Centella – Vietnamese people's "green ginseng": Easy to grow, super nutritious, and good for the liver and brain

Centella – Vietnamese people's "green ginseng": Easy to grow, super nutritious, and good for the liver and brain

Centella has the ability to detoxify the body, helping internal organs function effectively.

Centella has long been likened to a "superfood" in both traditional and modern medicine. More than just an ordinary cooling green, centella offers surprising medicinal value.

Effectively cooling the body and detoxifying the liver

Centella has long been renowned for its cooling properties, helping the body purge toxins and cool down quickly on hot days. Once ingested, the active compounds in centella support the liver in eliminating waste more effectively, thereby reducing pimples, rashes, and symptoms of internal heat. Maintaining a moderate habit of consuming centella not only promotes healthy skin from within but also brings a light, refreshed feeling to the body.

Promotes wound healing and skin regeneration

Triterpenoid compounds found in Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) play an essential role in improving blood circulation to damaged skin areas and stimulating collagen production. Thanks to its strong cellular regeneration capacity, Gotu Kola is often used to fade scars, reduce dark spots, and support the healing of minor burns or scrapes. This is also why Gotu Kola extract has become a golden ingredient in modern anti-aging and restorative skincare products.

Improving memory and boosting brain function

Numerous scientific studies have indicated that gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has a positive effect on the nervous system, significantly improving focus and memory. The nutrients in this herb protect brain cells from harmful factors while enhancing cerebral blood circulation, which is highly beneficial for the elderly suffering from memory decline or people under mental stress. Consuming gotu kola properly is considered a natural way to keep the mind sharp and clear.

Reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep

Centella contains natural sedative compounds that help calm the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and restlessness. For those who frequently suffer from insomnia or restless sleep, centella helps the body relax and fall asleep more easily without the side effects of chemical sedatives. A glass of centella juice in the afternoon can help you rebalance your emotions after a stressful, long working day.

Supports treatment of venous and circulatory disorders

Centella is particularly effective in supporting the treatment of varicose veins and issues related to poor blood circulation in the lower extremities. Its active compounds help enhance blood vessel elasticity, strengthen vascular walls, and reduce leg swelling or pain. This not only improves mobility but also prevents dangerous complications related to the peripheral circulatory system.

Improve digestive health

Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, pennywort is an effective remedy for soothing stomach aches and supporting the recovery of damaged colon lining. The fiber and vitamins in pennywort stimulate smooth digestive function, prevent constipation, and support nutrient absorption. Incorporating pennywort into your diet helps maintain a healthy gut and minimizes symptoms of indigestion and bloating.

Delicious dishes made with pennywort

Vegetarian pennywort salad: Now, vegetarian days will be much more enjoyable, as vegetarian pennywort salad brings a touch of simple joy to your dining table!

Besides being delicious, it is also easy to prepare! After stir-frying the oyster mushrooms, mix them thoroughly with pennywort and the sauce, then arrange it on a plate!

The refreshing, crisp taste of pennywort will delight everyone, followed by chewy, flavorful oyster mushrooms or vegetarian beef slices, all rich in sweet and sour flavors.

Now, vegetarian days will be much more exciting, as vegetarian pennywort salad brings extra little joys to your dining table!

Pennywort salad with shrimp and pork: Wash fresh pennywort thoroughly, drain well, and toss with boiled, thinly sliced pork belly and steamed, peeled fresh shrimp. Prepare a dressing with fresh lime juice, garlic, chili, and minced ginger to mix with the main ingredients. Finally, top with crushed roasted peanuts. The green pennywort, bright red shrimp, and ivory-gold peanuts create an eye-catching salad, offering a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors when enjoyed.

Stir-fried centella with goat meat

Choose mountain goat meat or herb-fed goat meat, marinated richly, then stir-fry with fresh pennywort, minced garlic, northern black pepper, and roasted peanuts. For this dish, do not overcook the pennywort, so as to maintain its slight crispiness and vibrant green color when eaten.

The unique feature of this dish is that after being richly seasoned, the goat meat is stir-fried and served with pennywort. This way, the pennywort retains all of its refreshing crispness and delicious flavor without losing anything.

Besides the irresistible aroma wafting from the dish, the firm, fresh goat meat is combined with crunchy pennywort and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds to make the flavor even more complete!

Besides the irresistible aroma wafting from the dish, the firm, fresh goat meat is combined with crunchy pennywort and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds to make the flavor even more complete!

Pennywort soup with minced meat

Minced beef is lightly sautéed with shredded pennywort leaves, then added to a boiling broth simmered from beef ribs or marrow bones. Season to taste and add a pinch of black pepper to make a steaming hot, incredibly delicious bowl of pennywort and minced beef soup.

Notes on using pennywort

According to the World Health Organization, gotu kola is classified among plants with notable pharmacological effects, featuring anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and liver-protecting properties.

Numerous modern scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of gotu kola (Centella asiatica) in supporting the liver and kidneys. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that the active compounds asiaticoside and madecassoside in gotu kola can reduce toxin-induced liver damage and improve liver function through potent antioxidant mechanisms.

Triterpenoid compounds in centella (rau ma) help enhance the production of glutathione—an important endogenous antioxidant that helps the liver detoxify effectively.

In terms of kidney benefits, pennywort has been noted for its mild diuretic effect, supporting the natural blood filtration process. Pennywort extract helps reduce acute kidney injury thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and reduction of oxidative stress in renal tissue.

Avoid overusing pennywort as it may cause hypoglycemia

Popular ways to use pennywort include brewing it as a drink or blending it into smoothies. On hot days, homemakers often prepare pennywort juice or pennywort mung bean drinks for their families.

However, to ensure safety, one should only consume 30–40g of fresh pennywort per day, avoiding overuse as it may cause low blood pressure or affect liver function if taken in excessive doses over an extended period.

In particular, gotu kola should be used at recommended doses and should not completely replace medication for treating illnesses.

Centella is an herb with the potential to help cool the liver and protect the kidneys if used properly and moderately, combined with a healthy diet and regular medical check-ups.