The efficacy and function of Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica in our lives has attracted our attention because of its extremely high medicinal value. Let’s take a closer look at what Centella asiatica is.

【English name】 HERBA CENTELLAE

[Other names] Bengdawan, horse hoof grass, Gotu kola, shell grass, pennywort, Luodeda

[Source] This product is the dried whole herb of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. of the Umbelliferae family. Harvest in summer and autumn, remove mud and sand, and dry in the sun.

【Properties】 This product often curls up into a ball. The root is cylindrical, 2 to 4 cm long, 1 to 1.5 mm in diameter, and has a light yellow or grayish yellow surface. The stem is slender and curved, yellow-brown, with fine longitudinal wrinkles, and often with fibrous roots on the nodes. The leaves are mostly wrinkled and broken. When intact, they are nearly round or kidney-shaped when flattened, with a diameter of 1 to 4 cm, gray-green, and coarse and blunt teeth on the edges; the petioles are 3 to 6 cm long and twisted. Umbels axillary, short. The double-hanging fruit is oblate, with obvious raised longitudinal ridges and fine reticular patterns, and the fruit stalk is very short. Slight odor, light taste.

[Preparation] Remove impurities, wash, cut into sections and dry in the sun.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, pungent, cold.

[return through] return the liver, spleen and kidney meridians.

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and dampness, detoxifies and reduces swelling. It is used for jaundice caused by damp-heat, diarrhea caused by heatstroke, stranguria caused by sand and blood, carbuncles, sores, and injuries caused by falls.

【Usage and Dosage】 15-30g; double the amount for fresh products.

【Storage】 Store in a dry place.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

[Source] "Ben Jing"

The above only introduces some of the effects and functions of Centella asiatica. In fact, it also has other effects, which I will not introduce here one by one. If you are interested, you can take a look at the effects and matters recorded in medical books.