What is Jiaogulan Tea?

An herb that is harvested from a climbing vine native to Asia, jiaogulan is a member of the cucumber family.  It is recognized in traditional Chinese medicine as an herb that has many health benefits.  Used as a tea, it has a delicate, sweet flavor and is often referred to as the “herb of immortality.”

Also known as xiancao or southern ginseng, and the scientific name gynostemma pentaphyllum”  Whatever name you choose to call it is a herb that offers many benefits.

This “herb of immortality” has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries with recognition of it being an adaptogen in the body that helps reinstate balance and protect against common side effects associated with stress. 

Jiaogulan started gaining recognition in the western regions after a 1970s census showed interesting results for a southern area in China, known as the Guizhou Province that had several people over the age of 100 living there.  The community had enjoyed jiaogulan tea on a daily basis since the 15^th century because it was natively grown, therefore cheaper then many commercial teas. 

The noted link between jiaogulan and longevity of life was of definite interest to the western culture so research began.  According to this research jiaogulan, enhances the function of specialized white blood cells, called phagocytes, that are utilized in digesting wastes and destroying pathogens in cells.  This enhancement that the herb offers is thought to provide protection of the brain against oxidative stress, which is known to lead to Parkinson’s Disease.

So what is jiaogulan tea?  The “herb of immortality” might just state it all.