Herbarium · Cognition

Gotu Kola (Mandukaparni)Maṇḍūkaparṇī

Tridoshic; particularly pacifying for Pitta and Vata. Cooling, light.

Common name: Gotu Kola (Mandukaparni)
Sanskrit (IAST): Maṇḍūkaparṇī
Latin botanical: Centella asiatica
Form: Tablet (Vati / Guggulu)
Category tags: CognitionCognitive · Cooling

Overview & dosha effects

Tridoshic; particularly pacifying for Pitta and Vata. Cooling, light.

Traditional uses

The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.

·Traditionally used for memory, focus and mental clarity^[1]
·Traditionally used for nervous-system tonic and anti-anxiety support^[2]
·Traditionally used for wound healing, varicose veins and connective-tissue repair^[3]
·Traditionally used for healthy skin and hair (often paired with brahmi)^[1]

How it is taken

500 mg powder or 1 capsule once or twice daily after meals, or 1 tsp dried leaf as a tea. Usage: warm water or ghee.

Classical text references

^[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu
Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
^[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu
Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
^[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

Safety notes — read before use

Contraindications

As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.

✕Pregnancy and lactation
✕Active liver disease or with hepatotoxic drugs (paracetamol, statins)
✕Two weeks before scheduled surgery (sedative effect)
✕Children under 12 without supervision

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.

Drug interactions

May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.

Specific to Gotu Kola (Mandukaparni): May cause mild drowsiness, headache or nausea. Long-term high doses have rare hepatotoxicity reports.

Allergies

Apiaceae family — caution if allergic to celery, carrot or parsley. Contact dermatitis is documented.

This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.

Classical alternatives

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) for similar nootropic action; Shankhpushpi for anxiety-dominant presentations.

References

[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu — Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu — Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

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