Humans have recognized the magical power of herbs since ancient times. In contrast to conventional medicine, herbal additives have more benefits and fewer side effects on our organisms. One of the herbs that sparked a lot of attention recently is Gotu Kola.

One Herb – Many Names

In this post, I will introduce the main features of the native Asian herb, Gotu Kola. The scientific name of Gotu Kola is Centella Asiatica, also known as tiger grass and cica (in the cosmetic industry). People often confuse this herb because it actually has so many names.

Let’s state a few famous names (also used in the article) below:

• Centella Asiatica
• Gotu Kola
• Tiger Grass
• Cica
• Brahmi
• Indian pennywort

Around The World With Gotu Kola

Ayurvedics use Gotu Kola (also known as Brahmi) in Ayurvedic medicine. People in India believe that this extraordinary herb may affect human organisms in a positive way. For example, many local doctors recognize the anti-inflammatory and nootropic functions of Gotu Kola.

People in China call Gotu Kola “the herb of longevity”. In traditional Chinese medicine, they use herbs to relieve pain and improve blood circulation. On top of that, Chinese Gotu Kola tea hits the spot to local delights and also beliefs that it may help us live longer.

Interestingly, Gotu Kola is the main ingredient of a famous Thai cocktail and healthy salad in Indonesia. According to Asian legends, this herb was used to cure wounded tigers in the past. That’s why Gotu Kola is known as tiger grass in many parts of the world.

Gotu Kola is climbing the charts in South Korea, too. Famous beauty brands use Gotu Kola to create exotic cosmetics lines that are praised worldwide. In this fashion, Dr. Jart + developed a whole tiger grass-based collection – Cicapair. And they became famous indeed.

The Benefits of Gotu Kola

While strolling through information about Gotu Kola, I noticed that there are over twenty benefits of the herb listed online. In this post, however, I will explore two of the herb’s advantages. These are internal and external benefits – for our cognition and skin.

The Cognitive benefits of Gotu Kola

Driven by health issues or simply wanting to be more attractive, we often rely on supplements to achieve our goals. Depending on the price we are willing to pay, we can choose between many brands of herbal supplements. No matter what the cost is, Gotu Kola is one of the herbal supplements that anyone should try.

Traditional beliefs indicate that Gotu Kola has the ability to enhance memory and improve mood. This makes it a smart nootropic supplement, or just a pill that can make us smarter. Believe it or not, Gotu Kola is not a miracle, but a gift from nature.

Science claims that Gotu Kola has the magical ability to eliminate free radicals in brain cells. In addition, this herb can also improve cerebral blood flow and even reduce stress. All of this improves learning and concentration skills and supports positive thinking.

Why big cosmetic brands use Gotu Kola in their products?

The miracles don’t stop here. In recent times, Gotu Kola has turned into an admired cosmetic additive worldwide. It is widely known as cica (in short for Centella Asiatica) on the global cosmetic scene.

Scientific evidence

As a matter of fact, Gotu Kola can improve collagen levels in our skin. Scientists have tested the effects of Gotu Kola on rats, proving that with time, the levels of collagen and hydration of rats’ skin increased. Testing Gotu Kola on rats may sound like an odd story, but most cosmetic products are tested on animals first.

When humans tested Gotu Kola products on their skin, the results were indeed very similar. And this is why the herb became a trademark of many cosmetic collections.

The Cica beauty mark

Nowadays, fans of K-beauty are going crazy about cica products. “Cica” or “tiger grass” are buzz words in South Korea. Among the biggest brands using cica in their product lines are Dr. Jart+, Cosrx, and A’PIEU.

Still, cica is not the only element of beauty products. The herb blends well with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. When Centella Asiatica joins Vitamin C, for example, it can make us look even more beautiful.

La Roche Posay and Kiehl’s were among the first brands to showcase cica to the western world. Well, the brand’s name definitely matters, but this herb itself is the miracle behind the product. It is the Cica’s beauty mark so to say.

To Cut Hundreds of Words Short:

For centuries, people have relied on Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) for healing. In recent times, we adopt this herb to produce nootropics and beauty products. The anti-inflammatory abilities of Gotu Kola may reduce scar, improve skin elasticity and skin hydration, and even make us look younger. Isn’t this all that we ever asked for?

Tiger grass is already a buzzword in Asia. In this fashion, it is only a matter of time until it will turn into a big beauty buzzword in the West, too.