I took this photo of Hydrocotyle asiatica at our farm in Ifugao, Philippines. They were growing on the side of our rice paddies. However, it is unfortunate that this plant is being ignored and is treated as a weed. My aunt would weed out this plant every time she need to plant other vegetables such as winged beans, eggplants, long beans or string beans.
I first encountered the Pennywort plant when I was learning about wild plants in southern Ontario. I never thought of it as edible until I noticed it in an asian grocery store. I wanted to know more about this plant and I wondered how it taste like so I decided to buy it.
There are a couple of species of Marsh penniwort in Northeastern America; there is the common Hydrocotyle americana and the Hydrocotyle umbellata that has a status of Special Concern in the COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) assessment in 2014. These are edible but I'm sure not a lot of people know this. However, if you decide to try them, I suggest avoid picking the species H. umbellata since it is a species at risk. We do not want it to go extinct in Northeastern america. This is how it looks like:
In asia, people eat the species Hydrocotyle asiatica or Centella asiatica or commonly called Gotu Kola in Sri Lanka, Brahmi in India and Takip Kohol in the Philippines. I would say this is a super plant food because it is good for so many things; it is used to treat skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, abscess, ulcer, burns, sores, cuts and bruises. It is used for infections, such as colds, tonsillitis tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis. Gotu Kola is used to treat fevers and headaches as well as rheumatism and leprosy. It is known for improving blood circulation and stimulating memory. It is good for those with varicose veins and those with leg circulation problems. In additon, Gotu Kola helps those with depression and anxiety problems.
I also read from this book I bought from my aunt called Amazing Healing Plants by JC Kurian that it is good for hair growth and baldness. A mix of Gotu Kola extract and coconut oil is massaged on the head before a bath will strengthen hair follicles and stimulates hair growth.
I also read from this book I bought from my aunt called Amazing Healing Plants by JC Kurian that it is good for hair growth and baldness. A mix of Gotu Kola extract and coconut oil is massaged on the head before a bath will strengthen hair follicles and stimulates hair growth.
Gotu Kola is mainly eaten as salads but some make soups, tea and cold drinks out of it. It is probably hard to find the fresh plant even in asian grocery stores but they have Gotu Kola drinks in a can. I also found it in capsules at a natural health food store.
The fresh Gotu kola has a bit of bitter taste to it so it is better to add it with other salads like what I did with mine. I added it in my cold buckwheat salad.
The fresh Gotu kola has a bit of bitter taste to it so it is better to add it with other salads like what I did with mine. I added it in my cold buckwheat salad.
| Buckwheat Salad Recipe 1 bundle of buckwheat noodles 1/3 cup dried tomato in oil 1/4 cup of chopped Gotu Kola 1 tsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp turmeric a pinch of pepper a pinch of salt
Add buckwheat noodles in boiling water for about 5-8 min. Once cooked, rinse the noodles in cold water. Drain and in a bowl, add all ingredients.
Enjoy! |  |
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