Meet Gotu Kola, the Ancient Herb with Amazing Anti-Aging Benefits

Aging. Some welcome it with grace and confidence; others build an arsenal to fight off its advances. Whether you belong to the former or the latter, we can all agree on one thing: we can do without the wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Lucky for us, an unassuming little plant found in the wetlands of Asia and Africa may just be the closest we’ll ever get to the fountain of youth. Gotu kola—prized since ancient times by Daoist masters, monks and yogis for its cognitive and spiritual benefits—is fast becoming a favorite in modern medicine and skin care for its healing abilities and anti-aging properties.

Also known by its scientific name centella asiatica or commonly as pennywort, gotu kola is best known in the ancient world for its health benefits (improves brain function, eases anxiety, treats infections and is revered as an herb of longevity, among others). Today, it’s one of the most common ingredients in skin care products, thanks to is potent combination of amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids and phytochemicals—everything the skin needs to fight off the signs of aging and to protect itself from environmental stressors.

Gotu kola is rich in triternene saponins—a compound that helps keep skin tighter and firmer—and is also a great source of phytonutrients called flavonoids that act as antioxidants and fight off free radical damage. It boosts the formation of collagen and skin tissue, which is crucial in maintaining the skin’s elasticity and youthful glow. Another benefit that gotu kola is most known for is its ability to improve blood circulation. This speeds up the skin’s healing process (goodbye, pimple scars and blemishes!) and makes it effective in treating varicose veins, broken capillaries and stubborn cellulite. This also helps hair loss problems as better circulation means improved delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp. Because of its potent health and skin care properties, gotu kola is often featured as a key ingredient in serums, eye creams and beauty oils. It can also be consumed as tea or taken as a food supplement.

Now who needs that mythical fountain when gotu kola’s wealth of benefits are right at our fingertips? Here’s a list of our favorite products that harness the power of this miracle herb!

1. iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum (1 oz.)

iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum (1 oz.)

iS Clinical Gift

148 reviews

$99.00

30ml

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Hydra-Cool Serum contains the powerful, healing antioxidant centella asiatica with vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid and soothing menthol. It works to hydrate and nourish the skin while providing intense protection through antioxidants. Ideal for all ages and all skin types, including sensitive, just-sunburned skin. Apply sparingly to clean skin over face and neck.

2. SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair (1.35 fl. oz.)

SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair (1.35 fl. oz.)

Authorized Retailer

103 reviews

$90.00

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A moisturising lotion for skin in need of soothing, SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair rebalances sensitive skin for an even, hydrated and smooth complexion. Blending renewing beta glucan and protective gotu kola extract, this ultra calming lotion is designed to repair skin's barrier function and minimize redness. Apply once daily to affected areas, as needed. Also recommended for use after a chemical peel, laser treatment or microdermabrasion to reduce discomfort and soothe any irritation, redness or inflammation.

3. Naturopathica Gotu Kola Intense Repair Balm (2.8 fl. oz.)

Naturopathica Gotu Kola Intense Repair Balm (2.8 fl. oz.)

5 reviews

$73.00

COMING SOON

The perfect antidote to dry skin, Naturopathica's Gotu Kola Intense Repair Balm luxuriously melts onto skin and delivers an instant boost of soothing hydration. Fueled by reparative gotu kola leaf extract, this intensely nourishing formula targets areas of dryness and inflammation, with raspberry oil providing rich omega fatty acids to boost skin barrier. Key Benefits:Deeply hydrates skin, helps improve skin barrier health and soothes sensitive skin.

4. HUM Nutrition Uber Energy (60 count)

HUM Nutrition Uber Energy (60 count)

22 reviews

$26.00

COMING SOON

HUM Nutrition's Uber Energy® provides consistent energy throughout the day, to eliminate any midday slump. In clinical studies, the ingredients that powder HUM's energy supplement have been proven effective at increasing productivity and fighting fatigue, all without causing any jittery feeling. Think of this supplement as your daily pick-me-up. Key Ingredients: *Vitamin C: has been clinically proven to boost your metabolism *L-tyrosine and Rhodiola Rosea: hold off fatigue, increase productivity and help you to maintain calm in stressful situations *Gotu Kola: reduces fatigue

5. SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline (2 oz.)

SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline (2 oz.)

$128 Gift

37 reviews

$106.00

2 oz.

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SkinMedica's Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline minimizes the appearance of scarring caused by minor injuries, cosmetic surgery or c-sections. Powered by lactic acid, this scar gel gently brightens and exfoliates to encourage cell renewal while olive oil improves tone and elasticity. Nourishing centella asiatica aids in alleviating wounds while antioxidant-enriched oleuropein fights free radicals.Key Ingredients: * Centelline®: a synergistic complex comprising centella asiatica, bulbine frutescens and oleuropein that helps minimize the appearance of scars.