If you’re searching for a powerful, multi-purpose herb to enhance your skin health, manage stress, and support overall well-being, look no further than pennywort (Centella asiatica), also known as gotu kola.
This low-growing, evergreen plant has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, valued in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for its extensive healing properties. From promoting wound healing and nourishing the skin to reducing anxiety and aiding circulation, pennywort is gaining renewed interest among natural health enthusiasts and gardeners alike. Discover the remarkable benefits of pennywort, and learn how you can easily grow and use this versatile herb at home.
During an interview on American TV, I was asked to name my favourite herb. It was a tough question, as I have so many favourites! However, for its sheer versatility and remarkable healing power, I replied: ‘It has to be pennywort.' Today, I’m delighted to share my passion for this wonderful herb with you.
Pennywort (Centella asiatica), also commonly known as gotu kola, is an easy-to-grow, attractive ground cover indigenous to South Africa, India, Australia, and parts of South America. With a long tradition in natural medicine, pennywort has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments.
One of pennywort’s most extraordinary benefits is as a skin remedy. For puffiness, thread veins, phlebitis, ulcerative leg lesions, hard swellings, inflamed areas, acne spots, greasy skin, sunburn, as well as to encourage hair and nail growth and restore skin elasticity, pennywort truly acts as a tonic.
This low-growing, evergreen herb boasts vibrant, lime-green, rounded leaves reminiscent of tiny violet petals. Its trailing stems root easily at the nodes wherever they touch moist, compost-rich soil. If you want your pennywort to thrive, keep it well-watered and shaded until the new leaves emerge on the trailing stems. Thereafter, watering twice weekly is enough. It’s always an attractive and tidy addition to the garden, and frequent picking encourages an ongoing supply of fresh leaves.
For wounds, boils, swellings, and infected bites, a pennywort poultice can be profoundly soothing. Simply pour hot water over a generous handful of fresh leaves, then apply them (as warm as is comfortable) to the affected area. Wrap with a crepe bandage, using a hot water bottle and blanket for extra warmth if needed. While you sip a cup of pennywort tea, you may literally witness the healing happen before your eyes!
Pennywort is very easy to propagate. Rooted cuttings take at any time of year. If left to spread (planted in either sun or light shade) it will grow vigorously and evenly throughout the seasons, always retaining its good looks. In Australia, pennywort is affectionately referred to as the ‘arthritis herb,' with many people enjoying a cup of pennywort tea daily for two weeks at a time, then taking a short break before continuing.
USING PENNYWORT
Pennywort is rich in glycosides, fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins (particularly B and C) as well as a range of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. It has been treasured in Indian and Chinese medicine since at least the 12th century for its antiseptic, diuretic, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Today, the French beauty industry also uses pennywort extracts widely in skincare formulations.
PENNYWORT HEALING CREAM
This soothing herbal cream is quickly comforting for nappy rashes, itchy irritated skin, insect bites, minor grazes, and acne spots. To make it, simmer one cup of freshly chopped pennywort leaves with one cup of aqueous cream in a double boiler for 20 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then strain. Stir in two teaspoons of vitamin E oil, and pour into sterilised, screw-top jars. This versatile cream is excellent for massaging into the skin after shaving and for softening cracked heels or gardener’s hands.
Pennywort tea is a superb tonic — beneficial for conditions ranging from stress and nervous tension to poor circulation and sore throats. To make it, steep three fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water for five minutes, then strain and sip slowly.
After all these years, it’s clear why pennywort remains my favourite herb. From the garden to the teapot to the medicine cabinet, I truly can’t do without it!
Editor's note: Here is a lovely article by Margaret Roberts on Tea for two or tea for you?
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