What are the uses of Centella asiatica leaves?

The leaves of the Aralia plant are often used as a vegetable in fish salads, and many parents dry the leaves to stuff pillows for young children. So what are the uses of Aralia leaves? The information about Aralia leaves provided below by General Practitioner Bui Dac Sang, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association, will help you find the answer.

What are the uses of Centella asiatica leaves?

According to Luong Bui Dac Sang, the Aralia plant has compound leaves that grow alternately, with leaves that are triply pinnately compound and have serrated edges. The flowers are small and white, growing in clusters. The fruit is flattened, and the dried Aralia leaves, when boiled, have a distinctive aroma. Aralia is also known as the fish salad plant and is a small tree often planted as an ornamental plant in front of houses.

The leaves of the Aralia plant have a nutty, bitter, fragrant, and slightly cooling taste. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aralia leaves are used to cool the blood, detoxify, eliminate foul odors, promote urination, and relieve itching. Aralia leaves are primarily used to treat allergies, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and dysentery.

Some medicinal remedies using the leaves of the Aralia plant:

1. Bồi bổ cơ thể, chống mệt mỏi

Material:

• Fresh Centella asiatica leaves: 150-200g
• 200ml water

Instructions: Boil 200ml of water, add all the Centella asiatica leaves to the pot, cover, and after a few minutes, open the lid and stir a few times. After 5-7 minutes, strain the liquid, add another 200ml of water and boil again. Boil again, mix the two liquids together, and divide into two portions to drink throughout the day.

2. Treating rashes, allergies, and hives.

Material:

• Dried Centella asiatica leaves: 80g
• Instructions: Boil 500ml of water until only 250ml remains, divide into two doses, and drink for 10 consecutive days.

3. Treating back pain caused by weather changes

Material:

• 30g of *Tinospora cordifolia* branches and leaves.
• Mimosa pudica root: 15g
• Chrysanthemum: 15g
• Licorice root: 15g

Instructions: Put all ingredients into a pot, add 800ml of water, simmer until only 300ml remains, and divide into three portions to drink throughout the day. Use for 5 consecutive days.

4. Healing wounds

For bleeding wounds, simply crush some washed Centella asiatica leaves and apply them to the wound. The leaves will quickly stop the bleeding and help the wound heal faster.

5. Increases milk production

Among the drinks that help mothers increase milk production, the leaves of the Aralia plant are worth mentioning. Simply wash a handful of Aralia leaves, boil them, then strain the liquid and drink it while it's still warm. If the water cools down, reheat it to maintain its effectiveness; avoid drinking cold water. Alternatively, you can dry the Aralia leaves, roast them until golden brown, and then brew them like tea to drink daily.

6. Treating night sweats

For young children who frequently sweat excessively on their heads, dry the leaves of the *Centella asiatica* plant and place them inside the pillow or spread them on the bed for the child to lie on. After a while, you will see a noticeable effect.