A Life Enhancing Herb

One small vine, growing natively in Asia for hundreds of years has earned the reputation of a life enhancing herb, the name “Herb of Immortality” and is also commonly known as jiaogulan tea. 

Used in ancient Chinese medicine to help many ailments, this Herb of Immortality, was documented as early as the 1400s for being used to successfully address health issues such as tumors.      

Since the early days, jiaogulan has been enjoyed on a daily basis by Asian natives and believed to increase vitality and longevity.  Studies support these beliefs and are due to the scientific findings, which show the presence of large quantities of saponins and adaptogens in the tea.

Saponins are very beneficial to the health because they possess properties such as anti-carconogenic activity, antioxidant abilities and support health cholesterol.  While saponins are found in beans, legumes, garlic and oats, they are also present in ginseng and jiaogulan tea; with jiaogulan having an abundance of them.

Furthermore, the adaptogens present in jiaogulan offer balance to the body supporting an overall equilibrium.  Why is this important?  Say you have a stressful day, if you regularly consume jiaogulan tea, the adaptogens protect your body from adverse effects often caused by stress.  Also, the jiaogulan enhances heart function and helps metabolize sugars and carbs.

Jiaogulan tea offers an abundance of beneficial properties to the body.  A life enhancing herb that can be enjoyed simply in a cup of tea, the herb of immortality awaits.

Disclaimer:  Information contained in this article or any post on this blog is for educational use or entertainment only and is never to be used in lieu of advice from a health professional, diagnosis or treatment.

Chinese Herb - Jiaogulan – A Tea with a Boost!

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine herb; and is gaining popularity in other regions worldwide.

Research has shown that the Chinese herb Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum) is one of the most potent adaptogens available. With so many benefits, the plant has been dubbed a variety of names including Southern ginseng, sweet vine tea, amachazuru, and “herb of immortality”, or Xiancao.  The latter is due to its many attributes including anti-ageing and health-giving properties.

From a small remote mountainous region of southern China, Jiaogulan was has been used for medicinal purposes in native country since the 16^th century. The residents of this small remote region attributed their longevity and vitality to the daily use of jiaogulan or “Herb of Immortality”. This herb has been shown in both laboratory and clinical trials to have potential to boost immunity in humans.   

Research also indicates that this herb suppresses inflammatory nitric oxide pathways, while simultaneously stimulating nitric oxide production in the blood vessels. And although not well studied in humans, gypenosides extracted from this Chinese herb may also have anticancer properties.

With so many alias names, Jiaogulan has also been called "the herbal heart defender" due to the positive effects this herb has on cardio-vascular health, by helping the heart to pump better and assist in increased blood flow.

While the most popular form of Jiaogulan is that of tea, it has also been made into gels and creams to treat skin conditions.  Essentially the entire plant offers benefits.  The “petals” are edible and sometimes chewed on for the enjoyment of their sweetness.  This plant has even been used as a sugar replacement. 

Research conducted by Dr. Liu's team involved extensive exploration into the benefits of Jiaogulan which revealed over 300 human and animal medical studies that documented thoroughly the amazing benefits of Jiaogulan. With new therapeutic properties being researched, it has been found that Jiaogulan may also assist with improving the health of diabetics, and the list is continually growing.

Jiaogulan, a sweet, mild flavored tea is quite an enjoyable way to reap the health benefits it offers.

Health Benefits of Jiaogulan Tea

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a popular herb that is native in both China and Japan.  It’s popularity stems from its effectiveness as an adaptogen, which means it helps bring the body back to its natural balance.  Well known for its ability as a powerful antioxidant and properties that increase life longevity, it has gained much recognition and popularity.  For centuries traditional Chinese medicine advocates have recommended Jiaogulan. 

In fact, there have been so many researches that were reported about the amazing health benefits that this plant provides and Jiaogulan proved to deliver many health-promoting aids. The adaptogenic effects of the saponins present in Jiaogular are the key factor in its health benefits.

Saponins in Jiaogulan are at a much higher level than in standard ginseng.  While ginseng still offers benefits, Jiaogulan is more potent.

In addition to the many health benefits of Jiaogulan tea, it has a very mild, slightly sweet flavor which makes it a very palatable tea.

Some of the most impressive health benefits of Jiaogulan include:

•  Enhancing endurance 
• Powerful antioxidant 
• Increases cardiovascular performance 
• Detoxifies the liver 
• Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure 
• Inhibits the growth of tumors 
• Protects cellular immunity 
• May help eliminate the need for other supplements and medications 
• Boosts Immune System

Something so simple as drinking this tea on a daily basis could offer an extreme boost in health.