While scientists have determined that jiaogulan tea does not prevent heart disease, it is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have other positive effects on the cardiovascular system.
Components in the tea help break down buildup in the body's blood vessels, and can help lower levels of bad cholesterol while raising the good. The same antioxidants can be beneficial to the liver, helping to restore function and protecting it from permanent scarring.
Drinking jiaogulan tea can result in some vague feelings of nausea. Since it has such a powerful impact on the clotting ability of the blood, it is possible that the tea can interfere with a number of medications that affect platelets and those that regulate the immune system. It can also conflict with herbal medicines.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-jiaogulan-tea.htm
What Are the Medical Uses of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum?
Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a perennial vine in the Cucurbitaceae, or cucumber, family. The plant is native to China, South Korea, and Japan but can grow in the majority of temperate climates. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gynostemma pentaphyllum is used as an adaptogen and anti-aging remedy. Clinical studies indicate that this plant may be useful in treating diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Side effects, such as nausea, as well as interactions with other medications, may occur.
Recent research published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Hormone and Metabolic Research demonstrates that Gynostemma pentaphyllum may be appropriate in treating diabetic patients. In addition, studies show that this herb may also be useful in treating cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure. Other studies also conclude that Gynostemma pentaphyllum may reduce total cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins.
Some people may experience side effects with long-term use of Gynostemma pentaphyllum including severe nausea or diarrhea. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this herb because one of its chemical components may cause birth defects. Since it may slow blood clotting, those taking blood-thinning medication or who are undergoing surgery should let their doctors know that they are taking this herbal medication. People on immunosuppressants should probably avoid taking this herb because it can make those drugs less effective.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-gynostemma-pentaphyllum.htm
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The article below is taken from a manufacturer of herbal tea website.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pure-Wild-Ball-shaped-Jiao-Gu-Lan-Gynostemma-Pentaphyllum-Herbal-Tea-250g-/160878146929?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257515b571
Name:Ball-shaped Jiao Gu Lan Gynostemma Pentaphyllum
Origin:China
Net Weight:250g
Type:Loose/Floral & Herbal
Packing:Bag
Vintage:2012
Shelf Life: 18 months
Rating:★★★★★(5 out of 5)
An anti-aging, longevity tonic herb. It is reinforcing to overall health and has a strong anti-fatigue effect. Strengthens the immune system. Used for a variety of health complaints. contains 82 saponins, some of which are directly related to the ginsenosides found in ginseng root. Japanese scientists discovered that the plant contained ingredients very similar to those found in ginseng. Further research showed that jiao gu lan has a wide range of actions in the body, with a general overall effect of helping to balance and regulate body systems, such as the cardiovascular and hormonal systems. Studies have since been conducted which indicate that jiao gu lan has antioxidant properties and helps support circulation and immune systems.
Jiao gu lan contains substances called gypenosides. These are similar to the active constituents in ginseng, but jiaogulan contains over three times as many. Furthermore, jiao gu lan is believed to have a superior action to ginseng, being more supportive without causing overstimulation. In China it is often referred to as 'women's ginseng' since it is considered to be much kinder to women's body systems than ginseng.
The water extract of jiao gu lan has demonstrated a marked effect in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Jiao gu lan,is also a main adaptogenic herbs, helps to support a number of body functions and helps to support the body in times of stress it can be beneficial for a range of people. It is particularly recommended for those who want to try and improve their energy levels, who would like to support and maintain their blood pressure, support maintaining a healthy cholesterol balance, support with a healthy immune system, assist the circulation and aid a bright and clear mind. It is also used to enhance athletic performance - especially as a constituent in a formula with extracts of dan shen and panax ginseng.
Jiao gu lan (gynostemma pentaphyllum), this herb native to the mountainous areas of southern China and 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. This is a plant quickly gaining in popularity.
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History of Jiaogulan Tea
Back in the 70′s, the Chinese government asked their scientists to look into people living in the small mountains provinces of Guizhou, Guangxi and Sichuan (Southern China region), whereby it was found that there was a higher rate of centagenarians (people aged over 100 years) there. Not only were the residents living to a very ripe old age, but they were in very good health. Incidences were very low for the usual aging health ailments like Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer!
After 10 years of research, the scientists found that the villagers had been drinking a tea made from the leaves of a vine plant called “Jiaogulan”. They drank the tea a few times daily just because it tasted good and it was naturally sweet. Since then, there have been more research and studies conducted in China, USA, Japan, Germany and India – e.g. there is a PDF format file of the extensive information of Jiaogulan here ===> International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences – Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum).
The Jiaogulan or Gynostemma Pentaphyllum plant is part of the cucumber plant family and it grows like a vine. The leaves and stems are easily made into a tea by pouring some boiling water over them, steeping for 2-3 minutes and then drank during the day. The longer the tea is brewed, the sweeter its taste. I have found its taste to be similar to ginseng.
Jiaogulan is found to be safe to drink and there is no adverse overdosing or side effects. It is recommended that one drinks 2 to 3 cups of Jiaogulan tea a day.
