Arthritis Plant

Arthritis Plant When we think about herbs, we immediately come up with things like parsley, sage and thyme--all of southern European origins. We don't tend to hear much about those from Asia, let alone native Australian herbs. Gotu kola is more commonly known here as the arthritis plant (botanically Centella asiatica and Hydrocotle asiatica). It combines European, Asian and Australian influences in a curious way. This herb has long been cultivated in India, China, tropical Asia and Africa. It comes from the same family of plants best known as European herb parsley and it has such close relatives in Australia that botanists are having some trouble separating varieties. Fascinating, I can hear you saying, but what does it mean to me? Some of the claims made by traditional societies are indeed fascinating: the extension of life, control of tuberculosis and leprosy, relief of high blood pressure and the pain and swelling associated with arthritis as well as a treatment for cancer and irritating skin ailments. If I had mentioned baldness and impotence, then there would not be too many who would not be reading with rapt attention. Well, I've not found any direct references so far; however, gotu kola has been referred to as Indian Ginseng because of its stimulating effects on many parts of the body. Gotu kola has been used as a medicine for thousands of years in countries where it grew naturally. It is claimed to have beneficial effect on a number of other ailments including psoriasis, ulcers, rheumatism, acute infections and inflammation, upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, fevers and diseases of the female reproductive organs. Modern clinical tests on humans and animals have confirmed a positive effect in the treatment of skin ailments such as ulcers, burns and wounds. The recommended daily dose is two leaves of 40mm diameter per adult, or the equivalent in smaller leaves. The leaves have a bitter taste particularly if grown in full sun. You may be able to eat the leaves straight from the plant or alternatively they can be chopped up and used like a parsley garnish on salads or mashed potato. It is commonly used to flavour rice dishes in Southeast Asia. A weak tea can be made which you might like to sweeten with honey. The naturally occurring organic chemicals in the leaves include strong alkaloids and a carcinogen called asiaticoside. It is recommended therefore, that you do not exceed this dose as symptoms of headache, dizziness and insomnia have been reported. The thing that impresses me about the herb is the amount of positive feedback that I have received from customers who have tried it on a regular basis. I was very sceptical when first I read of a NSW couple who believed that the herb had cured them both of severe arthritis. Since the article appeared in The Women's Weekly, many Western Australians have purchased the plant and commenced using it on a daily basis. The anecdotal information pointing to positive effects has been overwhelming. Gotu Kola goes by the common name of swamp pennywort and this is a clue to its preferred environment, which is shady and swampy. In such a location this plant can grow very quickly to the point where it can take on weed status. The related Hydrocotle ranunculoides is already a declared weed in WA. Hydrocotle cordifolia is native to WA and all other states except the Northern Territory. Here it is found in winter wet depressions on the coastal Plain from Gin Gin to Bunbury and along the south coast to Bremmer Bay. Reports to date are that this local produces similar beneficial effects. Gotu kola can be easily grown in the home garden. It thrives under shade in pots, hanging baskets and particularly in bog gardens or by a pond. I think it is a good idea to keep this plant in a confined position such as a tub to prevent it from escaping into the bush. A good quality potting mix, one bearing the Australian Standards logo will see this plant take off quickly. Product used: Bailey’s potting mix .

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