2 years ago, one of my old friends sent me a package full of different kinds of teas. I was told that those teas were the most popular herbal teas widely drank in China for their health benefits. One of them, was called Jiao Gu Lan (it is literally translated as: twisted-Vine-Orchid/Blue) . It is written as: JiaoGuLan here in the United States. Among the health benefits, I was told that “JiaoGuLan” could help to lower the blood pressure, reduce cholesterol content (not my immediate concern), preventing cancer (getting interesting), weight control (very interesting), delay aging such as grey hair, better skin etc (exciting! 
).
JiaoGuLan - Chinese Miracle Herbs
I tasted the tea right away and actually liked it. JiaoGuLan tasted slightly bitter at the beginning, and then turn to a clean sweet aftertaste. Very much like those aftertaste of ginseng root tea, yet without the strong medical ginseng flavors. Jiao Gu Lan has a faint sour glass smell, which is not unpleasant.
Guanxi - DaYao Mountain, Where JiaoGuLan is grown and collected to produce Award Winning SengTangShan Brand JiaoGuLan
I did some sreearch in local US markets and tried out several brands. The brand I liked is the original JiaoGuLan Herbal Tea on the market. It is called “Seng Tang Shan” (i.e. Sheng Tang Mountain)is from the wildness of DaYao Mountain (picture below was taken from the manufacturer’s website) in Guang Xi, a beautiful Southern Chinese Province close to the border with Vietnam. JiaoGuLan used to make this tea are collected in the wildness of DaYao Mountain, free from pollution.
ShengTangShan brand of JiaoGuLan Herbal Tea, we are carrying, is the original award winning brand of JiaoGulan tea. The tea is imported by a reliable importer specializing in Chinese Medicine. (Please be aware, there is a low quality tea on the market, with almost identical box design).
JiaoGuLan, Gynostemma pentaphyllum in scientific term, is a widely used Chinese Herb. Its medical health benefit was first recorded almost 500 years ago (“Jiu Huang Ben Cao” or 救荒本草 in 1525). It was regarded as a “miracle herbs” that could prolong the life. In early 1960s, JiaoGuLan was rediscovered in Guizhou, an southern province in China. It was found that the longevity of the local folks could be contributed to the regular intaking of Jiaogulan of have longer
Jiao Gu Lan , also called “Southern Ginseng” in China, has several other names, based on its appearance : whether 5 or 7 leaves: 七叶胆 ( “Seven-Leaf”, popular in Taiwan) 、五叶参 (“five-leaf” ginseng)、七叶参 (seven-leaf ginseng); Taste: 小苦药 (little bitter herb)、公罗锅底、habitant: 遍地生根 （growing everywhere); Functionality: 神仙草 (immortal herbs)、甘荼蔓.
Here is a summary of JiaoGuLan Herbal Tea‘s Heath Benefits published:
Jiaogulan - Chinese "Immortal Herb" by Blumert Michael
1. Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Increase good Cholesterol, improve Cardiac Function, lower blood pressure.
There are two types of cholesterol in the blood: LDL (low density lipid, bad) and HDL (high density lipid, good) Cholesterol. High level of LDL cholesterol, together with other substance in the blood, could build up and form plaques on the inner walls of arteries that carry the blood to the heart and brain. The narrowed or even blocked blood vessels would lead to heart attack or stroke. HDL Cholesterol is the natural defense to LDL cholesterol and prevent the formation of the plaques. It will also prevent arteriosclerosis.
Many studies found that JiaoGuLan may effectively lower the bad LDL cholesterol and rise the good HDL cholesterol contents in the blood. Therefore, JiaoGuLan would help to prevent heart attack and stroke.
Furthermore, studies also show that JiaoGuLan may increase cardiac function by increase cardiac output and strength of heart beat. It may modulates blood pressure, It may adjust the overall blood pressure with effectiveness over 80%.
2. Enhance body’s immune system, fight with Cancer Cell
The white cells, or leukocytes, form the human body’s immune system. There are several types of white cells: T-Cells (identify foreign objects), B-Cells (generate antibody that attach on the foreign objects) and Natural Killer Cells (destroy the foreign objects).
The studies show that JiaoGuLan can effectively enhance body’s immune system by enhancing the production of white cell and enhancing the ability of Natural Killer Cells (NT Cells).
Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief By David Winston
3. Natural Antioxidant Rich Rejuvenating Herbs – Adaptogen
JiaoGuLan is a rejuvenating herbs. The studies show that Jiaogulan may increase the body’s resistance to stress, anxiety, fatigue and trauma by calming an overexcited nervous system and stimulating a depressed one. The studies show that JiaoGuLan can increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is a powerful endogenous cellular antioxidant.
4. Expel Insomnia, relieve headache, migraine symptom
Studies found that insomnia was improved for 90 percent of patients who is taking Jiaogulan. It is also effective in reduce stress, relieves the symptom of headache.
5. Improve Diabetic condition
6. Over 90% improving rate of Hepatitis B patients.
7. over 90% improving rate of Chronic Bronchitis patients.
8. Reduce the side effect of Steroid based medicine
Any Side Effect or Precaution of Jiaogulan?
Jiaogulan is not a stimulant nor a sedative. It is not addicting or addictive
Side effects reported in clinical studies included severe nausea and increased bowel movements. Please start with lightly brew tea to let body adjust to it.
PierMall .com Carries best Brand of JiaoGuLan (Sheng Tang Shan Brand). The price is very competitive. PierMall.com is selling for $3.99 per box, while it is selling for $6.95~$10.96 online elsewhere. Search for yourself.
