Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is an herbal plant found in tropical and subtropical climates. It is popular in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine and has been called “bramhi” (greatest of the great). It has been used in India to aid in healing of wounds and treat leprosy. In China, it is the herb of choice in promoting longevity.
Natural uses
Gotu Kola is primarily used for venous insufficiency or varicose veins. It is said to reduce swelling, pain, the feeling of heaviness and leakage of fluid from veins. Other proposed uses include treatment of anal fissures, anxiety, hemorrhoids, keloid scars, liver cirrhosis, diseases of the teeth and gums and promotion of wound healing.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) to treat anal fissure
Anal fissure is one of the most common conditions which causes anorectal pain and bleeding. It is a totally separate condition from hemorrhoids, where the blood vessels in the anal area dilate and get damaged during episodes of passing dry, hard stool. Both conditions though, are prevalent to pregnant women and those who underwent difficult childbirth.
In anal fissure, the soft layer (mucosa) of the anus sustained cuts from episodes of explosive diarrhea and constipation. It is accompanied by anal muscle spasms, which slows down the healing of the injured area.
The treatment of fissures center on the prevention of constipated episodes to prevent further injury to the affected area and of course, wound healing. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) to treat anal fissure works by promoting effective blood circulation in the affected area thus making the healing process much faster.
Gotu kola should be paired with sitz bath (sitting in a basin of warm water for 10-15 minutes) two times a day to promote comfort. Warm water also helps in promoting good circulation in the pelvic area. Prevention of constipation can be addressed through increased dietary fiber intake and fluids. Laxatives and fiber supplementation can also be taken to ensure that stools remain soft and easy to expel to prevent aggravating the tears.
If not treated, the fissures may develop scarring and stenosis (hardening), which makes the passageway of the stool narrower. The fissures may also deepen creating “tunnels” which connect the anal canal to other part of the bowel or to the urethra. Nobody wants their feces (poo) going out of the wrong places, thus treatment should be monitored for effectiveness.
Dosage and Route
Products with standardized extracts containing 40% asiaticoside are the best choice. The recommended dose of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) to treat anal fissure is 20 – 60 mg three times a day taken for at least a month.
Side Effects and Precautions
Gotu kola is generally safe to use. Mild allergic reactions may be present though such as skin rash.
It is highly suggested that before taking in any form of drug, a consultation with a health care provider is needed especially when you are going to give them to young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Also, patients with reported serious liver or kidney conditions must exercise caution when taking this herb.
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