Gotu Kola or Centella AsiaticaGotu kola has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China and Indonesia. Its ability to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis were important reasons for its extensive use in these countries. It has also been called one of the “miracle elixirs of life” because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of using the herb.

Historically, gotu kola has also been used to treat syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. Today, American and European herbalists use gotu kola for disorders that cause connective tissue swelling, such as scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis (arthritis occurring in conjunction with psoriasis), anklylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies confirm some of the traditional uses and also suggest possible new applications for gotu kola, such as lowering high blood pressure, treating venous insufficiency (pooling of blood in the veins, usually in the legs, boosting memory and intelligence, easing anxiety, and speeding wound healing.

Aside from its many internal medical benefits, Gotu Kola has a wide array of external healing properties. Gotu kola contains triterpenoids, compounds that have been shown to aid in wound healing. For example, animal studies indicate that triterpenoids strengthen the skin, increase the concentration of antioxidants in wounds, and restore inflamed tissues by increasing blood supply. Because of these properties, gotu kola has been used externally for burns, psoriasis, prevention of scar. In modern skincare, Gotu Kola is shown to increase collagen production while lifting away toxins that cause skin blemishes, helps to boost circulation, improve the collagen foundation of the skin, and fight oxidation – thereby making it a superb ingredient for anti-aging skin care products as well as improving skin firmness and elasticity. This powerful ingredient can be found in  many DoshaCare products such as the Pitta Masque, Moisturizer and Elixir, the Kapha Masque, Moisturizer and Elixir, and the Sakala Exfoliant.                                                                     

Cupuacu

Cupuacu, also Cupuassu or Copoasu, is a fruiting tree that grows in the rain forests of Brazil. Though it is farmed only in very few places in the Amazon river basin, the demand for cupuacu has been increasing rapidly. The increase in demand is due to the popularity of the fruit produced by these trees, and the many consumer products that can be made from it. The fruits are relatively large, about melon-sized with a husk-covered coconut-like shell. Inside the cupuacu fruit there are large seeds and creamy white pulp. It is the pulp of the cupuacu fruit that is so sought after. As a species, the cupuacu plant (Theobroma grandiflorum) is related to cacao, and the flavor is often compared to that of chocolate.

Part of the demand for cupuacu is the result of the limited supply. Though agriculturalists believe that it can be farmed in warm, tropical climates in many parts of the world, the farms are limited primarily to Brazil. Combine this with the existing local demand and the growing overseas demand, and there is just not enough cupuacu to go around. The fruit can only be harvested once a year, usually between February and April. The trees appear in size and shape very similar to their cousin cacao, growing to heights of anywhere between 15-60 feet, with broad, bright green leaves. A new cupuacu tree will normally grow between three and five years before bearing fruit.

Uses

With a taste that is often compared to already very popular foods, such as chocolate, banana, melon, or bubble gum, the cupuacu fruit is served in a wide variety of ways. When the seeds are processed using a method like that used to refine cacao seeds into chocolate, you get the base flavor for cupulate, a hot drink that is very much like hot chocolate. From the sweetened pulp of the cupuacu fruit comes a variety of desserts, including candy, jelly, ice cream, and juice. In addition to the sought-after taste, cupuacu is often harvested and sold as a health supplement.

Health Benefits

On the Today Show, Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel described cupuacu as “the pharmacy of the Amazon.” According to him, the populations that have been eating and cultivating cupuacu for generations look to the plant for a variety of treatments. Cupuacu is often used as a pain killer. It provides antioxidants and other benefits to the digestive system. In addition, the theobromides in cupuacu act like caffeine to provide energy and alertness. Finally, cupuacu is often sold as a lotion or cream because it has rejuvenating effects on skin. Source: www.cupuacu.com

DoshaCare is proud to say that Cupuacu is used in our Vata Hydrating Mask and the Sakala Eye and Neck Balm, two of our most luxuriously moisturizing products, due to the following properties.  www.doshacare.com.

Known in the skincare world to soften skin and supports skin moisture and elasticity, Capuacu has an extremely high water absorption power (240% more than that of Lanolin). Cupuaçu butter (botanical source) can replace Lanolin (animal resource) in terms of water absorption being an excellent emollient that provides a pleasant touch and softness to the skin, facilitating the natural humidity and elasticity in damaged and dehydrated skins. If you compare Shea butter against Cupuaçu butter, you have the same performance in the skin, because it has a great quantity of stearic and oleic acid (around 40% each) like in shea butter.