Brief Background: The most popular use of gotu kola in the United States is the treatment for varicose veins or cellulitis. Expert Opinion and Folkloric Precedent: In Ayurveda (the medicinal tradition of India), gotu kola is called Brahmi, meaning "of divine origin," or "from the god Brahma," and is considered to be a highly spiritual herb. It is said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head, and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Ayurveda regards gotu kola as an important rejuvenating herb for nerve and brain cells, capable of increasing intelligence, longevity and memory. Traditionally, gotu kola is described as bitter, sweet and cool. It purportedly affects the heart and liver, rejuvenates Pitta, inhibits Vata, and helps reduce excessive Kapha. It has been traditionally used by yogis as a food for meditation. In Chinese folk medicine, a tea made of gotu kola leaves is used for respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections, and topical gotu kola is applied to treat snakebites, injuries, and post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles). Gotu kola         Back