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on short flower stems that rise reproductive system. It is alsoISTORY from the nodes. said to prevent degeneration ofAlso known as

the brain. Various articles haveArthritis Herb,

been written claiming that byGotu Kola and SESeating 2 leaves a day it is said toIndian Pennywort, Centella asiatica hasprovide relieve for the symptomsthis plant has become embedded been traditionallyof Arthritis.in modern folklore as something used as a medicine

of an elixir of life. for thousands ofLegend suggests it to be capable ULTIVATIONyears and is said to have aof prolonging a mans lifespan by positive effect on skin conditionsat least 50 years. This belief is such as leprosy and psoriasis,said to come from the claim that ulcers, sores, infections andlong-lived, wild animals such as inflammations, upper respiratoryelephants use this herb as a food tract infections, diarrhoea, fevers,plant.

diseases of the femaleIt has long been associated withAyurvedic medicine of India andis often referred to as Brahmi.

ESCRIPTION A creeping Perennial

herb, native totropical and sub-

Tropical Asia, someSouth Pacific islands, coastal andcentral Africa.

Centella has a creeping habit andcan cover a large area, growing indamp open locations includinglawns, along fences, under treesor shrubs and along the edge ofpaths and garden beds. It haslong slender stolons and fromeach node grow severalround, deeply cordate leaves upto 3 cm wide on long leaf stems.

The margins of these leaves canbe smooth or lightly scalloped.

Three or four small purple-redflowers are produced in an umbel

Centella asiaticagrows easily from

division. Being aplant of wet, marshy

areas it prefers moist, rich soil inpartial shade to flourish -the side

of a pond or a naturally boggy areawould be perfect; however, it willalso grow in sunny dry areasthough the leaves wilt usually be alot smaller. Centalla asiatica can bean invasive plant and could cover alarge area quite quickly.

HERB HERBERT

Hardy PerennialCentella asiatica syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica

Family: Umbellifera/Apiacea

C

HERBHERBERTP/L

This Herb description is for informal use only; we cannot accept any liability for any harm or illness arising from the misuse of the plant described above

SPECIAL INTEREST HERBS

TM

Any enquiries can be directed to:

HERB HERBERT P/L PO Box 24 Monbulk Victoria 3793 Australia

E-mail: herb@herbherbert.com

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