Jiaogulan is China’s "Herb of Immortality". It can also be found in Korea, Japan, and other parts of Asia. This herbal vine is referred as such not just because it has been proven to have anti-oxidant characteristics, but because it is one of the rare herbs which have adaptogenic effects.

When Was Jiaogulan First Discovered?

Despite the fact that Jiaogulan grows in many parts of Asia, no early documentation of its history can be found aside from China’s account. The earliest usable information was dated way back in the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). Back then, this plant was recognized as a add on in times of famine and not as a medicinal herb. Jiaogulan’s medicinal function was not recorded until around 1579, when it was pointed out that the plant can be used to treat hematuria, edema and pain of the pharynx, heat and edema of the neck, tumors and trauma. Aside from being a survival food and a drug, it as also been used as energizing agents by the people in the mountainous regions of southern China. Until now, Jiaogulan is still being used widely.

Jiaogulan in Chinese Ethno- medicine

Most famous among Jiaogulan’s various functions is its use as an herbal medicine in TCM, or traditional Chinese Medicine. Its fame as an "immortality herb" started among local inhabitants because people inside Guizhou province, where jiaogulan tea is drunk on a regular basis, are said to have a history of living to a very old age.

Aside from being consumed as an Tea decoction, it is also available in alcohol extracts, pill, or capsulate form.

What is an Adaptogen? 

The antioxidant and adaptogenic effects of Jiaogulan can do more than just helping us live. It will help us live long and keep young through the health benefits that it can offer. Its adaptogenic effects will keep us from diseases while its antioxidant effect fights ageing.

According to scientific studies, Jiaogulan has illness-preventing and curative qualities. Among these is its rare capability to increase the body’s resistance to stress, anxiety, trauma and tiredness. It helps deal with problems regarding obesity or being underweight through decreasing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol concentration while improving fat metabolism.

Another amazing ability of Jiaogulan is that it can increase intensity and endurance of the body while working with our mental functions. This herb can help you be the mentally and physically fit person that you would like to become.

More information about Jiaogulan can be found on a few sites on the web and in Traditional Chinese Medicine books. Benefits-of-Jiaogulan.com in particular documents one person from America going to Thailand to learn more about the Jiaogulan and has a bunch of more information on the benefits of Jiaogulan.