Gynostemma pentatilis (Jiao Gu Lan) has been known to Chinese long-livers for many centuries. The wild plant was actively used for medicinal purposes, infusions and powders were prepared and added to food.
The cradle of Gynostemma pentatilis is considered to be the wild forests of southern China. Although locals began using the herb long ago, the first written records of Jiao Gu Lan date back only to 1406, during the Ming Dynasty. They emphasize the unique medicinal properties of the herb, as well as its use as a dietary food product.
At the 1991 Traditional Medicine Conference in Beijing, Gynostemma pentilis was included in the top 10 best tonic herbs. It was noted for its positive effects on five major body systems: digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, immune, and reproductive. Jiao Gu Lan is a strong adaptogen that has unique abilities to restore self-regulation in all five body systems.
Why is Jiao Gu Lan also called Immortality Grass?
It’s very simple. It got this name because it was found near a village where the locals were over 100 years old. It was only in the sixties and seventies of the last century that two research groups, each on their own, came across this medicinal herb quite by accident. The first was looking for a herbal sugar substitute in the mountainous regions of southern China, the second was conducting a scientific census there. Both groups ended their research with surprising results.
When research was done on the ingredients of this plant to see if it could be used as a sugar substitute, scientists were able to find 82 different plant glycosides, highly effective saponins* that are very similar to human steroid hormones. *Saponins are complex organic compounds with anti-inflammatory and emulsifying effects. They have a laxative and diuretic effect, used as an expectorant. Control the water-salt balance of the body. They are used in arterial lesions (atherosclerosis)
In addition, Jiao Gu Lan was found to contain a huge amount of vitamins, proteins, amino acids and trace elements. Since then, the health-promoting effects of Jiao Gu Lan have been classified worldwide as very high, which can be confirmed by numerous scientific studies.
The second research team, which was engaged in a census in the mountainous regions of Southern China, made a surprising discovery – in several remote regions, a disproportionate part of the population of residents who had reached a hundred years of age – the so-called long-livers – stood out. In search of the cause of this phenomenon, the scientists came to the conclusion that in these areas the traditional part of the diet was the plant Jiao Gu Lan.
Needless to say, the effects of the plant remain unrecognized by many Chinese long-livers of the south. Therefore, they simply call it “Xiancao”, i.e. “Plant of Immortality” and say it with a smile:
“It acts like ginseng, however, it is better than ginseng.”Nowadays, this plant, unfamiliar in our latitudes, is gaining more and more recognition around the world due to new scientific research, and is becoming an everyday drink for people who lead a healthy lifestyle.
Composition of Jiao Gu Lan
Gynostemma interested scientists, and they decided to find out how it affects the body. As it turned out, the plant contains a large number of vitamins and minerals that improve the general tone of the body, reduce fatigue and pain symptoms.
The plant contains natural minerals:
- Calcium;
- *Magnesium;
- *Marganetz;
- Phosphorus;
- Potassium;
- Iron;
- Zinc;
- Copper;
- Manganese;
- Chrome;
- Selenium
and vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, B12, C, E, A, D.
Useful properties of Jiao Gu Lan
Jiao Gu Lan has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries for virtually all ailments.
The plant is known as a powerful antioxidant and adaptogen with many healing properties, with regular use has a positive effect on the digestive organs, nervous and cardiovascular system and reproductive function of the body.
Let’s take a look at a few of the health benefits of Jiao Gu Lan:
- Maintains overall body balance, strengthens weakened areas of the body.
- It is an excellent immunomodulatory agent by transforming and increasing the activity of lymphocytes.
- Removes toxins and toxins.
- Regulates bad cholesterol, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.
- Calms the CNS (it is great to fall asleep afterwards). Reduces insomnia and improves the quality of sleep.
- Great for treating symptoms of fatigue and debility.
- Slows down the aging process! Gynostemma has an “anti-aging” effect, prevents the body from aging, increases SOD (the most important antioxidant in the body), thereby returning youthfulness to the body.
- Lowers blood sugar levels.
- Restores diseased cells, brings noticeable results in the treatment of stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers.
- Improves skin color and quality. When using gynostemma, the renewal cycle of skin cells increases from 22 to 27 times, the life cycle of cells increases by 22.7%.
- Keeps hair shiny, prevents baldness.
- Lowers high blood pressure, and raises low blood pressure. It’s a good blood pressure modulator.
- Stimulates the production of white blood cells, in people after chemotherapy.
- Normalizes the work of the urogenital system and gastrointestinal tract.
- Improves the circulation of energy in the body.
- Improves memory function.
- Effectively regulates the metabolism of fat in the body, relieves excess weight.
- It has anti-allergenic properties.
WARNING!
Gynostemma is contraindicated in children and pregnant women! The tea is intended only for recovery and auxiliary treatment, it cannot replace the therapeutic effect of other medicines!!!
How to brew Jiao Gu Lan
The leaves of the plant should not be poured with boiling water. This can lead to the loss of many useful properties. The optimal water temperature for brewing is 75-80 degrees Celsius.
The most effective will be the first brew, but there can be up to 5-6 of them (in traditional Chinese brewing using the spill method).
It can be brewed in a mug, the European way: 2 teaspoons of dry leaf poured a glass of hot water and infused for about 5 minutes.
When brewed properly, Jiao Gu Lan will delight you with its spicy-sweet aroma, sweet flavor with a slight bitterness and barely noticeable tartness, as well as many useful properties.
A safe daily dose of this plant is 2-3 cups per day. Gynostemma should not be consumed on an empty stomach.
Enjoy your tea parties, friends!
