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.