7 Benefits of Gotu Kola Leaves for Health, Treating Wounds - Nourishing the Brain

Kapanlagi.com - Gotu kola has long been known as a wild plant commonly found in rice fields. Because it seems worthless, who would have thought that this plant has many benefits. The plant with the scientific name Centella asiatica is believed to contain compounds that are beneficial for the body's health. The benefits of gotu kola leaves for health are quite diverse, ranging from treating minor wounds to nourishing the brain.

Not only in Indonesia, but gotu kola leaves have also been utilized as traditional medicine in various parts of the world. It's understandable, as gotu kola can grow anywhere, especially in Asia. In fact, in China, gotu kola leaves are labeled as the "herb of long life."

So, what are the benefits of gotu kola leaves for health? Here are some reviews, summarized from various sources.

1. Treating Wounds

Benefits of pegagan leaves (credit: pixabay)

Pegagan leaves are believed to have the ability to accelerate the wound healing process. This particular benefit of pegagan leaves has been utilized by traditional communities for a long time, passed down from generation to generation. It turns out that pegagan leaves contain triterpenoid compounds that are beneficial in speeding up the wound healing process. Additionally, these compounds also play a role in increasing antioxidant production and blood supply to the wounded area.

Due to its effectiveness in accelerating wound healing, it is recommended to consume pegagan leaf concoction after undergoing surgery. However, this should be done with the approval of a doctor.

2. Improving Blood Circulation

As mentioned earlier, the triterpenoid content in pegagan leaves can promote smooth blood circulation to the wounded area. The compounds in pegagan leaves are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, not only does blood circulation improve throughout the body, but it can also prevent problems caused by obstructed blood flow, such as venous hypertension and varicose veins.

3. Overcoming Stress

Benefits of pegagan leaves (credit: pixabay)

Another benefit of pegagan leaves is overcoming stress. Pegagan leaves contain a compound called triterpenoid glycoside. One of the benefits of this compound is stress relief. The ability of pegagan leaves to overcome stress has been tested through research. According to liputan6.com, a study revealed that consuming pegagan leaf extract for 60 days can reduce stress in 33 people with anxiety disorders.

4. Brain Health

As mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of pegagan leaves is good for brain health. Not only does it promote health, but the compounds in pegagan leaves are also believed to improve cognitive brain function.

According to healthline.com, the compounds in pegagan are equally potent as folate in improving cognitive brain function. In fact, pegagan is considered more effective in enhancing the brain's ability to store memory.

5. Preventing Alzheimer's

Benefits of pegagan leaves (credit: pixabay)

Still related to brain health, pegagan leaves are also believed to have the ability to prevent Alzheimer's. This is in line with the benefits of pegagan leaves in improving the brain's ability to remember and store memories. Pegagan leaves are also believed to enhance the ability of brain cells, thus preventing damage and the emergence of plaques that can trigger Alzheimer's.

6. Overcoming Insomnia

Benefits of pennywort leaves (credit: pixabay)

If you often experience sleep disturbances or insomnia, it doesn't hurt to try overcoming them with pegagan leaves. Yes, pegagan leaves are believed to be able to overcome insomnia. This benefit of pegagan leaves is still related to its ability to overcome stress and promote brain health.

Because, as we know, one of the triggers of sleep disturbances is stress. Therefore, consuming pegagan leaves will be a solution to overcome stress and insomnia at the same time.

7. Masking Stretch Marks

The presence of stretch marks often disturbs a person's confidence. Don't worry, pennywort leaves can be a solution to overcome stretch marks. The terpenoid content in pennywort will increase collagen in the body. This indirectly prevents the appearance of stretch marks. This content is also believed to be able to disguise scars.

8. Side Effects of Pennywort Leaves

There is no doubt that pennywort is a type of plant that can be used for health. However, it turns out that there are several rules that must still be observed when consuming this medicinal plant. Because, just like other medicinal plants, consuming pennywort can also cause various side effects.

As reported by healthline.com, pennywort leaves can cause various side effects such as headaches, stomachaches, and dizziness. In addition, the use of pennywort leaves as a topical medicine can potentially cause irritation. Furthermore, it is not recommended to consume pennywort when pregnant, breastfeeding, or experiencing serious illnesses such as cancer and hepatitis.

Those are some of the benefits of pennywort leaves and their side effects. You can consume them as one of the herbal medicines. However, be careful not to consume them excessively to avoid side effects.

(kpl/psp)