Centella Asiatic (Gotu kola) - a rejuvenating agent in Ayurvedic medicine. Centella Asiatica: properties, features of application and preparations

Nature has presented to man an incredible setherbs and fruit-bearing plants to strengthen and restore health, to preserve youth and beauty. Many of them are known from ancient times, but continue to surprise and today with their miraculous properties.

Such priceless gifts are centaellaAsian. Its other names are tiger grass, fungus and Gotu kola. This is a perennial creeping plant of the umbrella family, which was discovered by the ayurvedic medicine world more than three thousand years ago. Due to a rather wide range of useful properties, this herb is used not only for medicinal purposes.

Description and dissemination

Centella Asiatic (Gothu Cola) is easily recognizable. In nature, it occurs along ditches and swamps, spreads thickly over the earth, has small, rounded, kidney-shaped leaves on short petioles with a three-dimensional hole and plain yellowish (reddish) flowers. Centella Asiatic, despite the geographic prefix, is distributed not only in Asia, but also in Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea. In Asia, it can be found in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

According to the common opinion of biologists, the discoveryThe healing plant was greatly facilitated by the observation of the animal world. For example, Asian tigers, having received wounds during a fight with the enemy, hunting or experiencing internal ailments, found thickets of Centella and literally rolled their backs on them. Probably, from here the plant got its other name - tiger grass.

Cultivation

The plant is unpretentious in care and does not requirefertilizing, loves the humid lowlands. Most often grows wildly, but easily liable to cultivation. In nature, the plant reaches a height of not more than three centimeters, in private plots with a moderate fertility of soil can grow up to 15 cm. The zentelle is able to quickly and strongly expand and capture other areas of the earth. To prevent it from turning into a weed, it is necessary to thin the trees periodically.

In the absence of a site,grow as a houseplant. To do this, you need a wide low pot with drainage holes, maintaining the moisture of the earth coma and the absence of direct sunlight.

Properties

Healing properties of Centella Asian are knownlong. If before it was used only for the treatment of colds and rapid healing of wounds, today the range of useful qualities has significantly expanded. Among the main ones - rejuvenating, moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and strengthening actions.

Extract of Centella asiaticaActivates the synthesis of collagen in the dermis, increases blood microcirculation and skin regeneration, smooths wrinkles. Ayurvedic medicine ascribes Centella to Asiatic antibacterial properties that help in regulating the metabolic processes of the body and fighting infections, as well as a strengthening and stimulating effect on the brain and nerve cells.

Application

Centella Asiatica thanks to such a rich list of useful qualities is widely used in cosmetology for facial skin care, in folk medicine, modern pharmaceutics and healthy nutrition.

In medicine

From the medical side there is a huge listThe problems with which Centella Asiaticus helps to fight. So, the plant extract is used in the treatment of fever, hypertension, asthma, tuberculosis, epilepsy, peptic ulcer, neuroses, varicose veins. In addition, prepare tinctures and decoctions from the roots and stems of Centella Asiatic. They are used as a means for fighting and preventing dermatological problems (acne, burns, psoriasis, eczema). It is also known that the plant increases mental activity, so its use is useful for students of adolescents and people of advanced age. Relatively recently, science proved the positive effect of Centella Asiatic in the treatment of cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

In cosmetology

The plant splendidly resorbs scars,Smoothes scars, heals deep wounds, relieves swelling and fights cellulite. Periodic application of rejuvenating procedures with Centella Asian makes the skin of the face elastic, smooth and gives it a fresh, natural look.

In cooking

Grinded grass leaves are added to food andbeverages as a tonic, antiseptic and an easy laxative. In the food go and the roots of the plant. Milk decoctions from this herb in Asian countries are used as an effective tonic for the nervous system. In addition, there are popular teas from Centella and ginseng, salads and curry (seasoning).

Preparations

Today there are many cosmetic andmedicines, which include Centella Asiatica. Preparations include face and body skin creams, gels, oral capsules, anti-aging masks, serums, tinctures, essential oils and ointments. Centellus Asian is used to create anti-cellulite cosmetics, lotions for problem skin and oils after sunburn. Also, grass is a part of dietary supplements against alcohol dependence (for example, "Alkostop").

Cosmetics with CentellaAsian have special conditions of use and storage. So, the creams are applied to the skin with a special spatula (cosmetic spatula), and they are kept only in a cool place (in the refrigerator, on the bottom shelf) and in a tightly closed container. This helps to preserve all the medicinal properties of the components as much as possible.

Contraindications

Centella Asiatica has nocontraindications and side effects. Its use can be limited only by individual intolerance. And although the healing properties of plants help in the treatment of a variety of diseases, skin aging and are especially effective for pregnant women, this is not a panacea for all diseases. It is necessary to observe moderate doses of extracts, oils, in order to avoid allergic reactions. Before use, it is advisable to consult a specialist.