Name: Jiao Gu Lan Tea
Origin : China
Grade : good
Storage : stored in a dry place and no direct sunshine
Other names: gynostemma pentaphyllum, Fiveleaf Gynostemma Herb
This herb is used as a tonic and is believed to help the immune system, relieve stress and regulate blood cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as improve energy. You can brew it in a cup of tea with boiled water, just like green tea or black tea, or decoct (cook it in boiling water for 10 minutes) it to drink.
About Jiao-gu-lan (gynostemma pentaphyllum)
This herb, native to the mountainous areas of southern China, Japan and South East Asia is receiving a lot of recognition for its use as an anti-aging tonic and adaptogen. The tasty tea made from the stems and leaves of this herbaceous perennial vine have 4 times more ginseng-like saponins than either American or Asian Ginseng. It has been used in Chinese Medicine to delay the aging process and increase energy.
Research in Japan shows that the herb has a powerful effect on numerous body systems. It has been used in Chinese medicine to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, enhance circulation, increase energy without being over-stimulating, improve focus and memory, support a strong immune system and can increase stamina and endurance for athletes.
This vigorous perennial vine is hardy to 10 degrees and can climb 20 to 30 feet in a season. Jiao gu lan prefers a moist, partly shaded location and responds well to a fertile garden soil. Quite easy to grow and will produce a large crop to harvest for tea.
According to legend, the Chinese Emperor Fu Shou (lucky immortal) was a skilled ruler, creative scientist, and patron of the arts. One of his far-sighted edicts required that all drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution.
While visiting a distant region of his realm one day, he and his court stopped to rest. As his servants began to boil water for everyone to drink, dried leaves from a nearby plant fell into the water and a aromatic liquid was infused. Curious, the emperor drank some and found it very refreshing ~ slightly bitter and a little sweet.
A refreshing drink appears within the pages of Chinese meditation texts as early as the 13th century. By the 16th century, the 'Herb of Immortality' is listed in a variety of holistic texts throughout China.
Since the 16th century, Jiaogulan has been referred to in Chinese medical texts as the 'Herb of Immortality.' Today, it is commonly used as a healthy beverage in China, Thailand and Japan.
