Description
Jiaogulan or Jiao Gu Lan, also called Immortality Herb, grows widely across South and East Asia. This plant in the Cucurbitaceae family has many other names, including “miracle grass”, “southern ginseng” and of course its scientific names Gynostemma and Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Traditional Chinese Medicine has long used Jiaogulan stems and leaves as medicine. Now, around the world, folks “in the know” enjoy this herbal tea’s rich flavor and adaptogenic qualities.
Chinese studies report that Jiaogulan can help lower cholesterol, aid digestion, and promote overall good health. It may also regulate blood pressure, build immunity, help regulate blood sugar, and provide a powerful antioxidant boost. The name “Immortality Herb” originates from the high number of people living into longevity in the region where Jiaogulan comes from.
Brew at about 140° F (lukewarm) for two minutes. This herb packs loads of goodness and flavor alike, so we recommend many subsequent re-steeps of the same leaves. The flavor evokes the sweet earthiness of ginseng or licorice root, with a faint cinnamon-like spice. If you think “cucumber”, then the sweet–bitter combination makes a lot of sense. Then a mineral note resembles certain oolong teas, and the vegetal heft makes people think of green tea. Aficionados agree: there’s nothing else quite like it in the tea world.
Life is short! Drink up. And read more on the LMTC blog about Jiaogulan, Immortality Herb.
Lake Missoula Tea Company commits to direct-sourcing teas and botanicals from sustainable farms. First we choose organic ingredients, and then we create our blends in small batches. In short, we love to drink this stuff, and we’re proud to share with you the tastiest, freshest tea possible. Store away from light and oxygen, and your teas will keep for a good long time.
Very unique! If you like nettle, chrysanthemum, or other “grassy” teas you should try this one. Flavor is richly vegetal with a mellow bitterness up front that finishes slightly sweet. I drink it strictly for the flavor but I swear it fights off colds! I get sick several times each winter, but starting this past fall any time I felt a cold coming on I would drink several cups of this and, combined with sleep and vitamins, I quickly improved. Didn’t get properly sick once.
Hi B, glad to hear that Immortality Herb does good things for you! Thank you for the sweet review! LMTC