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Fresh leaves of gotu kola in mortar with pestle on white background.
Gotu kola can be prepared as a poultice to put directly on the anal area, or it can be taken orally. Both of these routes probably will prove salubrious for hemorrhoids. Just be sure not to let children take this herb orally!

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a skin healing herb that also appears to help with vein function. Since hemorrhoids can cause damaged skin, and may be caused by poor vein health, this herb makes a great choice. Although there does not appear to be much direct research detailing how gotu kola will impact hemorrhoids; its efficacy as a skin healer and supporter of vein function make it easy to infer it should help!

Since hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins in the anus, the support gotu kola brings to veins might help to reduce the swelling and prominence of hemorrhoids. And, for wounds in that area, the herb can also assist in building collagen and supporting the healing process.

The prominent medicinal herb expert Dr. James A. Duke (more about Dr. Duke from the USDA), in his book The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, compares gotu kola’s safety as similar to coffee.(source 1) Although gotu kola is quite safe, please note, children should not ingest (eat) gotu kola without the express supervision of a medical doctor. This is due to the potential that this herb might cause liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity) in children.

There are two primary ways you can use gotu kola to treat hemorrhoids: applying it topically, or taking it orally.

For topical application, Dr. James Duke recommended using the crushed leaves to make a poultice and apply it directly to the affected area. The leaves of this plant may be hard to find, Dr. Duke states you can buy a tincture of the herb and follow the package directions.(source 2)

For oral doses, as we will discuss later, it appears adults can take approximately 1000mg up to 3 times a day. Yet, you might want to discuss oral dosage with a medical professional if you are taking medications for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or depression.(source 1)

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Gotu Kola Helps the Healing Process

Diagram of the Wound Healing Process
Gotu kola can help in the wound healing process. This diagram shows the basics of this complex physiological process. Gotu kola can help collagen form and assist in angiogenesis (growing new blood vessels).

A 2001 study in Angiology(source 3) was conducted on the total terpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA). TTFCA is composed of three terpenes (naturally occurring chemical compounds) in Gotu kola: asiatic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassic acid.

TTFCA is able to affect how connective tissue is remade. This is because it interacts in a complex way with connective tissue metabolism.

According to the study, TTFCA has the following medicinal properties:

  • It helps wounds heal.
  • It helps rebuild the epithelium (thin tissue forming the outer layer of a body’s surface)
  • It decreases endothelial permeability (the ability for substances to pass through the membrane lining the inside blood vessels)
  • It decreases capillary filtration (fluid movement from an area of higher pressure in a capillary to an area of lower pressure in the tissues), which is increased in chronic venous insufficiency and venous microvascular dysfunction.

A 2012 study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine(source 4) examined gotu kola and wound healing. The study evaluated the healing effect of several types of gotu kola extracts (each made with a different solvent) on incision and burn wounds in rats.

The tensile strength (capacity to be drawn out or stretched) of the incision wound was evaluated on the seventh day after wound infliction. Burn wounds were evaluated on days 3, 7, 10, and 14 after burn infliction and before assessing tissue samples.

On day 14 of the study untreated, normal saline solution treated, and another type of control group burn wounds were not healed as well as those given gotu kola extract. Gotu kola treated groups had noticeable reduction in size and continuous growth of hair at the burn wound location. The methanol and hot water extract of gotu kola produced the most pronounced reduction in wound size.

The research demonstrated that the various extracts of gotu kola were able to accelerate the rate of wound healing for both burn and incision wounds. Gotu kola may also have been able to help create more collagen (a protein giving structural support to tissues) in wounds. This research agrees well with prior studies demonstrating an increase of collagen synthesis or tensile strength in wounds treated with asiaticoside, gotu kola ethanol extracts, or triterpenoids isolated from gotu kola.

Another study, published in 2006 in The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds,(source 5) also examined gotu kola’s effects on induced wounds in rats. The study used an ethanolic (drinking alcohol) extract of the leaves of gotu kola.

The study demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of gotu kola assisted healing and was better than in untreated control animals. The extract was able to attenuate (lessen) the impairment of healing caused by dexamethasone. Wound healing was significantly better in the dexamethasone group that were given the gotu kola extract.

