Jiao Gu Lan (Gynostemma)

4 ounces.  Siberian Ginseng,  Gynostemma pentaphyllum, or Jiao gu lan in Chinese  (pronounced jee-ow-goo-lahn), is the  Chinese “Herb of Immortality,” given this nickname due to this herbs' many health giving qualities and anti-aging effects.  TCM uses this herb to treat jaundice and chronic bronchitis. It has the classic function of clearing away heat and toxins. Often referred to as "Southern Ginseng" as it contains large quantities of gypenosides. Japanese studies have indicated that Gynostemma has a double-direction, regulating influence, meaning it is calming when one is overexcited and stimulating when one is depressed.

Makes a pleasant slightly bitter tea. May blend with other teas as well. recommend For kombucha brewing brew 25 % Jiaogulan with 75% real tea (Camellia Sinensis). 

This herb has been used in China for many centuries, traditionally to treat jaundice and chronic bronchitis. It has the classic function of clearing away heat and toxic material. "Southern Ginseng" Jiaogulan contains a large quantity of these saponins, known also as gypenosides. The structure of the gypenosides is very similar to the panaxosides (also known as ginsenosides) found in ginseng.

Contains many amino acids, vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Gynostemma is generally reinforcing to overall health and has a strong anti-fatigue effect.

 

Japanese studies have indicated that Gynostemma has a double-direction, regulating influence on the central nervous system, meaning it is calming when one is overexcited and stimulating when one is depressed. Japanese studies have also shown that Gynostemma is clinically useful in a number of mental and neurological conditions, including simple depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

 

Gynostemma is often used to treat inflammation and chronic bronchitis, stop coughs and remove sputum. It can also be beneficial to the circulatory system by lowering high blood pressure, decreasing the level of high blood fats and reducing the incidence of blood clots and arteriosclerosis.

 

Gynostemma can also be used to control body weight. As a diet herb, it accelerates the body’s metabolism, adjusts blood sugar and reduces blood fat. Some athletes who consume Gynostemma report improved appetites and more lean muscle.

 

Preliminary research indicates that Gynostemma may help prevent cells from becoming cancerous.

 

Scientific research studies in China have shown that jiaogulan decreases cholesterol by improving the liver's ability to send sugar and carbohydrates to the muscles for conversion to energy instead of turning the sugar into triglycerides which the body stores as fat. 3 It lowers LDL's (bad cholesterol) while raising HDL's (good cholesterol). It improves fat metabolism, reduces blood fat levels and depresses lipid peroxide and fat sediment in the blood vessels.

 

While it is great for rectifying high cholesterol and obesity problems, it can also improve and strengthen the digestion, allowing an underweight person to increase absorption of nutrients and gain weight in the form of lean muscle mass. This regulatory effect on bodily functions is the hallmark of an adaptogen.

A study at Guiyang Medical College in China has shown that a jiaogulan recipe increased strength and endurance in the body. Considering the above statements overall, jiaogulan becomes the perfect herb for anyone who wants to improve their competitive edge in any field of athletic performance.

 

Adaptogenic functions of jiaogulan are demonstrated in its biphasic effects on brain functions, which energize or calm the system depending upon the body’s need.  Jiaogulan also aids the regulation of hormonal functions in both men and women. The healthy maintenance of these physiological actions plays a major role in the body's ability to cope with stress. Jiaogulan has also shown its effectiveness, in clinical research studies, in helping the body resist depression of the immune system and other stress-related symptoms. It increases the production of Lymphocytes, Phagocytes and serum IgG, but not to an excess.

Jiaogulan has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities through its many saponins.  Jiaogulan also helps the body to resist depression of the immune system and other stress-related symptoms. Furthermore there are other clinical research studies, which indicate jiaogulan's ability to reduce tumor size.   It can even lower high blood pressure.

warning and caution.

Women who are pregnant should avoid Gynostemma.

 

In studies, Gynostemma has been shown to increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelets (including Plavix and Ticlic) or anticoagulants (including heparin and warfarin), the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding. Also due to this anti blood-clotting.  see also the FDA warnings and possible drug and herb-interactions at the link below.

 

Additional Information

History of Jiao Gu Lan and Warnings on Use