Jiaogulan FAQs
Have questions about Jiaogulan? We're not surprised. Despite centuries of enjoyment in many countries in Asia, most of the western world is unfamiliar with the herb called Jiaogulan.
Below are some of the frequently asked questions.
What are the benefits of Jiaogulan?
Jiaogulan, scientific name Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, is a member of the cucumber family. As the name implies, it grows in characteristic five leaf clusters and is a low lying vine or ground cover.
Jiaogulan leaves has been used for centuries in China and is a refreshing and healthy tea.
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How should I prepare Jiaogulan tea?
Jiaogulan is a delicate tea. Be careful not to over brew. Keep the temperature between 140º F and 160º F and monitor the brewing time closely.
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Does Jiaogulan contain caffeine?
Jiaogulan is an herb in the gourd family and is 100% naturally caffeine free.
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I don't care for hot tea during warm weather. Can I prepare Jiaogulan as an iced tea?
Jiaogulan is a refreshing iced tea. Just prepare the tea as normal and then chill or try preparing it as a sun tea.
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What is an adaptogen?
Russian scientist N. V. Lazarev coined the term adaptogen in 1947 to describe herbs that have "a normalizing action on various bodily functions regardless of the direction of the pathological condition." In other words, an adaptogen is an herb that helps the body self-regulate. If something is out of balance, either too much of something or too little of something, an adaptogen helps the body return to the ideal state.
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How much Jiaogulan should I consume?
The simple answer is, "as much as you want". We recommend 4 to 8 cups per day of tea. If taking jiaogulan in capsule form the recommendation is usually 2 to 6 capsules twice daily.
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What are the benefits of Jiaogulan?
Although it has been used to treat a wide range of diseases in its native areas of China, gynostemma has been studied most for its effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system (the heart and blood vessels).
Gynostemma may have a direct strengthening effect on the heart, possibly causing the heart to beat more powerfully.
It may also have a number of secondary CV effects, such as reducing the stickiness of blood components called platelets.
Created in the bone marrow, platelets circulate in the blood.
In a process called "platelet aggregation", they stick to injured tissue, beginning the blood clotting process and promoting wound healing.
Gynostemma's potential reduction in platelet aggregation may help to reduce the buildup of plaques in blood vessels.
Plaques are accumulations of fats and blood cells that may lead to heart attacks or strokes if blood flow becomes restricted.
In addition, gynostemma has been shown in laboratory studies to widen blood vessels; an effect that may both lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart.
Some evidence suggests that gynostemma also contains chemicals that may lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
All of these potential CV effects need more human studies to prove or disprove them.
Because it is an antioxidant, gynostemma may also have potential as an anticancer and immune-stimulating agent.
Substances thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation, which produces oxygen free radicals; antioxidants are believed to work in a number of ways.
They may lessen oxidation, they may inactivate oxygen free radicals, and they may restore at least some normal functioning to tissues damaged by oxygen free radicals.
As shown in laboratory studies of human cancer cells, gynostemma also may disrupt normal cell division in cancer cells, thereby preventing or delaying the onset of cancer and possibly destroying existing cancerous tumors.
This anticancer effect has also been seen in early results from a few animal studies.
Separate animal studies show that gynostemma may also help to regulate the immune system; possibly by stimulating B cells and T cells.
When it was given to animals with either deficient or overactive immune systems, gynostemma appeared to return immune function to levels that were more normal.
The antioxidant effects of gynostemma may also protect the liver from some of the damage caused by certain drugs, chemicals, or chronic alcohol abuse. In animal studies, gynostemma has interfered with the development of liver fibrosis, which is the formation of scar-like fibers in the liver. Because the non-functioning fibers crowd out active liver tissue, liver function decreases gradually as the amount of fibrous tissue increases. The possible antioxidant effects of gynostemma also need further study before it can be recommended for any of these uses. (Provided by Courtesy of Drug Digest)
The book "Jiaogulan: China's Immortality Herb" by Michael Blumert and Dr. Jialiu Liu is is also a place to find all the benefits of Jiaogulan summarized in one place.
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Are there any side effects from Jiaogulan?
Nausea, sometimes described as serious, has been associated with taking gynostemma. Also reported is a possible increase in the number of bowel movements.
No other side effects have been reported consistently from using gynostemma. Since few reliable studies of its use have been conducted in humans, however, it may have side effects that are not yet known. Individuals who experience unexplained side effects while taking gynostemma should stop taking it and tell a doctor or pharmacist about the side effects. (Provided by Courtesy of Drug Digest)
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Are there any drug interactions I should be concerned about?
"Prescription Drugs
In studies, gynostemma has been shown to increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.
• Antiplatelets include clopidogrel and ticlopidine
• Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin
Because it can affect immune system function, gynostemma may interfere with the effects of drugs used to suppress the immune system after organ transplants or in other conditions. Taking gynostemma is not recommended for patients who take drugs such as:
• Azathioprine (Imuran)
• CellCept
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Prograf
• Rapamune
• Zenapax
Non-prescription Drugs
Gynostemma may reduce the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin may also decrease clotting, so
gynostemma should not be taken at the same time as aspirin.
Herbal Products
Theoretically, if gynostemma is used with other herbs that affect blood clotting, bleeding may occur. Some of the most common herbal products that might inhibit blood clotting are:
• Danshen
• Devil's Claw
• Eleuthero
• Garlic
• Ginger (in high amounts)
• Ginkgo
• Horse Chestnut
• Panax Ginseng
• Papain
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals.
For specific information on how gynostemma interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions."
Quoted from Drug Digest (all rights retained).
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What is the difference between loose leaf tea and tea bags?
Tea bags are a great way to brew tea there just a bad way to store tea. Crushing the leaves in order to force them into a tea bag during processing ruins the taste and greatly decreases shelf life. If you like brewing in bags, consider buying good quality natural fiber empty bags and loosely spoon your jiaogulan into the bag just before brewing.
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Is it necessary to rinse Jiaogulan before brewing?
All teas are ruined if in contact with moisture between the times of harvest and brewing. So your tea arrives to you without ever having been washed. Our teas are cultivated organically and heated three separate times, effectively sterilizing any contaminates. Nonetheless, we recommend for our teas (and all teas) a rinse with the hot water before brewing. In our case it doesn't make a difference from a health perspective but you will notice the difference in the taste.
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How long is Jiaogulan's average shelf-life?
If stored in a sealed container your Jiaogulan will keep for up to 1 year, but connoisseurs will notice a difference in taste.
Best taste and health benefits are within 3 months of the harvest.
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Where can I buy Jiaogulan?
Here of course! Visit our catalog for a full list of options.
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