Apiaceae
Pennywort
Hydrocotyle asiatica
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Asia, Africa, Australia
Also known as: Asiatic Pennywort, Indian Pennywort, Brahmi (South India)
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Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
Cognitive enhancement, wound healing, venous insufficiency, anxiety. Essentially identical to Centella asiatica — often used interchangeably.
Herbal Actions
Nootropic, vulnerary, anxiolytic, venous tonic, anti-inflammatory
Active Constituents
Triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid), flavonoids, volatile oil — very similar to Centella asiatica (some consider same species)
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Considered same species as Centella asiatica or very closely related. All properties and dosing identical. Distinguish from Bacopa monnieri (both called 'Brahmi' in different Indian regions). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Same as Centella asiatica. Avoid in pregnancy. Photosensitivity. Caution with sedatives.
Side Effects: Photosensitivity. GI upset. Drowsiness at high doses.