We all know the importance of water and making sure we drink enough daily, but is it possible to make water even healthier? There sure is and that is by steeping it with your choice of tea leaves or herbs. One herb you should consider adding to your herbal tea collection is gotu kola (also commonly known as pennywort).
Gotu kola is a creeping perennial, that predominately grows in Asian and African wetlands. The leaves, stems, and roots of the plant are consumed for medicinal purposes. The human brain shape of its leaves may be a hint from Mother Nature of its superpowers.
Gotu Kola holds many titles but the most impressive one is “miracle elixir of life” and it is good for whatever ails you. This antioxidant rich herb is used in wound healing and treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, leprosy, and eczema, treating lupus, reducing fever, improving blood circulation, fluid retention, ankle swelling, and reducing varicose veins, reducing inflammation, easing depression and anxiety, improving cognition and boosting memory, treatment of amenorrhea and disease of the female reproductive and urinary systems, fighting free radicals that can cause gastric ulcers, and promoting liver and kidney health. In addition, gotu kola is great for the meditator in you and can assist with entering the “Flow State”.
As a tea, 1-2 teaspoons of dried gotu kola leaves should be steeped in 6 oz of water that has been brought to a boil, for 10-15 minutes. It is recommended to drink 3 cups of gotu kola tea daily for therapeutic benefits.
Gotu kola can be consumed for up to 6 weeks and then a break of 2 weeks is needed before restarting. Gotu kola should not be consumed by pregnant or lactating women, in combination with sedatives or medications for anxiety or sleep disorders. Do not use within 14 days of surgical procedure.
Sounds like a tea for you? You may find this herb in our BE brainy Green Tea Blend on www.Etsy.com/shop/BEleafWellnessTeas.
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