Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
Have you ever come across a herb that seems to do a little bit of everything—calm your nerves, boost your energy, support your heart, and even help with longevity? Meet Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum), often called the “Immortality Herb.”
This climbing vine belongs to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae) and grows in the southern regions of China, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. In Guizhou, a mountainous province in Southwest China, people have long credited their remarkable vitality and longevity to daily cups of Jiaogulan tea.
A Sweet, Cooling Tea with a Legendary Reputation
When brewed, Jiaogulan’s leaves create a tea that’s cooling, lightly sweet, and slightly bitter—refreshing and rejuvenating all at once. Traditionally, it was drunk to support the heart, lungs, spleen, and kidneys, but it soon became known as a whole-body tonic.
It’s no surprise that the herb gathered a handful of nicknames: five-leaf ginseng, miracle grass, sweet tea vine, poor man’s ginseng, and of course, the Immortality Herb.
Taste & Energetics
- Energetics: Cooling
- Taste: Sweet, slightly bitter
- Tea: Refreshing, mildly sweet, and rejuvenating
Traditional Uses
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaogulan is said to nourish the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. Traditionally it has been used to:
- Support heart and lung health
- Increase stamina and endurance
- Prevent colds and reduce fatigue
- Calm the nervous system, improve sleep, and ease tension
- Support digestion, metabolism, and hormonal balance
- Promote longevity and vitality
Why Jiaogulan is Special
The power of Jiaogulan lies in its rich content of gypenosides, plant compounds similar to those in ginseng, which give it wide-ranging effects on the body.
Key Benefits
Cardiovascular Support
- Strengthens heart function
- Helps reduce high blood pressure
- Lowers LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides
- Protects circulation by boosting antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)
Nervous System & Stress
- Calms stress and anxiety
- Improves sleep
- Relieves nervous tension and stress-related headaches
- At the same time, boosts focus, energy, and endurance
Immune Health
- Acts as an immune modulator
- May help protect against tumours and certain cancers
Metabolic Balance
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Helps lower blood sugar in both healthy and diabetic individuals
Weight Management
- In a 12-week study, Jiaogulan extract significantly reduced abdominal fat, body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in overweight adults
Liver & Digestion
- Supports healthy liver function and detoxification
- Encourages smoother digestion and metabolism
Adaptogenic Action – Herb of Balance
Adaptogens are plants that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. Many are stimulating, but Jiaogulan is unique: it is both calming and energizing.
- For the anxious or overworked: it soothes tension and promotes restful sleep.
- For those who need energy and focus: it lifts stamina and endurance.
This “two-way action” makes Jiaogulan a true balancing herb—meeting you where you are and guiding the body toward harmony.
How to Use Jiaogulan
- Part Used: Leaf
- Preparation: Infusion (tea) – steep dried leaves in hot water to create a nourishing, cooling, slightly sweet drink. Liquid extract drops doses in water .
Safety & Cautions
- May cause mild gastric discomfort if taken on an empty stomach
- Seek professional advice before use if taking immune-suppressing or blood-thinning medication
A Cup of Longevity
From strengthening the heart and calming the mind, to balancing blood sugar, supporting digestion, and promoting long life, Jiaogulan truly earns its name as the Immortality Herb.
Whether you’re seeking more resilience, restful sleep, or simply a nourishing daily tea, Jiaogulan offers a gentle yet powerful ally on the path to health and vitality.
References & Further Reading
- Liu, Jialiu & Blumert, Michael. Jiaogulan: China’s “Immortality Herb” — Unlocking the Secrets of Nature’s Powerful Adaptogen and Antioxidant (Torchlight Publishing, 1999) — This book shares both traditional uses and a summary of scientific studies on Jiaogulan.
The information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition, are on any medication, and if you are pregnant or nursing.