Jiaogulan (Immortality Herb): Benefits, TCM Theory, Research & How to Brew
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum), known as the “Immortality Herb” (Xiancao in Chinese), has earned worldwide attention for its role in longevity, resilience, and metabolic support. With antioxidant levels reported to be up to eight times higher than green tea, Jiaogulan is studied for its ability to support healthy blood sugar, cholesterol balance, cardiovascular vitality, and overall stress resistance.
Rooted in Southern China’s mountain villages — where people are famously long-lived — and validated by modern PubMed-backed research, Jiaogulan has become one of today’s most searched herbal adaptogens.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pinyin Name | Jiaogulan (绞股蓝) |
| English Name | Gynostemma, Immortality Herb, Southern Ginseng |
| Botanical Name | Gynostemma pentaphyllum |
| TCM Category | Tonify Qi and Yin |
| Taste/Nature | Slightly Bitter, Sweet / Cool |
| Meridians | Lung, Heart, Kidney |
| Key Actions | Nourishes Qi, supports metabolism, strengthens stress resilience |
| Forms Available | Loose leaf tea, powders, capsules, tinctures, extracts |
| Quality | Lab-tested, GMP certified, geo-authentic sourcing at 1st Chinese Herbs |
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jiaogulan is considered a Qi and Yin tonic with cooling and balancing properties. Practitioners traditionally use it to:
Strengthen Qi: Supports vitality, stamina, and recovery.
Nourish Yin: Balances dryness, heat, and internal stress.
Calm Shen (Spirit): Eases worry and supports restful sleep.
Support the Heart and Lungs: Enhances circulation and breathing capacity.
In Guizhou Province, villagers who regularly drank Jiaogulan tea were noted for exceptional longevity and low rates of chronic disease. This gave rise to its legendary nickname, the “Immortality Herb.”
Jiaogulan was first described in the Materia Medica for Famine Relief (1578) and later recognized as a Qi-strengthening herb comparable to ginseng — earning the name “Southern Ginseng.” Folklore says farmers drank it daily in tea form, believing it kept their bodies resilient through long days of labor.
Antioxidant Activity
Gypenosides, the main active compounds in Jiaogulan, show powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity (PMID: 28085013).
Blood Sugar Support
Jiaogulan extract has been shown to help regulate blood glucose and insulin sensitivity (PMID: 26589290).
Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Function
Clinical studies suggest Jiaogulan supports healthy lipid levels and circulation (PMID: 25794174).
Adaptogen Properties
Jiaogulan may help the body adapt to stress, improving energy and reducing fatigue, much like ginseng (PMID: 19152034).
Liver Protection
Animal models suggest hepatoprotective benefits through antioxidant pathways (PMID: 30071127).
Longevity Research
Experimental studies show gypenosides may extend lifespan in model organisms by regulating oxidative stress and energy metabolism (PMID: 30811414).
| Feature | Jiaogulan | Green Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidants | Up to 8× more antioxidant compounds | Moderate antioxidants (catechins) |
| Caffeine | Caffeine-free | Contains caffeine |
| Primary Action | Adaptogen, stress & longevity support | Stimulating, metabolic support |
| Traditional Use | Tonic for Qi & Yin | Digestive & alertness support |
Key takeaway: Jiaogulan offers a caffeine-free, adaptogen-rich alternative to green tea with broader systemic benefits.
Jiaogulan as an AdaptogenBalances energy: Uplifts when fatigued, calms when overstimulated.
Supports resilience: Helps the body adapt to stressors.
Enhances stamina: Athletes use Jiaogulan for endurance.
Promotes calm focus: Without caffeine’s jitteriness.
Tea/Infusion (most traditional)
1–2 tsp dried Jiaogulan leaves in 8 oz hot water.
Steep 5–7 minutes.
Mildly sweet and slightly bitter taste.
Powder
1–2 grams mixed into warm water, tea, or smoothies.
Capsules/Extracts
Convenient daily option, especially for those who dislike herbal teas.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon dried Jiaogulan leaf
1 thin slice fresh ginger
1 teaspoon goji berries (optional, for added flavor and energy)
8 ounces hot water (about 190°F / 88°C)
Directions
Place the Jiaogulan leaf, ginger, and goji berries into a teapot or mug.
