This ground-hugging plant grows in a widespread distribution in tropical, swampy areas, including parts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and South Africa. It also grows in Eastern Europe. The roots and leaves are used medicinally.

Gotu kola has been important in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries. It was purported in Sri Lanka to prolong life, as the leaves are commonly eaten by elephants. Numerous skin diseases, ranging from poorly healing wounds to leprosy, have been treated with gotu kola. Gotu kola also has a historical reputation for boosting mental activity and for helping a variety of systemic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, and nervous disorders. Some of its common uses in Ayurvedic medicine include heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis, and coughs in children and as a poultice for many skin conditions.

Saponins (also called triterpenoids) known as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acid are the primary active constituents. These saponins beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue), for example, inhibiting its production in hyperactive scar tissue. One uncontrolled study in humans found that a gotu kola extract helped heal infected wounds (unless they had reached bone). A review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can help burns and wounds. Double blind studies have also shown it can help those with chronic venous insufficiency. One study found gotu kola extract helpful for preventing and treating enlarged scars (keloids).

Age-related disorders, arteriosclerosis, circulatory problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure, infections, depression, fatigue, hypoglycemia, learning disorders, memory loss, menopause, nervous conditions, PMS, psoriasis, schizophrenia, senility, ulceration's and wounds.

Studies have indicated the gotu kola works as a tonic for fatigue without the side effects of caffeine. It also stimulates and builds the nervous system, counteracting the effects of stress.