Pegagan Leaf
Centella asiatica
About Pegagan Leaf
Pegagan Leaf (Centella asiatica) is a herb used in the Jamu tradition to help with Wound Healing, Memory, Skin Health, and Anxiety. The leaves are the part traditionally used, used both internally and topically.
Botanical background
Centella asiatica, commonly known as centella, Asiatic pennywort or Gotu kola, is a herbaceous, frost-tender perennial plant in the flowering plant family Apiaceae. It is native to wetlands in Asia. It is used as a culinary vegetable and as a medicinal herb.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Pegagan Leaf in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Pegagan Leaf into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Pegagan Leaf into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Pegagan Leaf or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Pegagan Leaf.
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Pegagan Leaf in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Pegagan Leaf in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Pegagan Leaf itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb is associated with calming/sedative activity. CNS-active herbs are generally used cautiously and short-term in pregnancy rather than as a routine remedy — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionSedative herbs can cause infant drowsiness via breast milk — generally used cautiously and briefly, watching the baby for excess sleepiness or poor feeding.
Children
Use CautionSedative herbs are dose-sensitive in children, whose smaller body size makes effects less predictable — start low and use short-term under guidance.
Contraindications
- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Warnings
⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants
May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
Sedatives, liver-metabolized medications
Additive sedative effect; rare liver enzyme changes reported with prolonged use.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines
Climate
Tropical equatorial
Habitat
Tropical rainforests, village herb gardens, and traditional farm plots across the Indonesian archipelago
🌿 To see Pegagan Leaf growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Indonesian and Malaysian grocery stores
- Asian health food stores with Southeast Asian sections
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Pegagan Leaf, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.