Is Pennywort Safe to Eat? A Guide to Identification and Consumption

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Centuries of traditional use suggest that certain species of pennywort are edible and offer health benefits, but is pennywort safe to eat for everyone, and how can you ensure proper identification before consumption? While several plants share the name, it is critical to distinguish between harmless, beneficial types like Gotu Kola and potentially look-alike plants found in the wild. This guide breaks down the safety profile, identifies key species, and provides instructions for safe preparation.

Quick Summary

This guide details the safety of consuming various pennywort species, emphasizing crucial identification tips and safe preparation methods to minimize risks. It covers potential health benefits and addresses side effects and drug interactions to ensure responsible use.

Key Points

Identify the Right Species: The name 'pennywort' covers several plants; edible types include Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris), and Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle umbellata), which must be distinguished from harmful look-alikes.
Source Cleanly: Always harvest foraged pennywort from unpolluted water sources and wash it thoroughly to remove dirt and contaminants.
Beware of Side Effects: While generally safe, excessive consumption of Gotu Kola can cause mild side effects like dizziness, headache, or stomach upset.
Monitor for Drug Interactions: Pennywort can interact with medications for diabetes and high cholesterol, as well as diuretics.
Use Caution with Liver Conditions: Those with liver disease or taking high doses of concentrated extracts should be cautious, as rare cases of liver injury have been reported with Gotu Kola.
Cook or Eat Raw: Edible pennywort varieties can be safely consumed in salads, teas, juices, and cooked dishes.

A Tale of Two Pennyworts: The Importance of Identification

One of the most important aspects of knowing if pennywort is safe to eat is recognizing that 'pennywort' is a common name applied to several distinct plants. The confusion often lies between edible varieties used in traditional medicine and cooking and potentially harmful look-alikes. The three most commonly encountered edible pennyworts are Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola), Umbilicus rupestris (Wall Pennywort or Navelwort), and Hydrocotyle umbellata (Dollarweed). Meanwhile, other species like the invasive Hydrocotyle ranunculoides can be mistaken for its edible cousins. A misidentification can lead to consuming a plant with unwanted side effects, or one that has absorbed pollutants from its environment.

Edible Pennyworts: Profiles in Safety and Use

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola): This Asian perennial herb is widely used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine and is consumed as a vegetable. It is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses.

Culinary Uses: Often juiced, used in salads, teas, or stir-fries.
Health Benefits: Contains pentacyclic triterpenoids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It is also linked to improved cognitive function and skin health.
Safety Notes: Though rare, there are documented instances of acute liver injury with jaundice associated with high doses or improper use of Centella extracts. It can also cause transient side effects like headache, dizziness, and stomach upset.

Umbilicus Rupestris (Wall Pennywort or Navelwort): Native to Europe, this succulent plant is known for its fleshy, round leaves.

Culinary Uses: The leaves, stems, and seeds are all edible and often eaten raw in salads or cooked. Its mild flavor is best when harvested in winter or spring.
Safety Notes: Little is documented on its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so caution is advised.

Hydrocotyle Umbellata (Dollarweed): This North American aquatic plant has a mild, sweet flavor and is edible.

Culinary Uses: Commonly used in salads, juices, or stir-fries, similar to Gotu Kola.
Safety Notes: Similar to other foraged aquatic plants, it is crucial to harvest from a clean, unpolluted water source and wash thoroughly.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Pennywort

For most people, moderate consumption of properly identified and prepared pennywort is unlikely to cause issues. However, certain risks must be considered before integrating this herb into your diet, especially when taking supplements or consuming large quantities.

Side effects to watch for:

Gastrointestinal Issues: Some people may experience digestive upset, including nausea, bloating, or diarrhea, particularly with excessive intake.
Drowsiness: High doses, especially of Gotu Kola, can cause drowsiness or headache in some individuals.
Liver Damage: While extremely rare, liver toxicity has been reported, mainly with Gotu Kola extracts. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should avoid or consult a doctor before use.
Drug Interactions: Pennywort can potentially interact with various medications. It may affect blood sugar levels, impacting diabetes medication, and has diuretic properties that could interfere with diuretic drugs. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential if you are on medication.
Foraging Risks: Contamination from polluted water sources or misidentification with poisonous plants is a significant risk for wild-harvested pennywort. Always harvest from a clean environment and be certain of the plant's identity.

