Botanical name: Hydrocotyle asiatica Other names: Indian pennywort Family: Apiaceae Part used: Leaf Taste (rasa): Bitter, astringent and sweet Characteristic (guna): Dry and light Energy (veerya): Cooling Post digestive effect (vipak): Sweet Dosha effect: VPK= Action (karma): Brain tonic, heart tonic, purifies the blood, nerve tonic, slows ageing, benefits the skin, wound healing, anti-inflammatory Dose: Up to 30g as an infusion Contraindications: Large doses can cause dizziness

Ref: ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’ by Sebastian Pole; ‘Ayurvedic Pharmacology & Therapeutic Uses of Medicinal Plants’ by Vaidya V.M. Gogte; ‘Yogi of Herbs’ by V. Lad & D. Frawley; ‘Herbs Are Special’ by Isabel Shipard.