks before you begin to see results.
Q. Can we use Brahmi daily?
A: Yes. Brahmi can be found in skin products like sunscreen which is used daily. But as for ingesting it, as low as 200 mg and as high as 500 mg daily is safe. (12)
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