From Jungle Legend to Skincare Icon: The Rise of Tiger Grass

What Is Centella Asiatica?

Also known as gotu kola, tiger grass, or by its scientific name Centella asiatica, this perennial herb has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It’s native to Asia and thrives in tropical, moist environments — and yes, legend has it that wounded tigers would roll in the plant to heal their skin, earning it the nickname tiger grass.

Where Does the Name “Tiger Grass” Come From? The term “tiger grass” for Centella asiatica likely originated in Asia, particularly in India or Southeast Asia, where the plant is native and widely used in traditional medicine. Rooted in folklore—especially in India—tigers were said to roll in the plant to heal wounds. While the exact origin of the nickname is unclear, its deep ties to Ayurvedic practices and tiger legends make India a strong contender.

In K-beauty, Centella asiatica is often called “cica” as a shortened form of its scientific name, Centella asiatica. The term has become popular in K-beauty skincare marketing because it’s catchy, easy to pronounce, and aligns with the plant’s reputation for soothing and repairing sensitive or damaged skin.

What Does It Do for the Skin?

Centella asiatica is considered a soothing, healing powerhouse for compromised or sensitive skin. Its benefits include:

• Wound healing: Boosts collagen synthesis and speeds skin repair
• Soothing inflammation: Reduces redness, irritation, and sensitivity
• Antioxidant-rich: Protects against environmental stressors
• Strengthening the skin barrier: Helps restore moisture and resilience

Key active compounds include asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — often extracted and used individually in high-performance formulations.

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