History of Jiaogulan Tea

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.