The herbal tea from the dried loose leaves of Jiao gu lan (the Gynostemma Pentaphyllum), comes from an ancient oriental tradition .
It was defined by the Chinese as the herb of immortality, because according to traditional medicine it was a remedy for longevity and well-being . Jiaogulan can help you live a longer and healthier life thanks to its interesting benefits.
Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Jiaogulan herb: properties and benefits
We know today that Gynostemma or Jiaogulan is an adaptogenic herb, that is able to restore the body in balance, when subjected to stress.
Defined as biological response modifiers, natural adaptogens can help our body adapt to different environmental and mental conditions, reacting positively to stress and supporting the main vital systems.
Jiaogulan, in fact, as an adaptogenic plant helps regulate the production of nitric oxide and cortisol, which are mediators in the response to stress. The health and adaptogenic properties of Jiaogulan derive from the variety of saponins, the gypenosides: they are the chemical compounds responsible for the adaptogenic effects of various plants.
Jiaogulan contains over 80 saponins, and provides several natural antioxidant elements, being a rich source of healthy vitamins and minerals. One of the best effects of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum herbal tea is to be able to access its energizing properties.
Traditionally, the Chinese drank this infusion to draw energy during the day , also improving physical endurance. Adaptogenic plants are usually very useful for support the immune system, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
For digestion , Gynostemma or Jiaogulan, can favor a correct transit of food in the gastrointestinal tract, thanks to its slightly laxative properties. Jiaogulan can also be a natural remedy for constipation, and for a purifying action of the stomach and intestines, freeing them from toxins.
Like many adaptogenic plants, Jiaogulan is designed for its ability to relax and dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow and, therefore, have a positive impact on blood pressure as well. sanguine. One of the best known qualities of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum is to improve mood and defend against psycho-physical stress.
As an adaptogen, this plant can relieve anxiety and fatigue, while also helping to relax before going to sleep. This property comes from the fact that an adaptogen balances the nervous system, calming arousal or stimulating the mood.
The many antioxidants contained in Jiaogulan also make it interesting for the well-being of the skin and its beauty. Its anti-aging properties against free radicals have been known since ancient times as it was called the "herb of immortality".
Researchers believe that the reason for this general benefit are two very important antioxidants, glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The latter substance is very useful for preventing free radical oxidation damage. which can harm our cells.
Jiaogulan herbal tea has historically been considered an expectorant, therefore a good natural remedy to support the treatments of respiratory problems including cough, asthma and bronchitis.
Helps eliminate the accumulation of mucus from the respiratory tract, to breathe much easier. This plant is considered a powerful wellness tonic, also used by athletes to support their performance.
Origins and History of cultivation
Jiaogulan, also known by its scientific name Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, is a herb native to Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia such as Vietnam and Korea - as well as being also known in Japan and China.
There are many subspecies scattered throughout Asia, from India to Japan. In China, Jiaogulan abounds on Mount Fanjing, in southwest China, a Chinese nature reserve recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. It has been a very popular plant in China, consumed for centuries and included in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to give well-being.
It was called the herb of immortality, mentioned since the fifteenth century in a book of medicine and remedies for famine, at the time of the Ming dynasty. It was widely consumed in the Chinese province of Guizhou, precisely in the southwest where it abounds its presence.
The leaves are used, which must be harvested in early summer if it is a spontaneous plant, or in late summer if it is a crop. Harvesting takes place both by hand as per tradition and by machinery.
Today the botanical name is Gynostemma pentaphyllum but it is also called southern ginseng , because it has a chemical composition similar to this plant. Its diffusion and beneficial effects have recently aroused scientific research, especially in Japan where it was called amachazuru.
Jiaogulan was studied from the late 60's and early 70's, when it was noticed that the population of a certain Chinese province for longer than expected, consuming more Jiaogulan herbal teas from other provinces.
In these regions, the Chinese drank Jiaogulan tea during the day to increase stamina and strength at work, and in the evening to relieve fatigue and help sleep.
In addition to living long, these populations seemed to have less impact in terms of serious pathologies linked to aging. Since then, the fame of Jiaogulan has been confirmed in some studies, while others are still ongoing.
Plant and flowers
Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a perennial plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, and looks like a climbing vine. It grows well in warm, rainy climates, with a cool, humid mountain habitat, and little direct sun exposure. It prefers humus-rich soil.
Features underground shoots and dark green, serrated leaves that grow in clusters of five or seven. It is a dioecious plant, that is, with two different individuals carrying male and female flowers. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, between green and yellow, while the fruit produced is a berry, similar to the black one of the blueberry. It grows spontaneously and invasively both in the plains and in the mountains, up to over 3,000 meters in height.
Nutritional values of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum
In its phytocomplex, Gynostemma contains saponins, amino acids, antioxidant flavonoids, vitamins and minerals (phosphorus, potassium, zinc and magnesium).
The saponins gypenosid i, are the triterpenes that give the plant its healing properties, and which are similar to the ginsenosides of ginseng.
Some of these saponins convert to ginsenosides when ingested.
How to use the herb of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum - Jiaogulan in the herbal tea
The infusion of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, is obtained by inserting in a cup (250 ml), about 3-5 grams of the herbal tea cut, with water at 100 ° C. Leave to infuse for 8 to 10 minutes, before drinking the Jiaogulan herbal tea.
Add honey or sugar if desired.
Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Jiaogulan: side effects and contraindications
This herbal tea of Gynostemma leaves should not be taken together with medicines or herbs that affect blood clotting, or interact with the immune system.
Do not take Jiaogulan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In some cases, especially with excessive doses, you may experience side effects of nausea and diarrhea.