Pour hot water (not boiling) over the ingredients.
Cover and steep for about 5 minutes.
Strain if needed, then sip slowly and enjoy.
Tip: For a stronger brew, let it steep a few minutes longer, or re-steep the leaves a second time.
Generally well tolerated in traditional amounts.
Avoid high doses during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when taking blood thinners unless supervised.
As with any herb, consult a licensed healthcare professional before long-term use.
| Herb | Key Feature | Difference from Jiaogulan |
|---|---|---|
| Ginseng | Warming, stimulating Qi tonic | Jiaogulan is cooling, caffeine-free. |
| Ashwagandha | Calms stress, nourishes adrenals | Jiaogulan also supports heart & lungs. |
| Green Tea | Antioxidant, caffeinated | Jiaogulan has higher antioxidants, no caffeine. |
Q: Can Jiaogulan help with blood sugar?
A: Studies suggest it may support healthy glucose metabolism, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Q: Is Jiaogulan safe for daily use?
A: Yes, in moderate amounts it’s often consumed daily as tea.
Q: Why is it called the “Immortality Herb”?
A: Villages in Southern China linked longevity to drinking Jiaogulan tea regularly.
Q: How does it compare to ginseng?
A: Both are adaptogens, but Jiaogulan is cooling and gentler, while ginseng is warming and stimulating.
When purchasing Jiaogulan:
Lab-tested for purity
GMP-certified production
Geo-authentic sourcing (grown in China’s mountain regions)
Cut leaf or full-leaf form (best quality for tea)
Shop trusted Jiaogulan (Immortality Herb) teas, powders, and extracts at 1st Chinese Herbs.
Wildcrafted and organic options
Third-party lab tested
GMP certified production
Geo-authentic sourcing
Since 1994: 31 years of herbal knowledge
NuHerbs Lab Tested
Herbal Information for Andrographis Herb in Cut Form
Nu Herbs Lab Tested
Uncaria spp. (Gou Teng): The Hooked Vine That Calms the Mind and Balances the Body Few herbs in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine offer the remarkable versati
Nuherbs Organic
Herbal Information for Eleuthero Root in Organic Powder Form Eleuthero root powder is a versatile and powerful herb that offers a host of benefits for the body and mind. Whether you're looking to...
ActiveHerb
Cordyceps .9x Mushroom Extract Granules: Potent Energy and Immune Support Cordyceps mushroom extract granules are a concentrated form of the Cordyceps mushroom, specifically prepared for ease of
Nuherbs Organic
Herbal Information on Organic Japanese Bushy Knotweed Rhizome in Bulk Powder Form Hu Zhang: Unveiling the Miraculous Benefits of Japanese Knotweed Hu Zhang, also known as Jap
Plum Flower Powders
Andrographis Powder 5 Kilogram Bulk Bag (1 single bag) Why Is Andrographis Revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
ActiveHerb
Herbal Information for Raw Rehmannia Root Single Extract FormSheng Di Huang: A Comprehensive Overview
Nuherbs Organic
Herbal Information for White Lotus Seeds Health Benefits of White Lotus Seeds White lotu
Nuherbs Organic
Yi Yi Ren (Job's Tears): Digestive Support, Dampness Removal, and Wellness Benefits Herbal Information for Coix Seed in Whole Seed Form
NuHerbs Lab Tested
Astragalus Root Powder: A Potent Boost for Immunity and Vitality Astragalus root powder, derived from the Astragalus membranaceus plant, has a long-standing reputation in Traditional Chi
NuHerbs Lab Tested
Huang Bai Fen – Phellodendron Bark Powder to Clear Heat, Dry Dampness, and Detoxify Harness the power of Huang Bai (Phellodendron
Z Natural Products
Herbal Information for Organic Turmeric Powder What Is The Historical Use Of Turmeric Root?Turmeric root has been used for over 4,000 years in various cultures for its medicinal, culinary, and