I'm passionate about working with the healing power of nature and so when I created the NatFem Botanics range, I drew on centuries of traditional and contemporary herbal knowledge from the east and the west, to ensure that each ingredient is selected for its efficacy and the way it works with other extracts in the product.
Here is a quick insight into gotu kola (Centella asiatica), which is one of the herbs slowly infused into the certified organic sunflower oil I use as a base for Orginal Balm and Original Oil.
Gotu kola is used extensively in western, ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine. It looks a bit like violets, and like violets, loves to grow in damp, shady places. It is highly regarded as a venous tonic, meaning it helps stimulate the action of blood vessels carrying blood around the body which helps maintain the healing and health of tissues, and good flow of oxygen to the brain.
Clinical trials have shown that gotu kola has helped improve circulation, improve microcirculation in diabetics, and helped reduce thrombosis risk. It has been shown to help reduce stretch marks, aid the treatment of haemorrhoids and has accelerated the healing of wounds and ulcers.
Interestingly, gotu kola has an affinity with the nervous system as well, and when taken as a tea or tincture it is said to help with anxiety and cognitive function. A German pharmaceutical company has patented a medication based on a compound from gotu kola, to treat dementia and enhance cognition.
Traditional knowledge would say that its cool, damp properties contribute to its effectiveness as an anti inflammatory herb. It has shown to be of benefit for hot, painful skin conditions such as herpes simplex, psoriasis and acute dermatitis resulting from radiotherapy treatment.
When we think of these actions and benefits in the context of vaginal and vulvar dryness and irritation, we can see the role it has to play in soothing, cooling and caring for those delicate tissues.
While NatFem Original Balm and Original Oil were initially created to help with our nether regions, it is worth remembering that they can be used anywhere on the body. :-)
Sources:
Fisher, C. 2009. Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Vitex Medica
Bone, K. 2003. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs. Elsevier