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An increase in wound breaking strength for incision wounds was seen in rats given the gotu kola extract. This may be due to the increase in collagen concentration and a stabilization of fibers.

Gotu kola extract treatment was able to speed up wound epithelialization ("...a process where epithelial cells migrate upwards and repair the wounded area"(source 6)), and the rate of wound contraction was significantly faster than control wounds.

The study made the following conclusions:

The extract of the leaves had the effect of attenuating the known effects of dexamethasone healing in all wound models (P < .001, P < .05). The results indicated that the leaf extract promotes wound healing significantly and is able to overcome the wound-healing suppressing action of dexamethasone in a rat model. These observations were supported by histology findings.

The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds [5.3 (2006): 137-143]
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Gotu Kola & Vein Function

Diagram of normal vein and a Diagram of a varicose vein.
The left picture in this diagram is of a normal vein. The right picture is of a varicose vein. Notice how the varicose vein has valves that are not functioning correctly, and blood is pooling and not flowing the right direction.

Hemorrhoids are essentially varicose veins in the anus. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center,(source 7) hemorrhoids and varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins, just in different parts of the body. When varicose veins form in the rectum, they are called hemorrhoids. Thus, since the two conditions are practically identical, they may have similar etiologies (manner of causation of a disease or condition).

According to a 2001 study published in Alternative Medicine Review(source 8) hemorrhoids can be caused by a condition known as venous insufficiency. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus: "Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart."(source 9)

Often chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is discussed in studies; it is a long-term type of venous insufficiency. CVI is generally caused by poorly functioning valves in the veins. A past blood clot in the legs can also lead to CVI.(source 9)

The 2001 Alternative Medicine Review(source 8) study states that general medical doctors see a large number of patients that suffer from problems due to venous insufficiency. The two most common problems this condition causes are hemorrhoids and varicose veins. And, these two conditions are quite prevalent.

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Studies have shown that varicose veins affect 10 to 15% of men and 20 to 25% of women. Hemorrhoids are also quite ubiquitous; over 3/4 of the population in the United States develop hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. Additionally, approximately half of the population over 50 years old needs treatment for hemorrhoids.

How Gotu kola can Help Venous Insufficiency

A 2013 review of studies on gotu kola for the purposes of determining how it would effect CVI was published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.(source 10)

The review searched through research studies and eventually selected 8 to include in the review. 3 of these studies included patients with venous insufficiency in their lower limbs. The other 5 studies were of patients with venous hypertension in the lower limbs.

This review found that gotu kola significantly improved microcirculatory aspects such as transcutaneous partial pressure (a measurement of pressure in arterial blood measured across the depth of the skin) of oxygen and carbon dioxide, venoarteriolar response (The venoarteriolar response causes the constriction of blood vessels to skin and muscle via local mechanisms due to venous congestion(source 11)), and rate of ankle swelling.

Three of the 8 studies included in the review did not provide quantitative data; yet, these studies did report that patients taking gotu kola demonstrated significant improvement in CVI symptoms like edema (abnormal swelling), pain, and leg heaviness.

The review concluded that gotu kola may be beneficial in improving the signs and symptoms of CVI.

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Dr. Patrick Jones, founder of the HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine has been a practicing veterinarian for over 25 years. He is also a clinical herbalist and traditional naturopath.

Kevin Harrington, Original Shark from ABC’s Shark Tank, stands behind Dr. Patrick Jones and HomeGrown Herbalist.Learn More

Another 2019 study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry(source 12) discussed how gotu kola can assist with CVI and inflammation.

The study states pathogenesis (the manner of development of a disease) of varicose veins was at the time of the writing unknown. The assumption is therefore made that oxidative stress is the primary reason why changes happen to the vein that lead to varicose veins.

Decreases in antioxidant ability and the creation of reactive oxygen species (i.e., free radicals; a type of unstable molecule containing oxygen and that easily reacts with other molecules in a cell) causes dysfunction of the vascular endothelium (the inner cellular lining of arteries, veins and capillaries) and loss of vein elasticity. Another factor associated with vein structure change might be inflammation.

