Is drinking pennywort good for you? Exploring the health benefits and risks

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

For thousands of years, pennywort, or Centella asiatica, has been a staple in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, valued for its wide range of purported therapeutic properties. This humble creeping herb has long been consumed as a traditional tea or juice to promote wellness, but modern science is now shedding light on its specific effects.

Quick Summary

Pennywort, known as gotu kola, offers potential benefits for cognitive function, skin, and circulation, but excessive consumption can cause side effects. This article discusses the scientific evidence and safety considerations for drinking this traditional herb.

Key Points

Cognitive Boost: Pennywort has shown promise in improving memory and learning, particularly after conditions like stroke.
Enhanced Circulation: It can improve microcirculation and reduce swelling associated with venous insufficiency.
Skin Healing Properties: The herb promotes collagen synthesis, which aids in wound healing and minimizing scars.
Calming Effects: Traditionally used to reduce anxiety and stress, pennywort has mild sedative properties at higher doses.
Caution for Certain Groups: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with liver disease, and individuals on sedatives, diabetes, or diuretic medications should be cautious or avoid it.
Monitor Dosage and Duration: Excessive consumption can cause headaches, dizziness, and stomach upset. Long-term use should be managed with breaks, and a healthcare provider should be consulted.

Understanding Pennywort (Gotu Kola)

Pennywort (scientific name: Centella asiatica), also known as Gotu Kola, is a leafy green herb native to the tropical and subtropical wetlands of Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa. Historically, it has been used as both a culinary ingredient and a medicinal herb in traditional health systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In places like Vietnam, it is a popular ingredient in refreshing, cooling drinks, especially during hot weather. The therapeutic effects of pennywort are primarily attributed to its high concentration of triterpenoid saponins, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These powerful plant compounds are responsible for much of the herb's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties.

The Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Pennywort

Scientific research, while often preclinical, points to several potential health advantages associated with consuming pennywort.

Boosts Cognitive Function: One of the most celebrated uses of pennywort is its effect on brain health. Studies have shown that supplementation with Gotu Kola can lead to improved memory and learning ability. A 2016 study comparing Gotu Kola with folic acid in post-stroke patients found Gotu Kola to be more effective at improving memory. The herb's neuroprotective effects may also help combat oxidative stress in the brain.
Enhances Blood Circulation: Pennywort has been studied for its ability to improve microcirculation, especially in people with venous insufficiency or diabetes-related small vessel damage. It has been shown to reduce fluid retention and swelling, particularly in the ankles, and may help strengthen blood vessel walls.
Supports Wound and Skin Healing: Although primarily studied in topical applications, the compounds in pennywort that aid in wound healing can also be absorbed internally. The herb stimulates collagen synthesis, which is crucial for skin repair and minimizing scars. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help soothe skin conditions from the inside out.
Reduces Anxiety and Stress: Traditional medicine has long used pennywort for its calming properties. Research suggests it can reduce the acoustic startle reflex, a marker for anxiety, and has been found to help alleviate symptoms of depression in studies involving participants with anxiety disorders.
Acts as a Potent Antioxidant: The plant's rich antioxidant content, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, helps to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This reduces oxidative stress, which contributes to aging and various chronic diseases.
Provides Anti-inflammatory Effects: The triterpenoids in pennywort exhibit strong anti-inflammatory actions. This can be beneficial for systemic inflammation and conditions like arthritis, where it has been shown to reduce joint inflammation.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Precautions

While generally considered safe in moderate doses, excessive consumption or underlying health conditions can pose risks.

Side Effects of High Doses: Taking too much pennywort can cause adverse effects such as dizziness, excessive drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and stomach pain. Starting with a low dose and monitoring your body's reaction is advisable.
Rare Liver Complications: Although rare, there have been isolated reports linking oral pennywort consumption to liver injury. Individuals with pre-existing liver disease should avoid using it.
Drug Interactions: Pennywort can potentially interact with certain medications. It may lower blood sugar, affecting those on diabetes medication. It also has a mild sedative effect, which can be amplified by other sedatives. Additionally, it can act as a diuretic, potentially increasing fluid loss when combined with diuretic medications.
Contraindications: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, those with liver disease, and anyone scheduled for surgery within two weeks should avoid pennywort. Chronic use is not recommended; most sources suggest a limit of about six weeks, with a two-week break between cycles.

How to Prepare a Pennywort Drink

Making a fresh pennywort drink, known as Nuoc Rau Ma in Vietnam, is a simple process.

Preparation: Thoroughly wash a handful of fresh pennywort leaves and stems. Remove any tough, thick stems.
Blend: Place the washed leaves in a blender with cold water (approximately 2 cups per handful) and a small amount of sugar or other sweetener to taste. A blend with coconut milk or pineapple can also be created for a richer flavor.
Strain: Blend until the leaves are completely pulverized and the mixture is vibrant green. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter the liquid, discarding the pulp.
Serve: Pour the fresh juice over ice and enjoy immediately for the best taste and color. The flavor is a unique mix of earthy, green notes with a slight bitterness.

Pennywort (Gotu Kola) vs. Green Tea


Feature	Pennywort (Gotu Kola)	Green Tea
Primary Benefits	Cognitive enhancement, circulation, anti-inflammatory, wound healing	Antioxidant, metabolism boost, heart health, cancer-preventive properties
Key Compounds	Triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside)	Polyphenols (catechins, EGCG)
Caffeine Content	None	Contains caffeine
Sedative Effects	Mild sedative properties (in higher doses)	Mild stimulant effect (due to caffeine)
Traditional Use	Ayurvedic, Chinese Medicine; calming, longevity	Japanese, Chinese culture; energy, health

Conclusion: Is Drinking Pennywort Right for You?

Drinking pennywort can be a healthful addition to your routine, offering benefits for cognitive function, circulation, and skin health, backed by traditional use and emerging research. However, it is not a cure-all, and potential side effects from excessive intake or drug interactions should be considered. Like many herbal supplements, moderation and caution are key. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those on medications should always consult a healthcare provider before starting a pennywort regimen, particularly for prolonged use. For authoritative information on potential liver-related effects, refer to the National Institutes of Health's LiverTox database: Centella asiatica - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf. This ensures that you can safely enjoy the benefits of this traditional herb without unnecessary risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking pennywort in moderation is generally safe for most people. However, high doses or prolonged, continuous use can lead to side effects like drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. It's often recommended to take a break after about 6 weeks of regular consumption.

Excessive intake of pennywort can cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and stomach pain. It is advisable to start with a low dose to see how your body reacts.

Yes, pennywort can potentially interact with medications. It might lower blood sugar, so caution is advised for people with diabetes. It also has mild sedative effects and may interact with sedatives. Additionally, it has a diuretic effect, which could cause increased fluid loss with water pills.

No, it is advised that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid drinking pennywort. There is insufficient evidence on its oral safety for these groups, and some historical uses suggest caution regarding fertility.

While traditional medicine has used pennywort for liver issues, rare cases of liver injury have been reported with oral use. People with pre-existing liver disease should not use pennywort, as it might worsen their condition.

To prepare a basic drink, blend washed pennywort leaves with cold water and a sweetener of your choice (like sugar or honey). Strain the mixture to remove the pulp, and serve over ice.

Pure pennywort juice has an earthy, slightly bitter taste. Many prefer to balance this flavor by adding sweeteners or blending it with other ingredients like coconut milk or fruits.

Yes, pennywort is one of the common names for Centella asiatica, which is also widely known as Gotu Kola, particularly in Ayurvedic and Western contexts.