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Medicinal Plants
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola, (Centella asiaticum) is a tiny leafed low growing plant
has been called the ‘Elixir of Life’. This ground cover herb, also
known as the arthritis plant, has been used by the Sinhalese and
other people of India who live along the Indian Ocean for many
hundreds of years. They believe that it contains remarkable
longevity qualities.
Two to three small leaves, or one to two large leaves a day are eaten
raw to reduce disorders like poor memory, rheumatism, arthritis,
abscesses and high blood pressure. The natives of India use the
plant medically as a diuretic or stimulant to the kidneys and bladder. It is also believed to be an
aphrodisiac.
This rejuvenating herb has been used medically for impotence, endurance, menopause, fluid
retention, age spots, depression, fatigue, to strengthen the heart, to help the body defend itself
against various toxins and in cancer treatment.
Gota Kola can be eaten straight from the plant, added to salads or chopped up as a last minute
garnish on a meal. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for tea and sweetened with honey if
desired. It is important to take Gota Kola daily and for several weeks before any marked beneficial
effect is felt.
This tonic plant is rich in chlorophyll, vitamins A, B, C, G and K; and particularly the mineral
magnesium. Do not overeat as the results may be headaches, dizziness or too much energy and
sleeplessness at night time. Transient unconsciousness may occur through over consumption. Two
to three small leaves or one to two large leaves daily is said to be sufficient.
The plant is a low growing groundcover with a leaf the size of a thumb nail with a serrated edge. It
has a long tap root and mats over the ground. It grows in sun but will thrive in moist semi-shade
and even grow taller. Indeed, its flavour is milder if grown in shade. It is easy to grow and seems
to adapt to any soils. In fact, Swamp Pennywort grows along Victorian waterways as a weed. If
planted in a pot ensure that enough room is allowed for the plant to spread. The container does not
need to be too deep: an idea may be to plant it in a shallow foam vegetable box. Claims that
Swamp Pennywort is the “Elixir of Life” are difficult to substantiate but many have claimed a
benefit from its daily use. Bulleen Art & Garden cannot obviously guarantee its efficiency:
however, moderate use should not present a risk.
Rau má cây rau, cây thuốc
Rau má là cây nhỏ, mọc bò. Thân rất mảnh, lá mọc so le, thường tụ họp 2-5 lá ở một mấu, mép
khía tai bèo. Hoa màu trắng hoặc hơi đỏ. Quả màu nâu đen, lõm ở đỉnh. Cây mọc tự nhiên ở khắp
nơi, chỗ ẩm mát.
Cách dùng: Cả cây rau má, thu hái quanh năm, dùng tươi hay sao vàng. Dược liệu có vị đắng, hơi
ngọt, mùi thơm, tính mát, có tác dụng thanh nhiệt, giải độc, lợi tiểu, tiêu viêm, sát khuẩn, cầm
máu. Ở miền Nam, rau má tươi được chế biến làm nước giải khát, uống với nước đá. Nhân dân
vẫn ăn rau má hằng ngày như một loại rau sống hoặc nấu canh ăn. Tất cả đều với mục đích giải