Herbal remedies using Centella (Centella asiatica). Also known as gotu kola, Indian pennywort and pegaga

The use of herbal remedies, including the herb centella (also known as gotu kola,
Indian pennywort, pegaga), classified as Centella asiatica, are popular as an
alternative to standard Western allopathic medicine for a variety of problems,
including senility, rheumatism as well as skin conditions.
Centella asiatica is an effective remedy for various ailments, and this natural
holistic approach to health is becoming more and more popular, but should NOT
replace conventional medicine or prescription drugs.

Centella asiatica
This herb is also known as Centella asiatica, and has certain therapeutic
properties and the reported benefits of using it internally, in the form of a herbal
tea (infusion) are listed below.

Centella asiatica benefits:
· rheumatism
· extra vitality
· increasing brain power
· lowering blood sugar levels
· skin conditions
· increased concentration
· poor circulation
· arthritis
· senility
· varicose veins

Which part to use for centella herbal tea
The leaves are used for making the brew.

PLEASE NOTE: Ingesting large quantities of this herb is not advised as it can
cause headaches and may also interfere with hypoglycemic medication.

Making herbal tea
The standard way to make an infusion, unless otherwise specified, is to pour a
cup of boiling water over the material to be infused, let it stand for 5 minutes,
strain it, and drink it.
· Fresh plant material
o When the recipe refers to fresh plant material to be used, a 1/4
cup fresh material is used, following the method above.
· Dried material
o When the recipe refers to using dried material, use 2 teaspoons
of material when making it.
· Bark or seeds
o Should the recipe call for bark or seeds to be used, use 2
teaspoons of seeds or 1 tablespoon of bark.
· Sweetening your infusion
o You could sweeten your health drink with honey, should you so
require, and a dash of fresh lemon juice may also enhance the
taste.

General warning when using herbal infusions
· Only use the herbal material if you are 100% sure that it really the herb in
question.
· If you are ill or have any health concerns, consult your health practitioner.
· Do not continuously drink the same infusion. At maximum use for 10 days
and then skip 5 days.
· Only have one cup of herbal infusion per day, except during acute periods
- such as when you have a cold or flu, you can then have it three times a
day, but for a maximum of 4 days.
· When you use herbal remedies, be aware that they can be extremely
powerful, and should you have any side effects when taking these
infusions, immediately stop using the herb and consult your health
practitioner right away.