Gotu kola is an important medicinal herb that has been used extensively in historical oriental medicine. The herb’s primary chemical constituents are pentacyclic triterpenoids saponins; mainly thought to be responsible for the array therapeutic effects. It also contains approximately 20 to 25% tannins.

The triterpenoid asiaticoside in gotu kola has been shown to have wound healing ability by increasing collagen synthesis and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Asiaticoside has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory ability and the ability to improve capillary permeability. Also, asiaticoside increases antioxidant levels.

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Gotu Kola Dosage for Hemorrhoids

Gotu kola leaves juice for health on white background. Top view.
Gotu kola leaves can be used to make a poultice and apply directly onto hemorrhoids. Also a tea can be made from the leaves and drank on a daily basis. To get the most from this herb, you may want to consider using it both ways!

Children should avoid taking gotu kola unless a medical doctor is consulted first.

A 2011 case report(source 13) presents the case of a child who had toxic damage to their liver (hepatotoxicity) after taking an herbal medication for acne with the active ingredient being gotu kola. The child had been taking 20mg a day for 6 weeks before liver toxicity was noticed.

A 2016 study(source 14) examined the effectiveness of gotu kola (Centella asiatica) in improving cognitive function in patients with vascular cognitive impairment. 48 patients participated in the study. 17 patients took 1000mg / day of gotu kola extract. Another 17 patients took 750mg / day of gotu kola.

Concerning the type of extract used, the study states:

The gotu kola extract was prepared from whole herbs in a standardized dry form with a Certificate of Analysis by a GMP certified facility. The extraction solvent used was ethanol 70% and the extract ratio was 10 : 1.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM [2016 (2016): 2795915]

A 2013 study in Alternative and Complementary Therapies(source 15) discussed how to take gotu kola. The study states gotu kola is an extremely safe treatment. The following dosage guidelines were reported by the study:

  • The typical dose of a tincture or glycerite of the fresh herb is 3 to 5mL three times a day.
  • Dosage for capsules of the crude herb is 1 to 2g three times a day.
  • For a single dose of tea, the study states it is 1 tbsp of herb / cup, infused for 15 minutes in hot water. The total dose is 3 cups / day.
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Heal Hemorrhoids Naturally in 48 Hours

Jessica Wright’s Hemorrhoid No More
Jessica Wright spent 12 years ardently researching natural medicine for a solution to her hemorrhoids. She eventually developed a system to heal them within 48 hours; and, address the root cause of this malady in 30 to 60 days. Her book explains this exact system.

If you have tried "everything" to treat hemorrhoids, including surgery, but it didn’t work—your’re not alone. Jessica Wright experienced this same hardship due to hemorrhoids. But, with extensive research and understanding of natural medicine, she developed a solution to permanently end her hemorrhoids.

Jessica Wright wrote an entire book detailing exactly how to replicate her success. Also, it appears "Jessica Wright" is probably a pen name for a woman—and author—named Linda Allen. Linda suffered from recurrent yeast infections as well, maybe at the same time as she had hemorrhoids. She turned to natural medicine for answers when medical doctors and their solutions could not help.

Jessica’s story is one of severe and chronic hemorrhoids. It involves routine doctor’s visits, prescription medications / creams, significant suffering from hemorrhoids, and even a two hour hemorrhoids surgery (stapled hemorrhoidopexy). Yet, 12 years of these treatments didn’t resolve Jessica’s hemorrhoids.

Despite these setbacks, Jessica didn’t give up; instead, she turned to natural medicine and diligent research. Skipping to the end of Jessica’s story, she would develop a natural method to treat hemorrhoids that worked brilliantly.

After Jessica put together her treatment protocol and used it, she found her hemorrhoids completely disappeared. And, they stayed gone. Something her doctor was not able to do. Yet, all it took was the right natural therapeutic approach.

Jessica also gave her treatment approach to others; and, they experienced the same exceptional results. Typically, Jessica’s system provides dramatic relief of hemorrhoids in just 48 hours. And, the root cause of hemorrhoids is fixed within 30 to 60 days.

