In a small southern province
of China, there is a town called Guizo where it is common for the residents to live
past one hundred years of age. After a group of Chinese scientists conducted a
study comparing the health and longevity of people living in Guizo versus the
neighboring areas, the primary conclusion was the daily consumption of Jiaogulan
tea, by the Guizo people because it grew natively and was more convenient and
affordable than other teas.
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma
Pentaphyllum) is a vine like plant related to the cucumber family and the
locals refer to it as “Xiancao”, which crudely translates into English as “the
herb of immortality”.
The Guizo people enjoy drinking
Jiaogulan tea because they believe it to increase strength and energy, fight weakness
and stress, treat viruses and colds, as well as infectious diseases; thus using
it as a preventative elixir.
Modern research and testing of
the jiaogulan herb supports most of these claims as well as recognizing it as
an adaptogen that provides the body with a sense of balance, and a powerful antioxidant.
While research continues to
solidify the benefits of jiaogulan tea, long believed by the people of Guizo, it
has also been discovered to reduce the likelihood of stroke and heart attack, reduce
cholesterol, stabilize blood pressure, treat chronic bronchitis, support
healthy cardiac health and perform as an immuno-stimulant. As an adaptogen,
this mighty herb provides balance to the nervous system and helps protect the
body from effects of stress
Most commonly Jiaogulan is
prepared as a tea, but is also a delicious herb to incorporate into recipes. While
it’s benefits are still being explored, jiaogulan tea has proven the test of
time to many, beginning in the small southern Chinese province known as Guizo.