jiaogulan
Botanical Name: Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Part Used: Aerial Parts.
Energetics/Taste: Sweet, slightly bitter, neutral
Botany: In the Cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumber, pumpkins and melons
HISTORY:
Jiaogulan is Native to Southern China and Japan. Many people think that jiaogulan has some ancient and long history in traditional Chinese medicine, like many native Chinese plants, but it does not. In fact, its history is localised to the mountainous regions of Southern China. The first documented mention was in text from the 1300s where it was mentioned as a crop to eat in times of famine. It was also used a lot in these Southern Chinese regions as an energizing tea when tea was scarce. In true adaptogenic and tonic herb style, Jiaogulan has a dual directional action, illustrated by its historical use as both an energizing tonic, drunk in the morning to improve strength and endurance, and in the evening to relieve fatigue and promote relaxation and quality sleep. It was also used in Southern China to treat numerous conditions such as colds and congestion.
Jiaogulan has been known as the Immortality Herb by people in the Fanjing Mountain region who attributed their exceptionally long lifespans to drinking jiaogulan tea. In Japan the plant is called Amachazuru or the Sweet Tea Vine as the leaves have a slightly sweet taste. In the 1970s a Japanese researcher Dr. Masahiro Nagai and his team were searching for a new low calorie sweetener and thought it may be a good plant to investigate. After studying the plants constituents, they found that jiaogulan contained triterpenoid saponins identical to those found in Panax ginseng. Since this time it has been compared to ginseng and said to be “like ginseng but better”
ACTIONS
ADAPTOGEN , CALMING NERVINE, STAMINA ENHANCING, CARDIOTONIC, HYPOGLYCAEMIC, ANTIOXIDANT
USES
Adaptogen – Jiaogulan has adaptogenic actions which help the body to return to baseline more readily. Helps to keep those stress hormones in check
Calming – It has a calming effect for the nervous system while also supporting stamina and endurance. Perfect for those with racing thoughts
Cardiotonic – Has a special affinity for the heart muscle and for those for whom they get racing heart and a raise in blood pressure when they are stressed and anxious.
Immune – It has an amphoteric activity so helps to modulate the immune response.
CONTRAINDICATIONS – Jiaogulan contains phytochemicals called saponins which can upset the gut in some susceptible people. I wouldn’t think that this would be the case in tincture form, more so in tea.
GROWING CONDITIONS Jiaogulan is in the cucumber family and is pretty easy to grow in the Auckland region as a perennial. As a tropical plant, it can start looking a bit sad over winter as it really doesn’t like cold weather but will bounce back come spring. It is quite an attractive vine and can be grown in a sunny spot with afternoon shade so it doesn’t succumb to wilting. It likes to have a decent amount of water but needs well draining soil as it doesn’t like wet feet. Jiaogulan can be grown in pots too as long as you provide support so it can make a nice plant for a balcony or inside provided it has enough warmth, sun and moisture. It is easy to propagate from cuttings and I have grown quite a few new plants this way.
HARVESTING You can harvest the leaves from when the plant has reached around 30cm tall. I love jiaogulan as it’s a true adaptogen, it is not labour intensive to grow and has wonderful attributes! Its easy to dry the leaves in the dehydrator at around 35 degrees for around 10 hours.