Deep in the mountainous regions of southern China, herbal teas made from the adaptogenic herb jiaogulan have been consumed for centuries. Known as the “immortality herb,” the southern Chinese locals have utilized the herb to promote longevity and to cultivate a healthy lifestyle going far back into the early Chinese empires. Throughout the early days of herbal Chinese medicine, the herb was ignored due to the preference of ginseng and the isolation of the southern provinces from the central cities, but during the modern era it has seen a surge of popularity because of its proven adaptogenic effects. Starting in the 1970’s, studies about jiaogulan began being published in medical and herbal medicine journals, and the positive effects proven to be associated with the herb were astonishing. Throughout multiple rigorous studies, jiaogulan has been conclusively shown to assist the body in:

· Regulating blood pressure – (Tanner MA, Bu X, Steimle JA, Myers PR (1999-10-03))

· Reducing unhealthy cholesterol levels – (Blumert, Michael; Jialiu Liu (2003). Jiaogulan: China’s “Immortality” Herb. Badger, CA: Torchlight Publishing. p. 42)

· Reducing stress on cardiovascular systems – (Chen, LF et al. (1990). “Comparison between the effects of gypenosieds and ginsegnosides on cardiac function and hemodynamics in dogs”. Chinese J Pharmacol Toxicol 4 (1): 17–20.)

· Maintaining optimal homeostasis – (David Winston; Steven Maimes (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press).

With all of these proven health benefits, it appears that the stories of the “immortality herb” were not entirely inaccurate. You may not live forever with jiaogulan, but you will certainly live a longer and healthier life!