Looking for a tonic for the midwinter blues? Got a case of cabin fever? How about a cup of tea that can brighten up your whole day? Try Gotu kola for a ray of sunshine into the dark chilly corners of your midwinter mind. Gotu kola is a slender, creeping plant with fan-shaped leaves that grows in swampy tropical areas. It is regarded as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in traditional Eastern medicine, used to develop the crown chakra energy center at the top of the head. Gotu kola is said to fortify the immune system, and to strengthen the adrenals. It is commonly used to rebuild energy reserves, improve memory and treat mental and physical fatigue. Gotu kola, called “food for the brain,” has demonstrated mild tranquilizing, anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects, as well as improving mental functions such as concentration and memory. It has a calming effect on the body and supports the central nervous system. These beneficial qualities make Gotu kola an excellent herb for children with A.D.D. because it has a stimulating effect on the brain that increases one’s ability to focus while having a soothing and relaxing effect on an overactive nervous system. Gotu kola contains no caffeine, and should not be confused with kola nut. Recent studies show that Gotu kola also seems to improve the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries–particularly useful for people who are confined to the house in a long Wisconsin winter. So let the cold fog roll in. Have a cup of hot, delicious Gotu kola chai, and you’ll have plenty of energy for a walk through those bit, sloppy Lake effect snowflakes. Riverwest Currents – Volume 2 – Issue 2 – January 2002