Jiaogulan Tea (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

What is Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)? - Jiaogulan (also known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is an herb originating in China. This small vine grows naturally in Chinese forests but is now grown on small farms throughout Asia. Jiaogulan has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Traditional Chinese doctors consider it a Chi tonic. Chi is the Chinese word for internal energy and a Chi Tonic is any herb or combination of herbs that increases and aids the flow of Chi. Jiaogulan is also considered by herbalists as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body self-regulate. In short, Gynostemma puts your body back in balance.

What are the health benefits of Gynostemma Tea? - Gynostemma pentaphyllum first came to the attention of modern science as a result of a nationwide census in China taken in 1970. The census data revealed two small regions of China with an unusually large number of people aged over 100 years. A research team was dispatched to look for the cause. After extensive research the scientists concluded that the reason was that jiaogulan grew naturally in both these regions and was regularly consumed by locals as a less expensive alternative to tea.

This surprising finding prompted more focused research on the health benefits of Gynostemma tea. After over forty years of research the scientists and doctors on the project identified three major health benefits from drinking jiaogulan.

1)Gynostemma is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body self-regulate. This is normally managed by the human neuro-endocrine system. When the NE system gets out of balance many problems can happen including, diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain or loss, insomnia, irritability, problems with thinking and memory and a host of hormone problems. Gynostemma helps return the body to balance.

2)Gynostemma improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. Studies show that Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a natural vasodilator. Vasodilators are often recommended for people trying to decrease their blood pressure since they expand the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Additionally, even for people without blood pressure issues, the increased blood flow to the brain and other vital organs can increase energy levels and boost athletic performance.

3) Gynostemma supports your immune system. Most people do not realize that the human body produces its own antioxidant called Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD). In addition to being a key to the adaptogen benefits of jiaogulan, because our own body produces SOD, increasing SOD is far superior to consuming antioxidant foods in boosting our immune response and countering the effects of aging. Studies suggest that regular consumption of Gynostemma may aid the production of SOD.

Why our Jiaogulan is the best? - We grow our jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) on small farms in the highlands of Thailand. We grow it there because there is very little industrialization in this region. The air, water and soil are some of the best in the world and together they produce a very high quality Gynostemma tea. Because we work directly with the farmers we can insist on organic, pesticide-free growing methods. We pan dry immediately and then follow with a forced air drying method that allows us to preserve the integrity of the tea. Our tea is naturally sweet and aromatic. We were awarded the prize for best tasting tea in Thailand. Keep in mind, that this was best tea overall, in a head to head competition with some of the finest gourmet teas.

We urge you to give our jiaogulan a try. Its fully organic and caffeine free! Available in four convenient sizes from 30 grams (about 30 cups of tea) up to 1 kilogram (good for about 1000 cups of tea) Free USA Delivery!