Jiaogulan – Sweet Tea Vine (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

Jiaogulan is a calming adaptogenic herb (a plant that can help your body respond to stress, anxiety and promote overall wellbeing)  It is native to the mountains of southern China and Korea. Also found in Japan.  Part of the curcubit family, it has a sweet, slightly cucumber flavour.  Sometimes described as having an aftertaste similar to green tea.

A rather fast growing, scrambling plant that will require something to climb up – or can work in a hanging basket.  Jiaogulan is a herbaceous perennial so will die right back over winter to return again in the spring.  Easy to propagate from runners.

Aerial parts are used fresh or dried to make a sweet, revitalising herbal tea, or can also be tinctured. Fresh foliage makes an interesting addition to salads and stir-fries!

Jiaogulan is reported to be an antioxidant, expectorant, hepatoprotective, cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure lowering, immune system tonic.  Its calming adaptogenic nature can make it helpful for those with anxiety – especially anxiety induced insomnia and stress headaches.

Studies have shown that some Jiaogulan contains gypenosides, 4 of which are identical to ginsenosides found in Asian Ginseng.

Grown in a 9cm pot.

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for those on blood-thinning medication.  Please seek advice from a professional before using medicinal herbs.