Muthil / Kodangal

Centella asiatica Plant Details

Scientific Info

• Scientific Name: Centella asiatica

• Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

• Common Names:

  • English – Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Asiatic Pennywort

  • Malayalam – Muthil ,Kodangal / Kudangal / Vellilapola 

  • Hindi – Mandukaparni

  • Tamil – Vallarai Keerai

  • Kannada – Ondelaga
    

 Plant Description

• Type: Creeping, perennial, herbaceous ground cover

• Height: Low-growing (5–15 cm tall), spreads by runners

• Leaves: Green, kidney- or fan-shaped, with long stalks

• Flowers: Tiny, pinkish to reddish, borne in small clusters

• Habitat: Moist, marshy areas; often grows wild near water bodies

• Special Feature: Can be used as a medicinal creeper ground cover in gardens

 Care & Cultivation

• Sun Light: Partial shade to full sun (best in filtered sunlight)

• Soil: Moist, fertile, sandy-loam or loamy soil rich in organic matter

• Watering: Needs regular watering, thrives in damp or marshy soil

• Container Growing: Can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover in shady areas

• Fertilizer:

  • Apply organic manure or compost every 30–40 days

  • Cow dung / vermicompost helps in lush green growth

  • Avoid chemical fertilizers if using leaves for medicine/food

 Uses of Centella asiatica

Medicinal Uses (Ayurveda & Folk Medicine)

• Considered a medhya rasayana (brain tonic) in Ayurveda

• Enhances memory, concentration, and intelligence

• Used for anxiety, stress, and insomnia

• Supports wound healing, skin health, and hair growth

• Improves circulation and strengthens veins (used in varicose veins treatment)

• Used in treating ulcers, eczema, and leprosy in traditional medicine

• Mildly diuretic – helps in detoxification

Culinary Uses

• Fresh leaves eaten raw or as salads, chutney, or juice

• In Kerala & Sri Lanka – used to make gotu kola sambol (a herbal side dish)

• In Tamil Nadu – consumed as Vallarai Keerai Thuvaiyal (chutney)

Hair & Skin Uses

• Paste or oil infusion used to strengthen hair roots and reduce dandruff

• Leaf extract used in many skin-care products for anti-aging and wound-healing