A company selling hemorrhoid symptom products does not want their customer base diminished. Consequently, unpatentable natural medicine does not get much attention or publicity.

So, how can you know if Jessica Wright’s claims are legitimate and not a scam? That is a great question. Here are 3 important reasons why Jessica’s book is legitimate:

  1. It is published by a large U.S. based company (Located in Idaho) known as ClickBank. ClickBank handles all the sales and refunds of many products like Jessica’s. They do business in many countries; and, have been in business for many years.
  2. ClickBank provides a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee on all their products, Jessica’s book included.
  3. If you are not satisfied with Jessica’s book you can simply contact ClickBank (they make it very easy) for a full refund.

Jessica’s story is more in-depth than this concise overview. And, there are additional bonuses Jessica provides with her book. If you’d like to find out more about Jessica’s personal story or her hemorrhoid treatment; you can learn more at Jessica Wright’s website.

About the Author

Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer, but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.

More on Nick Gross

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SOURCES:

  1. 01
    Google Books — Dr. James A. Duke. “The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing.” Macmillan, 2002. ISBNs: 0312981511, 9780312981518.
  2. 02
    Google Books — Duke, J. A. "The green pharmacy: New discoveries in herbal remedies for common diseases and conditions from the world's foremost authority on healing herbs." Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Press. (1997).
  3. 03
    https://doi.org/10.1177/000331970105202S08 — Belcaro, G., et al. "Capillary filtration in venous hypertension: evaluation with the vacuum suction chamber device and strain-gauge plethysmography." Angiology 52.2_suppl (2001): S39-S43.
  4. 04
    https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-103 — Somboonwong, Juraiporn, et al. "Wound healing activities of different extracts of Centella asiatica in incision and burn wound models: an experimental animal study." BMC complementary and alternative medicine 12.1 (2012): 1-7.
  5. 05
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1534734606291313 — Shetty, B. Somashekar, et al. "Effect of Centella asiatica L (Umbelliferae) on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing in Wistar Albino rats." The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds 5.3 (2006): 137-143.
  6. 06
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1874372201913010034 — Tan, Sukmawati Tansil, and Ricky Dosan. "Lessons from epithelialization: the reason behind moist wound environment." The Open Dermatology Journal 13.1 (2019).
  7. 07
    https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=134&contentid=9 — "Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins in Pregnancy." University of Rochester Medical Center. Rochester, NY
  8. 08
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11302778/ — MacKay, D. "Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options." Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic 6.2 (2001): 126-140.
  9. 09
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000203.htm — "Venous insufficiency." MedlinePlus website from the National Library of Medicine - 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894.
  10. 10
    https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/627182 — Chong, Nyuk Jet, and Zoriah Aziz. "A systematic review of the efficacy of Centella asiatica for improvement of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 (2013).
  11. 11
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2290063/ — Crandall, C. G., M. Shibasaki, and T. C. Yen. "Evidence that the human cutaneous venoarteriolar response is not mediated by adrenergic mechanisms." The Journal of physiology 538.2 (2002): 599-605.
  12. 12
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.04.075 — Lichota, Anna, Lukasz Gwozdzinski, and Krzysztof Gwozdzinski. "Therapeutic potential of natural compounds in inflammation and chronic venous insufficiency." European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 176 (2019): 68-91.
  13. 13
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2010.12.012 — Dantuluri, Sri, Penny North-Lewis, and Sivaramakrishnan V. Karthik. "Gotu Kola induced hepatotoxicity in a child—need for caution with alternative remedies." Digestive and Liver Disease 43.6 (2011): 500.
  14. 14
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4908235/ — Farhana, Kun Marisa, et al. "Effectiveness of Gotu Kola Extract 750 mg and 1000 mg Compared with Folic Acid 3 mg in Improving Vascular Cognitive Impairment after Stroke." Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM 2016 (2016): 2795915.
  15. 15
    https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2013.19203 — Yarnell, Eric, and Kathy Abascal. "Antifibrotic herbs: indications, mechanisms of action, doses, and safety information." Alternative and Complementary Therapies 19.2 (2013): 75-82.