Growing natively in tropical climates, gotu kola is an exotic herb that is surrounded by stories and long tales. It is proclaimed to be a wonder herb, enhancing learning and memory in addition to promoting bodily health and well being. On top of that, it is also thought to be beneficial in reducing the appearance of fine facial lines and wrinkles, as well as increasing life expectancy. There seem to be a number of claims made about gotu kola, but just how true can these stories be? Further, why hasn't this herb become a unilateral consideration for promoting health?

Kola Research

Kola, or Gotu Kola, is becoming an increasingly popular herb in the developed world, given its fame for improving memory. Legend has it that elephants, posses a strong memory as a consequence of living off gotu kola stocks. It is thought that the herb possesses certain active ingredients which can be used to enhance memory power. Although research is ongoing into whether or not there is any link between memory and kola consumption, early signs are somewhat surprising. Trials have shown that animals consuming kola extract performed better at simple memory tasks than those who were not subjected to kola. Furthermore, it has also been shown to work with children with learning difficulties, reflecting a trend for increased attention and a greater ability to remember facts. Although testing is still in an early stage, this certainly augers well for potential future uses of kola, which could certainly revolutionise our approach to children with learning difficulties.

Use of Kola

In cultures around the world, kola is good for healing the skin and aiding repair. In addition to that it brings significant wrinkle-reducing properties, which would make it particularly marketable in the event of supporting medical evidence. Unfortunately for the time being, kola derives credibility only from alternative and herbal therapists for its anti-aging properties, despite wild and impressive claims in support. One potential area for expanded research on kola is its impact on varicose veins. Varicose veins and related symptoms can cause sufferers a great deal of discomfort. Kola has shown signs of an ability to calm these symptoms. As is the case with many of the claims made in support of kola, more resources are required to fully uncover the truth in support or denial of these claims.

Kola might be thought of as a wonder herb by alternative therapists, but it has yet to find widespread mainstream recognition for a number of its usages. Despite this, early indications are promising, and kola may indeed become an important herb for future medicinal and therapeutic usage following more advanced research into its properties. Fortunately, its widespread natural occurrence makes it possible to conduct limitless research at very little marginal cost, which should ultimately be reflected in affordable treatments for the consumer. Kola could still prove to be the wonder drug it is claimed – only time will tell for sure.