Gotu-Kola (Centella Asiatica)

Common Names: Gotu-Kola, Indian Pennywort, Brahmi (in Ayurvedic medicine)
Scientific Name: Centella Asiatica
Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Habitat: Native to wetland areas in Asia, but widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Can be found in parts of the UK in greenhouses or in herbal gardens as a cultivated plant.

Leaves: Fresh or dried leaves are the primary medicinal part, typically used for infusions, powders, or tinctures.
Stems: The stems contain some active compounds but are less commonly used.
Root (less common): Sometimes used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for its rejuvenating properties.

Cognitive function and mental clarity: Gotu-Kola is thought to help stimulate the brain and enhance mental focus, which can be beneficial for working horses or those undergoing training.
Wound healing: Known for its wound healing properties, Gotu-Kola may be useful for aiding skin regeneration and scar tissue healing in horses.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Helps to reduce inflammation in horses with conditions like arthritis or joint pain.
Circulatory health: Can support blood flow, helping to improve circulation, especially in older horses or those with circulation issues.

Gotu-Kola Powder or Tincture: Add dried leaves to the horse's feed or provide tincture.
Herbal Tea: A mild tea can be made. This can be mixed with feed or offered as drinking water.

Monitor for overstimulation: Horses with sensitive systems should start with lower doses to prevent nervousness or overstimulation.
Kidney function: While generally safe, ensure that horses with compromised kidney function consult a vet before using Gotu-Kola.

Cognitive support: Gotu-Kola is sometimes used in senior dogs to help improve cognitive function and memory retention, particularly for dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (doggy dementia).
Wound healing: Known for its skin regeneration properties, it can aid in healing minor wounds, cuts, or scars in dogs.
Anti-inflammatory: May help soothe joint inflammation and provide relief from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Digestive health: Can aid in digestive rejuvenation and soothe minor digestive disturbances.

Gotu-Kola Tea or Tincture: You can make a tea. Offer daily, adjusting based on size.
Powdered Gotu-Kola: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried powder into your dog's food for daily use.

Avoid large doses in small or very sensitive dogs, as it may cause restlessness or stomach upset.
Not recommended for dogs with severe liver or kidney disease, as Gotu-Kola can stimulate detoxification pathways.

While Gotu-Kola does not have deep-rooted folklore in the UK or Isle of Man specifically, it has been widely used in Ayurvedic and traditional herbal practices. The plant is often associated with longevity and mental clarity.
In folk traditions, particularly in India and Sri Lanka, Gotu-Kola is considered a sacred herb linked to spiritual awakening and enlightenment. It has been used in meditation practices and is believed to enhance memory, concentration, and nervous system health.
In the UK, Gotu-Kola is more commonly known for its health benefits, and although folklore around the plant is minimal, its use for mental clarity and physical rejuvenation is growing in modern herbalism.

Feature	Details
Main Uses	Cognitive function, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, circulatory health
Parts Used	Leaves (most common), stems, and roots (less common)
Equine Use	Mental clarity, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, circulatory support
Canine Use	Cognitive support, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid
Folklore	Longevity, memory enhancement, spiritual practices, sacred herb in Ayurveda