Jiaogulan
绞股蓝 · Jiǎo Gǔ Lán
Builds steady energy and supports your liver
What it does
Jiaogulan supports steady energy without the heat of stronger tonics. In TCM, it supplements qi while clearing low-grade heat, suited for chronic fatigue, inflamed gut, hyperlipidemia, and viral hepatitis. Its saponins are chemically similar to ginseng's. Four trials track effects on metabolic syndrome and lipid markers.
How to take it
Steep 3–6g of dried jiaogulan leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drink 1–3 cups daily as a long-term adaptogen tea. Safe for most ages.
Try jiaogulan tea daily as a gentler alternative to caffeine
Safety
- Generally well tolerated as a daily tea
- Mild nausea or diarrhea possible at high doses
- May lower blood sugar. Monitor if you have diabetes
- Skip during pregnancy due to limited safety data
- Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication
Where it comes from
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) grows wild in southern China, Korea, and Japan as a vine. Sometimes called 'Southern ginseng,' it gained the title because its saponins (gypenosides) closely resemble those in ginseng but the plant is far cheaper to grow. Long-lived villagers in the Guizhou highlands of China drink jiaogulan tea daily, leading some researchers to study its longevity link. Four clinical trials cover metabolic syndrome and obesity.