20th July 2008This plant has many names as it is well known throughout the world for its healing power. Its scientific name is Centella Asiatica, while Malays call it Pegaga, Indians call it "Vollarei Elaye", the Hokkiens call it "Ham Kak Chau" and to the world, it is known as Indian Pennywort or just Pennywort for short.
This plant, or I'm going to call it as Pegaga in this blog, is a creeping herb with small kidney-shaped leaves, tiny pinkish red flowers and small fruits.
For its medical benefits, it has been used since ancient times especially in the Ayurvedic medicine system of India and in the folk medicine of China and Madagascar. This plant is also recommended by the World Health Organization(WHO) as one of the most important medicinal plant species to be conserved and cultivated.
