Frankincense Floral Mist with Gotu Kola Extract

Frankincense is highly valued for its natural toning and firming properties. These properties work to slow down the skin’s aging process and for this reason, it is frequently recommended for mature complexions. 

The soothing and relaxing aroma also works to quieten the central nervous system and promote a restful night’s sleep.

Gotu Kola - Nature’s own botox therapy, Centella asiatica, better known as gotu kola has many skin benefits. From improving skin elasticity, and healing wounds to treating acne, improves skin complexion and smoothness and delays ageing gotu kola does it all. It is a rich source of pentacyclic triterpenoids a group of phytochemicals known for their powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing properties. Further, gotu kola effectively stimulates collagen production, making it a highly sought after anti-aging herb.

Bioactive ingredients in gotu kola such as triterpenoid saponins, triterpenic steroids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and essential amino acids help repair the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. With increased moisture content in the stratum corneum, your skin appears plump, hydrated and healthy.

Gotu kola has amazing detoxifying properties according to Ayurvedic science. It cleanses your skin and removes harmful ama toxins that are known to cause various skin conditions. Further, its astringent nature removes excess oil from the face, keeping your pores squeaky clean.

Anti-aging: Phytochemicals, especially triterpenoid saponins and polyacetylenes in gotu kola are known to promote collagen production [4], prevent collagen breakdown and stimulate proliferation of fibroblasts. This gives the skin structural support and improves its elasticity.

Wounds and Burns: Gotu kola can work magic on wounds and burns. Its antiseptic properties prevent further infection and its anti-inflammatory abilities reduce swelling around the wound site. Gotu kola calms the skin and improves blood supply to the wound for quick healing.

Skin lightening: Frequent exposure to the sun or health conditions such as diabetes can stimulate excess melanin production leading to hyperpigmentation. Gotu kola is listed as a ‘varnya’ (skin lightening) herb in Ayurvedic texts.

Acne:Gotu kola has been used since ancient times to cure a variety of skin diseases including ‘Yuvana Pidakas’ or acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties treat inflamed acne lesions. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties curb bacterial proliferation in your pores and initiate quick wound healing. Gotu kola also prevents the formation of acne scars and marks.

Heals Eczema And Psoriasis: Gotu kola’s ability to reduce inflammation by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines, has led to its use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. Apart from inflammation, gotu kola also reduces pruritus and erythema-like symptoms.

Treats Skin Infections: Gotu kola exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties. Asiatic acid in gotu kola is effective against a number of bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and others.According to a study in 2014, extracts of three ancient Ayurvedic herbs namely Curcuma longa L., gotu kola (Centella asiatica) and Strobilanthes crispus L. were used to treat the herpes virus.

UV protection: Pentacyclic triterpenoids such as Asiatic acid in gotu kola protects your skin against the harmful effects of UV rays that can lead to melanoma. It prevents further aggravation of melanoma by inducing apoptosis (cell death)  in cancer cells. It also protects damaged cells by reducing oxidative stress and preventing healthy cell death.

Side Effects & Risks Associated With Gotu Kola

Applying too much gotu kola on the skin may result in allergic reactions and skin irritations. For those consuming the herb as a tea, excessive amounts may lead to headaches, diarrhea, dehydration, drowsiness etc. Unmonitored long term use of gotu kola may interfere with pregnancy and reproduction.

Being an anxiolytic herb, gotu kola is not to be combined with other antidepressants or sleeping medications. It is also advisable to check with your doctor if you are on hepatoprotective drugs.

References:

1. Therapeutic Potential Of Centella Asiatica And Its Triterpenes: A Review, 2020 September

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.568032/full

2. Moisturizing And Antiinflammatory Properties Of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Centella Asiatica Extract, 2016 January- February

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852572/

3. First Line Defence Antioxidants- Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) And Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX): Their Fundamental Role In The Entire Antioxidant Defence Grid, 2017

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090506817301550

4. Stimulation Of Collagen Synthesis In Fibroblast Cultures By A Triterpene Extracted From Centella Asiatica, 1990

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2354631/

5. Evaluation Of Topical Formulations Of Aqueous Extract Of Centella Asiatica On Open Wounds In Rats, 1998 June

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9731470/

6. Enhancement Of Skin-Whitening And UV-Protective Effects Of Centella Asiatica L. Urban By Ultrasonification Process, 2010 January

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264032205_Enhancement_of_Skin-Whitening_and_UV-Protective_Effects_of_Centella_asiatica_L_Urban_by_Utrasonification_Process

Ingredients: SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE - Glycerin - Vegetable/Palm Free, Purified Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) resin oil, Natural preservative (Cosmos & EcoCert Approved)