Have you ever heard of Jiaogulan, also known as the “herb of immortality”? This amazing plant is becoming increasingly popular for its potential health benefits, adaptogenic properties and even its anti-cancer effects. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating world of Jiaogulan and explore its healing properties.
The effects of Jiaogulan at a glance:
The herb of immortality helps with
– Support for the immune system
- Regulation of the blood sugar level
– Promotion of cardiovascular health
- Stress management
- Energy production
- Inhibition of cancer
- General well-being
Inhalt
ToggleWhat is Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)?
Gynostemma pentaphyllum, as the plant is scientifically called, is a medicinal herb that has been valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its healing properties for centuries. The plant is even nicknamed the “herb of immortality” and the “herb of 100-year-olds”, as there are a strikingly large number of people over the age of 100 in the province in China where Jiaogulan tea is regularly consumed.
The plant is said to have similar effects to Ginseng, only even better! The plant is therefore also called Southern Ginseng or 5-Leaf Ginseng in reference to the shape of the leaves.
The medicinal plant is best consumed as a tea. You can order the dried leaves directly here. However, due to EU directives, they may not be offered as food, and therefore as tea. This is because Gynostemma pentaphyllum was not included in the Novel Food Regulation. The EU regulation came into force in 1997 and regulates the authorization of new foods. As the plant was hardly widespread in our country at the time, it was considered a new food from then on. In order to be able to sell the herb of immortality as a tea, an expensive and complex authorization is required. In order to obtain legal certainty, many suppliers therefore sell the tea as a decorative or aromatic herb.
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How to Prepare Jiaogulan Tea
Jiaogulan tea tastes sweet, with a slightly bitter note and light aromas of licorice. The tea has a very special taste that is a real treat. To make Jiaogulan tea, put a teaspoon of leaves in a tea strainer and leave the herbs to infuse for around 5 minutes. Use boiling water. Your herb of immortality tea is ready! You can infuse the leaves 2-3 times without losing any of the flavor.
Jiaogulan Benefits for Your Health
The herb of immortality, or Gynostemma pentaphyllum, is a climbing plant from China that is attracting attention as a medicinal plant for its potential health benefits. Benefits include supporting the immune system, regulating blood sugar levels and improving cardiovascular health. The leaves of the medicinal herb contain powerful antioxidants such as polysaccharides, plant sterols, flavonoids, ginsenosides and saponins, which can protect the body from oxidative stress and promote healthy ageing.
With its many potential health benefits, it’s no wonder that Jiaogulan is deeply entrenched in Chinese folk medicine and is becoming a popular choice for people seeking a natural, holistic approach to wellness. Clinical trials and studies have also explored its effects on healthy liver function and showing promising results in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Can the Immortality Tea Strengthen the Immune System?
Maintaining a healthy immune system is integral to overall health. Jiaogulan contains many antioxidant compounds, which are known to strengthen your immune system.
Studies show that Jiaogulan can optimize the immune system, reduce inflammation and promote overall immune function by helping to regulate the production of nitric oxide. (see studies: Guzik et al, 2003, Sharma et al, 2007, Tripathi, 2007).
Excitingly, scientific evidence suggests that Jiaogulan may have the following benefits:
- Reduction of inflammation
- Help with autoimmune diseases
- Strengthen your immune system
- Promotion of positive immune reactions
- Improving the functions of immune cells
Jiaogulan can be a powerful ally to support your overall health and well-being.
Jiaogulan Tea for Blood sugar regulation through the herb of immortality
Overall health, especially for people with type 2 diabetes, depends on effective blood sugar control. Science shows that Jiaogulan can help regulate blood sugar levels and potentially improve insulin sensitivity (Xia et al., 2020). The improved insulin sensitivity, leads to improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin release from the pancreas. Especially in combination with white tea, Jiaogulan showed a very positive effect in experiments with mice.
Although Jiaogulan is not a substitute for medical treatment, its potential benefits in blood sugar regulation make it an exciting addition if you want to support your metabolic health.
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Jiaogulan Effect on the Cardiovascular Health
A person’s overall well-being is significantly affected by their cardiovascular health, and the herb of immortality can play a role in promoting a healthy heart and circulatory system. The tea is said to have the following cardiovascular effects:
- Improved blood flow (Amagase Campbell, 2010)
- Prevention of arterial constriction (Bin et al., 2012)
- Regulation of the cholesterol level (Liu et al, 2016)
- Increase in nitric oxide, which can lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation (Bin et al., 2012)
Jiaogulan tea may contribute to cardiovascular health by protecting the lining of the arteries and blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals, cholesterol and high blood pressure. By reducing high blood pressure, maintaining healthy blood flow and preventing excessive arterial constriction, Jiaogulan can be a powerful support for your heart health.
If you would like to buy jiaogulan, you can order it directly from us here.
Adaptogenic Properties of Jiaogulan
Jiaogulan is an adaptogenic herb, which means it can help the body adapt and resist different types of stress, whether physical, chemical or biological. Adaptogens such as Jiaogulan can help with stress management, increase energy production and support overall well-being.
In China, Jiaogulan tea is used to boost energy, increase stamina and strength and combat fatigue. With its adaptogenic properties, Jiaogulan can be a valuable addition to your daily routine, helping you to feel more energized, resilient and balanced.
