Gotu Kola for Scleroderma

Specifically for scleroderma, the herb Centella asiatica commonly known as Gotu kola, has been used with some success in scleroderma patients as well as those prone to the development of keloids (excess scar production). A few studies working to develop a better delivery mechanism for the drug extract of this herb look promising. In the meantime tinctures, capsules and teas of this plant are effective.

Before using any herbs everyone should always check with their physician for drug-herb interactions. Also, whenever trying any new therapy be sure to have lab markers drawn pre-treatment, and a few months in to treatment to see how you are responding. If improvement is not noted after three to six months, a change in treatment plan may be necessary, or a more aggressive approach.

Remember that most natural remedies take about one month to work for every year that an individual has had a chronic disease. Gotu Kola has been shown to be safe in laboratory animals with the toxic dose being 40-50mg per/kg of body weight. You can purchase Gotu Kola in capsules through eVitamins or at any reputable health food store. If you use the capsules by Nature’s Way, keep in mind that each capsule is 435mg of Gotu Kola and the standard daily dose is 2-4 mg daily. So a typical starting dose would be about 3 capsules twice daily. Be sure to work directly with a Naturopathic Physician if you are tempted to exceed 4mg daily.