Can You Drink Centella Asiatica?
Yes, you can drink Centella asiatica, commonly known as gotu kola, as it has been consumed for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisines throughout Asia. It is often prepared as an herbal tea or a refreshing juice, particularly in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The safety of drinking gotu kola depends largely on the dosage, the duration of consumption, and individual health conditions. While generally well-tolerated in moderate amounts for short-term use, excessive or prolonged consumption can lead to side effects.
Potential Benefits of Drinking Centella Asiatica
Research suggests that the bioactive compounds in Centella asiatica, particularly pentacyclic triterpenoids, are responsible for its therapeutic effects. When ingested, these compounds can offer a range of potential health benefits:
- Improved Cognitive Function: Studies have indicated that oral consumption of Centella asiatica extract may help boost cognitive function, including memory and mood. A 2016 study, for example, found that participants who took Centella asiatica experienced improvements in memory after a stroke.
- Enhanced Blood Circulation: Centella asiatica has been shown to improve blood flow, particularly in individuals with venous insufficiency. It can help reduce fluid retention and swelling in the ankles and legs, making it beneficial for those with poor circulation.
- Reduced Anxiety and Stress: In traditional medicine, gotu kola is often used as a mild sedative and anxiolytic. Some animal studies have shown that it can have anti-anxiety effects, and a 2013 review supported its potential use for acute anxiety.
- Wound Healing: Although often associated with topical application for wound healing, oral ingestion can also aid this process. The triterpenoids in Centella asiatica are thought to increase collagen production and blood flow to wounds, promoting faster recovery.
- Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: The compounds in Centella asiatica possess antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce systemic inflammation.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While beneficial, drinking Centella asiatica is not without potential risks, especially when taken in high doses or for extended periods. The following side effects have been reported:
- Drowsiness and Dizziness: High doses of Centella asiatica can have sedative effects, causing extreme drowsiness or dizziness. This is particularly important for those taking other sedatives or sleep aids.
- Stomach Upset: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea. Starting with a low dose can help minimize this risk.
- Liver Damage: Rare instances of acute liver injury have been linked to oral consumption of Centella asiatica, though the risk is low. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should avoid consuming it orally.
- Drug Interactions: Centella asiatica can interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes (as it may lower blood sugar), diuretics (increasing fluid loss), and sedatives (amplifying their effects). It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you are on medication.
How to Prepare and Consume Centella Asiatica
Drinking Centella asiatica can be done in various ways. The most common is brewing it into a tea. Here is a simple preparation guide:
- Gather Ingredients: You will need either fresh or dried Centella asiatica leaves. Fresh leaves will have a milder, more delicate flavor, while dried leaves offer a more concentrated taste.
- Rinse and Chop: If using fresh leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold water and chop them roughly to release their flavors.
- Heat Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil. The amount of water will depend on your desired strength, but a general ratio is 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves or a small handful of fresh leaves per cup of water.
- Steep the Leaves: Add the leaves to the boiling water, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. For a milder infusion, simply turn off the heat after adding the leaves and let it steep.
- Strain and Serve: Pour the tea through a strainer into a mug. You can drink it hot or let it cool and serve it over ice. It can be sweetened with honey or jaggery, or enhanced with a splash of lemon juice.
For those who do not wish to prepare a tea, Centella asiatica supplements in capsule form are widely available.
Comparison: Oral vs. Topical Use of Centella Asiatica
| Feature | Oral Consumption | Topical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | Ingested via tea, juice, capsules, or food. | Applied directly to the skin via creams, ointments, gels, or serums. |
| Primary Benefits | Enhances circulation, improves cognitive function, reduces anxiety, and systemic anti-inflammatory effects. | Promotes wound healing, minimizes scars, soothes irritation, hydrates skin, and provides anti-aging effects. |
| Risk of Systemic Side Effects | Potential for dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, and rare liver issues. | Localized side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or allergic reactions are possible, but rare. |
| Absorption Mechanism | Active compounds are absorbed through the digestive system and distributed throughout the body. | Compounds are absorbed directly into the dermal layers of the skin for targeted action. |
| Precautions | Avoid use with liver disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or specific medications. Limit use to 6-week periods. | Always perform a patch test to check for allergic reactions before full application. |
Who Should Exercise Caution?
Certain individuals should be particularly cautious or avoid oral consumption of Centella asiatica entirely:
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals: Due to insufficient data on its safety during pregnancy and lactation, oral use is not recommended.
- Individuals with Liver Disease: Rare cases of liver injury have been reported, making it a risk for those with pre-existing liver conditions.
- Diabetics: Gotu kola can influence blood sugar levels, and therefore people taking diabetes medication should consult their doctor before use.
- Those on Sedatives: Because of its potential sedative effects, it should not be combined with medications for sleep or anxiety.
- Individuals Undergoing Surgery: It is recommended to stop using gotu kola at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Conclusion
Drinking Centella asiatica is a practice deeply rooted in traditional medicine and culinary use. When consumed in moderate, recommended doses for short-term periods, it can offer benefits such as improved circulation, cognitive function, and reduced anxiety. However, oral consumption carries some risks, including potential liver issues and drug interactions. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Always source your herbs from a reputable provider to ensure they are free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals.
For more detailed information on herbal safety, consider consulting resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) LiverTox database.