Safe Preparation and Consumption

To ensure pennywort is safe to eat, always follow these best practices:

Source Wisely: Purchase pennywort from a reputable vendor or, if foraging, be 100% certain of the species and harvest from a clean water source, far from agricultural runoff or industrial waste.
Wash Thoroughly: Clean the leaves and stems meticulously under running water to remove all dirt, sediment, and potential contaminants. Soaking in a bowl of cold water can also help dislodge dirt.
Limit Dosage (for supplements): When using concentrated forms like capsules or extracts, follow the recommended dosage and take breaks. For Gotu Kola, a cycle of 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off is sometimes suggested.
Start Small: If you have never consumed pennywort before, start with a small amount to gauge your body's reaction before increasing your intake.

Comparison of Edible Pennywort Species


Feature	Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)	Umbilicus Rupestris (Navelwort)	Hydrocotyle Umbellata (Dollarweed)
Appearance	Rounded to kidney-shaped leaves, green to reddish stolons, small pink/purple flowers.	Fleshy, round, green leaves with a central depression like a navel, bell-shaped pale green/pink flowers.	Rounded, sometimes kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges; stem is typically attached near the center.
Habitat	Tropical and subtropical regions; damp areas like rice paddies.	Rocky habitats, old stone walls, western parts of the UK.	Aquatic or semi-aquatic plant, wetlands, and wet meadows in North America.
Culinary Uses	Salads, juices, teas, stir-fries, curries.	Fresh leaves in salads, candied stems and leaves.	Salads, juices, stir-fries.
Taste Profile	Mildly bitter and herbaceous.	Mild and juicy, best in winter/spring.	Mild, slightly sweet.
Primary Concerns	Rare liver toxicity, especially at high doses.	Few recorded safety studies for pregnancy/nursing.	Foraging from polluted water sources.

Conclusion

For most healthy individuals, certain varieties of pennywort are safe to eat when properly identified and prepared. The edible forms, including Centella asiatica and Umbilicus rupestris, have been valued for centuries both culinarily and medicinally. However, the key to safe consumption lies in three principles: correct identification of the species, ensuring the plant is sourced from a clean environment, and practicing moderation. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those on medication for diabetes, cholesterol, or blood pressure should exercise caution and seek medical advice before consuming pennywort. Always thoroughly wash foraged pennywort to eliminate potential contaminants, and if experiencing any adverse effects, discontinue use immediately. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the nutritional and potential health benefits this diverse group of plants has to offer.

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for any health concerns or before starting a new supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Edible species include Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), Wall Pennywort or Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris), and Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle umbellata). It is critical to identify the species correctly before consumption.

To prepare pennywort safely, wash it thoroughly under running water to remove all dirt and sediment, especially if it was foraged from a wild area. It can then be eaten raw, juiced, or cooked.

Edible pennyworts, particularly Gotu Kola, are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, and possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also traditionally used to promote skin health and cognitive function.

Yes, some potential side effects from excessive intake include headache, dizziness, nausea, and stomach upset. Rare cases of liver issues have been linked to high doses of Gotu Kola extracts.

No, individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should avoid or consult a doctor before consuming Gotu Kola or other pennywort extracts, as rare instances of liver toxicity have been reported.

Yes, pennywort may interact with medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, and blood thinners, and it may also have diuretic effects that interfere with other diuretic drugs. Consult a healthcare provider if you are taking medication.

Gotu Kola is a type of pennywort (Centella asiatica), but not all plants called pennywort are Gotu Kola. It is a common name applied to several distinct species.

Edible pennywort species like Gotu Kola and Navelwort have distinct leaf shapes and habitats. Look for rounded leaves, and if foraging, be certain of the identification to avoid confusion with similar-looking, potentially toxic plants.