Gotu kola is a small, ground-hugging plant grown in India, Pakistan, Madagascar and South Africa. It is also found in Eastern Europe. In Sri Lanka, the plant's leaves are consumed by both humans and animals, especially elephants. Gotu kola has historically been reported to enhance mental activity and help a variety of illnesses, including rheumatism, fevers and high blood pressure.
Practitioners also make a poultice out of gotu kola, which is used to treat many skin conditions.
The primary active ingredients of gotu kola are asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the production of collagen, especially in conjunction with scar tissue. Other studies have shown that gotu kola can help treat burns and wounds, and that it may be helpful in preventing and treating keloid scars. Most practitioners and herbalists recommend 60mg of a standardized gotu kola extract taken two to four times a day. Other providers have suggested 10-20ml of a gotu kola tincture daily.