Gynostemma Pentaphyllum
Other Names: Amachazuru, Dungkulcha, Fairy Herb, Ginseng du Sud, Gynostemma, Gynostemma pedatum, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Herbe de l’Immortalité, Immortality Herb, Jiao Chu Lan, Jiao Gu Lan, Miracle Grass, Penta Tea, Plante de l’Immortalité, Southern Ginseng, Thé de l’Immortalité, Vitis pentaphylla, Xian Cao, Xianxao, Five-Leaf Ginseng, Miracle grass, Fairy Herb
Jiaogulan is sometimes referred to as “Southern Ginseng” because it grows in south central China and is used in similar ways as ginseng. The Jiaogulan plant from the far-distant mountains of China that is so powerful that locals call it “the herb of immortality”. In the Guizhou Province of China, one of the places where jiaogulan (literally, twisting-vine orchid) grows most abundantly, the natives have nicknamed the herb they regularly consume as tea “the herb of immortality.” They also credit it with their reportedly long life spans. The leaf is used to make medicine. Jiaogulan is most often consumed as a tea, but you can also get it in extract, pill, and capsule form. It’s readily available from many alternative medicine pharmacies, natural foods stores, and online sources.
Special Precautions of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum
- Jiaogulan might be safe when used short-term (up to 30 days). It can cause some side effects such as severe nausea and increased bowel movements.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Jiaogulan may not be safe in pregnancy. One of the chemicals in jiaogulan has been linked to possible birth defects.
- Not enough is known about the safety of jiaogulan during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Bleeding disorders: Jiaogulan may slow blood clotting. There is a concern that it might make bleeding disorders worse.
- Surgery: Since jiaogulan may slow blood clotting, there is some concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using jiaogulan at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
- Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Jiaogulan
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Jiaogulan
The benefits of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum are
Powerful Adaptogen Does Only and Exactly What Your Body Needs. The reason jiaogulan can work in such a range of ways in your body is because it’s a powerful adaptogen. All adaptogens — including garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng — are substances that can, once ingested, be adapted by your body in whatever way necessary to restore balance. Only 1 out of every 4,000 plants meets the criteria to be classified as adaptogens, also called biological response modifiers. Jiaogulan may actually be the most powerful adaptogen out there. The list of jiaogulan’s benefits is impressive and includes its ability to:
- Regulate cholesterol
- Maintain healthy blood pressure levels
- Improve digestion
- Enhance heart muscle (especially contractility)
- Protect and modulate the immune system
- Protect against free radical damage
- Regulate hormone levels in men and women
- Cancer : Jiaogulan may help inhibit cancer growth. This Chinese herb is an incredible balancing compound (Adaptogen) : If something (like your cholesterol, for instance) is higher than it should be, it lowers it. And if something is too low, it raises it. Jiaogulan also prevents cells from turning cancerous. It improves white cell count, antibosy levels, and T-and B-lymphocytes. It inhibit tumor and cancer cell growth. Tests have confirmed that Jiaogulan can inhibit or prevent malignant growths from forming, even after prolonged exposure to carcinogens. It also inhibits growth of existing tumors. It als kills cancer cells. Jiaogulan has shown activity against esophageal, breast, uterus, prostate, brain, kidney, thymus and skin cancer.
- Weight managment : while it may seem impossible, jiaogulan is both a weight-loss and a weight-gain aid. Again, it’s due to the herb’s adaptogenic nature. It interacts with your digestive system and corrects any areas of imbalance. If you’re overweight, it helps your body process food more efficiently. And if you’re underweight, it helps your body absorb the maximum amount of nutrients from everything you consume.
- Brain Function : Jiaogulan’s adaptogenic properties are especially evident in the way it benefits your brain. Jiaogulan has a biphasic effect on brain functioning, meaning that it can energize or calm the system depending on what’s needed.
- Stress : This Chinese herb should cause no harm and place no additional stress on the body. It should help the body adapt to many and varied environmental and psychological stresses
- The leaves of the plant can be eaten directly, put in a salad, or stored for tea. They have a sweet, fresh taste and are frequently used for alternative sweeteners in Asia.
