Nature gave man an incredible amount of herbs and fruitful plants to strengthen and restore health, to preserve youth and beauty. Many of them are known since ancient times, but continue to surprise today with their miraculous properties.
Such priceless gifts include the centella asiatica. Its other names are tiger grass, thymewort and gotu kola. This is a perennial creeping plant of the umbrella family, which was discovered by Ayurvedic medicine more than three thousand years ago. Thanks to a rather extensive range of beneficial properties, this herb is used not only for medicinal purposes.
Description and distribution
Centella asiatica (gotu kola) is easily recognizable. In nature, it occurs along ditches and in swamps, spreads in thickets along the ground, has small, rounded, bud-shaped leaves on short petioles with a voluminous hole and nondescript yellowish (reddish) flowers. Centella asiatica, despite the geographical 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 discovery of a healing plant was greatly facilitated by observation of the animal kingdom. So, for example, Asian tigers, having received wounds when fighting with the enemy, hunting or experiencing internal ailments, found centella thickets and literally rolled their backs on them. Probably, from here the plant got its other name - tiger grass.
Growing
The plant is unpretentious in care and does not require top dressing, fertilizer, loves humid low places. Most often it grows wildly, but it is easy to cultivate. In nature, the plant reaches a height of no more than three centimeters, in private areas with moderate soil fertility it can grow up to 15 cm. Centella is able to quickly and strongly grow and capture other areas of the earth. So that it does not turn into a weed, it is necessary to periodically thin out the shoots.
In the absence of a plot, Centella asiatica can be grown as a houseplant. To do this, you will need a wide low pot with drainage holes, maintaining the moisture of the earthen coma and the absence of direct sunlight.
The properties
The healing properties of Centella Asiatica have long been known. If earlier it was used only for the treatment of colds and the rapid healing of wounds, today the range of useful qualities has expanded significantly. Among the main ones are anti-aging, moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and strengthening actions.
Extract of Centella asiatica (centella asiatica) activates collagen synthesis in the dermis, increases blood microcirculation and skin regeneration, smoothes wrinkles. Ayurvedic medicine attributes to Centella Asian antibacterial properties that help in regulating the body's metabolic processes and fighting infections, as well as a strengthening and stimulating effect on brain and nerve cells.
Application
Thanks to such a rich list of useful qualities, Centella Asiatica is widely used in cosmetology for facial skin care, in traditional medicine, modern pharmaceuticals and in healthy nutrition.
In medicine
On the medical side, there is a huge list of problems that Centella Asiatica helps to fight. So, plant extract is used in the treatment of fever, hypertension, asthma, tuberculosis, epilepsy, peptic ulcer, neurosis, varicose veins. In addition, tinctures and decoctions are prepared from the roots and stalks of Centella Asiatica. They are used as a means to combat and prevent dermatological problems (acne, burns, psoriasis, eczema). It is also known that the plant increases mental activity, so its use is useful to students and teenagers of advanced age. Relatively recently, science has shown the positive effect of Centella Asiatica in the treatment of cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
In cosmetology
The plant perfectly absorbs scars, smoothes scars, heals deep wounds, relieves swelling and fights cellulite. Periodic use of anti-aging treatments with Centella asiatica makes the skin elastic, smooth and gives it a fresh, natural look.
In cooking
Shredded leaves of grass are added to food and drinks as a tonic, antiseptic, and mild laxative. The roots of the plant go to food. Dairy decoctions from this herb in Asian countries are used as an effective tonic for the nervous system. In addition, centella and ginseng teas, salads and curries (seasoning) are popular there.
Preparations
Today, there are many cosmetics and medicines that include Centella Asiatica. Preparations include creams for face and body skin, gels, capsules for oral administration, anti-aging masks, serums, tinctures, essential oils and ointments. Centella asiatica is used to create anti-cellulite cosmetics, lotions for problem skin and oils after tanning. Also, the herb is part of dietary supplements against alcohol dependence (for example, "Alcostop").
Cosmetics using Centella Asiatica have special conditions of use and storage. So, 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 lower shelf) and in a tightly closed container. This helps to preserve all the healing properties of the components.
Contraindications
Centella asiatica has no contraindications and side effects. Its use can be limited only by individual intolerance. And although the healing properties of the plant help in the treatment of many diseases, skin aging and are especially effective for pregnant women, this is not a panacea for all diseases. Moderate doses of extracts and oils should be observed to avoid allergic reactions. Before use, it is advisable to consult a specialist.