Asiatic Pennywort

積雪草

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.

Med + CookHeat-clearingMemory-boostingWound-healingCooling

Family: Apiaceae

Type: Creeping perennial herb

Parts Used: Whole plant, especially leaves

Nature & Flavor: Bitter, pungent, cool

Also known as: Pegaga (Malay), Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Tiger Grass

Properties & Functions

Functions: Clears heat and detoxifies, drains dampness and reduces swelling, cools blood and promotes wound healing, calms the mind and sharpens memory

Indications:

Damp-heat jaundice and hepatitis
Sore throat and mouth ulcers
Urinary tract infection and stones
Slow-healing wounds, eczema, minor burns
Bruises and traumatic swelling
Poor memory, mental fatigue, mild anxiety

Usage & Prescriptions

Dosage: Fresh 30-60g or dried 15-30g, decoct. External: pound fresh herb and apply to wound or rash.

Damp-heat jaundice

Pegaga 30g, capillaris 15g, decoct

Wound healing, scarring

Fresh pegaga, pound and apply; or dried 15g decocted as a wash

Mental fatigue, poor memory

Pegaga 10g, brewed as daily tea

Recipes & Preparations

Pegaga Ulam Salad

Classic Malay raw-vegetable side dish eaten with rice, prized as a cooling brain tonic for hot weather

Servings: Serves 4

Ingredients:

•Fresh tender pegaga leaves 200g
•Shredded coconut 3 tbsp
•Lime juice 1 tbsp
•Bird's eye chili, finely sliced, 1-2
•Shallots, thinly sliced, 2
•Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1.Wash pegaga thoroughly and pat dry
2.Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces
3.Toss with shallots, chili, and shredded coconut
4.Dress with lime juice and salt just before serving
5.Serve fresh alongside rice and sambal

Pegaga Coconut Smoothie

Modern Malaysian wellness drink, cooling and nourishing for office workers and students

Servings: Serves 1

Ingredients:

•Fresh pegaga leaves 1 cup
•Coconut water 250ml
•Banana, 1 small
•Honey 1 tsp
•Ice cubes, a handful

Instructions:

1.Wash and roughly chop the pegaga
2.Combine all ingredients in a blender
3.Blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds
4.Pour into a tall glass and drink immediately

Caution

Avoid in pregnancy and in those with cool spleen-stomach or chronic loose stools. Long-term high doses may strain the liver; limit to 6 weeks then break.

Quick Reference

Nature & Flavor: Bitter, pungent, cool
Parts Used: Whole plant, especially leaves
Family: Apiaceae
Standard Dosage: Fresh 30-60g or dried 15-30g, decoct. External: pound fresh herb and apply to wound or rash.

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