Teabag and loose leaves version of Jiaogulan
The many wonderful health benefits of Jiaogulan ==>
The simple Jiaogulan herb has the amazing properties as an antioxidant, immunomodulator, adaptogen, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, nootropic, and hepatoprotective. Listed below are its health benefits :-
a) it’s a cheap substitute for ginseng
Jiaogulan has 85 saponins (called gypenosides), out of which 4 are identical to ginseng’s, but are four (4) times as concentrated as ginseng, which has 25 saponins. You know the goodness of ginseng – it gives one energy and vitality, without the effects of caffeine. Ginseng also promotes longevity and is good for our heart, adrenal cortex and general wellbeing.
The high numbers of gypenosides may account for a stronger regulatory effect on a number of our systems, like blood pressure, reproductive system, digestive system, immune system, and more.
b) it’s an adaptogenic herb, good for stress
An adaptogen is a metabolic regulator that helps us to adapt quickly and well to the environmental factors around us, such as anxiety, stress, aging or injury. It helps us to counteract and or prevent disturbances to homeostasis due to those stressors. The hallmark of an adaptogen is its ability to assist and promote the absorption of nutrients for a malnourished person. Hence, if there are people who have been ill and are recuperating, this would be a good tea to regain their nutrients and health, as well as their energy and wellbeing levels.
It is also good in regulating the hormonal systems of both men and women, especially in times of stress.
c) high in anti-oxidants
Being high in anti-oxidants, the Jiaogulan tea promotes anti-aging, and helps to prevent cancer by contributing to the repair of our cells, preventing DNA destruction that results in cell mutation (and cancer), i.e. it keeps free radicals from destroying our cells.
d) lower high cholesterol
Jiaogulan has been found to be effective in managing our good and bad cholesterol levels by regulating serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol).
e) high blood pressure
This herb can help to regulate blood pressure levels by improving the metabolic functions of our heart (through proper diastolic and systolic actions), as well as ensuring that our coronary blood vessels are relaxed with the release of nitric oxide in the body.
f) it promotes good, restful sleep
When we don’t sleep deeply and well at night, many of our functions the following day are often impaired. This tea helps to promote good, restful sleep and therefore, it helps to counter insomnia or restless sleep. Despite it being “energy giving”, drinking a cup of the tea right before bedtime does not disturb its ability to give us a good night’s sleep.
g) good energy and vitality
Due to its ginseng-like properties, one gets energised and have more vitality to carry out the day’s functions. This tea is safer to consume compared to coffee or tea, which has caffeine and tannin that will give us an energy high for a while, but will lead to a caffeine crash and we will feel tired again.
h) good for anti-aging
This is a good tea for people who are getting on in years, when their energy levels, vitality levels, and health are affected
i) good to help go through perimenopause and menopause
Because of its many good health benefits mentioned above, if one is going through perimenopause or menopause, this tea will definitely help to ease the hormonal effects that women go through for years. We will regain our energy levels, calmness, good sleep, good health and outlook of life!
j) rest where rest is needed, energy where energy is needed
Because of its good adaptogenic qualities, when one needs to rest, the tea will help her rest. For example, my eldest son had finished his semester exam recently and he was spending his holiday week being a bum – sleeping more than 12 hours at night and playing computer games the whole day!
When I gave him the Jiaogulan tea to drink, he couldn’t sleep longer than 8 hours and had to get out of bed because he was wide awake by then and he just couldn’t go back to sleep then!
In my case, I often lack energy due to my perimenopause, but when I drank this tea, it gave me the energy that I sorely needed to do my chores. Amazing!
k) good for digestion and losing weight
As the gypenosides help to regulate our digestive systems, our digestion is enhanced greatly with smoother bowel movements/regularity. Combined with the increased activity levels due to increased energy and improved digestion/metabolism systems, extra weight can be lost.
A box of 40 Jiaogulan Teabags
at just RM6-50 or USD2-10 only
Warning!
1) Do not drink this tea if you are pregnant or nursing!
2) Start drinking this tea on a weekend, just in case you may experience some tiredness on the second day or so after. My second daughter and I felt very sleepy on the second day after drinking the Jiaogulan tea – maybe our body was getting used to the tea.
3) On Day 2, you may experience a runny bowel movement but it is alright, as our body is clearing toxins.
4) Drinking too much Jiaogulan tea at the beginning may cause nausea – so, start with just 1 cup or 2, and preferably after a meal…to prevent nausea.
5) If you feel sleepy after drinking the tea, just have a short nap and your body will be energised after that. When you do some light exercises like walking or doing your chores, your body will feel energised again.
6) Please leave 4 hours apart in between drinking this tea and taking your Western medication, in case there may be any contraindications.
7) It is a blood thinner and therefore, please stop taking this tea at least a week before a scheduled surgery, or inform your doctor if you have a sudden surgery on.
8) Please take this Jiaogulan Tea at your own risk, I will not be held responsible just in case you have any adverse reactions to the tea.
I strongly encourage you to try taking Jiagulan Tea and see for yourself its wonderful health effects. I’m sure you will notice that you will be sleeping better, you have more energy and vitality to face your days, and if you have any health problems…do see if your health will improve.
http://happyhomemaker88.com/2012/09/17/amazing-inexpensive-jiaogulan-gynostemma-pentaphyllum-aka-immortality-tea-%e7%bb%9e%e8%82%a1%e8%93%9d-good-for-restful-sleep-energy-cholesterol-high-blood-pressure-regulating-heart-functions/
