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.                                                                     

Alarming reports surface from the Environmental Working Group about estrogens in some high end skincare creams. These reports are causing a stir in the skincare industry and confusing the consumer. Where does the confusion lie? Well estrogens and phyto-estrogens are two very different things. Estrogens occur naturally in our bodies but synthetic estrogens have shown in many studies over many years to have a direct link to carcinogenic actions in the body.  Fox News Channel reported on the issue, with the headline “Estrogens applied to the skin shown to have a link tobreast cancer.”http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11141248&ch=

However, phytoestrogens, which occur naturally in botanicals and have not been shown to have this same harmful link are getting confused by consumers for their notirous cousin.   ”Evidence is accruing that phytoestrogens may have protective action against diverse health disorders such as prostate, breast, bowel, and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, brain function disorders, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis“ Adlercreutz H (June 2002). “Phyto-oestrogens and cancer“. Lancet Oncol. 3 (6): 364–73. PMID 12107024. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1470204502007775. At DoshaCare we want to be as transparent as possible and educate the consumer. The organic craze, while very good for the environment and all who inhabit it, has led to much misleading information by marketers trying to capitalize on the well meaning intentions of consumers. DoshaCare products do contain botanicals, such as Wild Yam, that have phytoestrogens in them, and are very good for the skin, and in no way linked to the cancer causing estrogens.

For all of us who don’t want to have to sacrifice sleek beauty for our eco conscious ideals,  Josie Maran’s makeup line is the perfect fit. After a decade long contract as the face of Maybelline, Josie sought to fill a void in the market in a way that was closer to her personal philosophies. Launched in 2007, the line is positioned as “luxury with a conscience”. Prices range from $12 – $48 and offers great seasonal palette collections and there famous “bear wipes”, makeup remover wipes with polar bears on the packaging, reflecting the brands environmental respsonsibility. With each purchase of these wipes, a portion will go to support of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Polar Bear SOS initiative.

Retailed in Sephora and at www.josiemarancosmetics.com.