In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress is ubiquitous, and managing it effectively contributes significantly to overall health. Jiaogulan can help reduce anxiety and stress by regulating the body’s natural response to stress. In fact, studies have shown that supplementation with Jiaogulan extract can significantly reduce anxiety in individuals with chronic psychological stress (Choi et al., 2019).
The ability to accomplish daily tasks and stay active is supported by adequate energy levels, a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Jiaogulan can help increase energy production and improve performance during physical activity by activating AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and supporting mitochondrial function. AMPK is an enzyme that acts as a powerful regulator of energy metabolism in the body and plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular energy balance (Toda et al., 2016).
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Jiaogulan and Cancer
Jiaogulan has attracted the attention of researchers due to its potential anti-cancer effects. Studies have shown that Jiaogulan may be effective in fighting cancer through various mechanisms, such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and the production of antioxidant enzymes. Although further research is needed to understand the full extent of these effects, the existing evidence is promising and worth exploring further. (Li et al., 2016).
As a natural and safe herb, jiaogulan could be a valuable addition to a comprehensive cancer prevention strategy. By supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms against cancer, jiaogulan can help reduce the risk of cancer.
Cell Cycle Arrest
One of the ways Jiaogulan could help in the fight against cancer is by interrupting the cell cycle, the process by which cells grow, replicate their DNA and ultimately divide into new cells. By inducing cell cycle arrest, Jiaogulan can prevent cancer cells from dividing and replicating uncontrollably.
The ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells is an exciting aspect of Jiaogulan’s potential anti-cancer properties. By targeting the cell cycle, Jiaogulan could be an effective natural option for those looking to reduce their cancer risk and support their overall health.
Apoptosis Induction
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a natural process that the body uses to eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells. Jiaogulan can stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells, reducing their growth and spread. This is a powerful mechanism by which Jiaogulan could fight cellular diseases such as cancer. By promoting programmed cell death, Jiaogulan may be able to reduce cancer growth and improve overall health.
Antioxidant Enzymes
Antioxidant enzymes play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, which can contribute to cancer development. Gynostemma Pantaphyllum can increase the production of antioxidant enzymes and thus reduce oxidative stress and prevent DNA damage.
Free radicals are produced in the body as a by-product of metabolism and by external factors such as environmental pollution, smoking or UV radiation. These free radicals damage body cells. The process is called oxidation. This is where the antioxidant effect of Jiaogulan comes in by neutralizing the free radicals.
Jiaogulan Tea Side Effects and Precautions
Despite the numerous potential health benefits of Jiaogulan, it is equally important to be aware of the possible side effects, contraindications and drug interactions. Common side effects of Jiaogulan include diarrhea and nausea, which are generally mild and short-lived. Severe side effects are rare, but the lack of human research means that the possibility cannot be ruled out. Individuals with bleeding disorders should be cautious, as Jiaogulan may slow blood clotting and potentially worsen their condition.
It is important to consult a doctor before taking Jiaogulan, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease or a bleeding disorder. Those with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis should avoid using Jiaogulan, as it might cause the immune system to become more active and exacerbate symptoms.
In addition, Jiaogulan may interact with certain medications, such as those that reduce immune system activity, slow blood clotting or lower blood sugar levels. Most studies suggest that consuming Jiaogulan is safe for short term use, but it is advisable to consult a doctor, particularly if you have chronic health conditions or are taking other medications.
Summary
As you have seen, Jiaogulan is a fascinating plant. Jiaogulan’s effects on the immune system, blood sugar, cardiovascular health, as well as its adaptogenic and anti-cancer effects make it one of the healthiest medicinal plants. The herb of immortality can be a powerful supplement to conventional medicine. However, as its effects are not yet fully proven and understood by studies, you should not use it as a substitute for medical treatments. If you want to buy Jiaogulan, I recommend our high-quality Jiaogulan.
So, grab a cup, enjoy the tea and benefit from its remarkable potential for your health.
By the way: you might also be interested in Cistus tea. Cistus tea also has a very high antioxidant content and a variety of potential health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a traditional Chinese herb that may help manage diabetes, reduce stress, and lower serum lipid and cholesterol levels. It also has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Jiaogulan is often referred to as “Five-Leaf Ginseng” due to its similar benefits to ginseng, such as reducing high cholesterol and blood pressure and improving heart function. Gynostemma pentaphyllum has also been studied for its anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Jiaogulan is caffeine-free and is generally not considered a classic stimulant, although it can naturally enhance energy production and performance.
Jiaogulan is generally considered safe. Rarely, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. You should avoid Jiaogulan during pregnancy. Long-term use is not recommended due to a lack of reliable information about its safety.
Jiaogulan is an excellent source of natural energy and has traditionally been used to enhance endurance, strength, and combat fatigue. It has been shown to be effective in improving athletic performance and mental clarity.
For the best results, take Jiaogulan tea as an aqueous extract at a dose of 6 g/day, divided into two doses, twice daily, 30 minutes before meals.
Jiaogulan is sometimes referred to as “Southern Ginseng” or “Five-Leaf Ginseng,” but it is not related to true ginseng. Jiaogulan and ginseng are two different plant species with unique active compounds, but both have been studied for their potential adaptogenic effects, which can help the body cope with stress and fatigue.