Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia. It was used to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. Some people use it to treat respiratory infections such as colds, and it has a history of use for that purpose in China. It has been called "the fountain 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 most often to treat chronic venous insufficiency (a condition where blood pools in the legs). It's also used in ointments to treat psoriasis and help heal minor wounds. Gotu kola should not be confused with kola nut (Cola nitida). Unlike kola nut, gotu kola has no caffeine, and is not a stimulant. When blood vessels lose their elasticity, blood pools in the legs and fluid leaks out of the blood vessels. That causes the legs to swell (venous insufficiency). Several small studies suggest gotu kola may help reduce swelling and improve circulation. In a study of 94 people with venous insufficiency, those who took gotu kola had a significant improvement in symptoms compared to those who took placebo. In another study of people with varicose veins, ultrasound tests showed improvements in the vascular tone (meaning there was less leakage) of those who took gotu kola.