Jiaogulan, sometimes referred to as southern ginseng, is an Asian-grown plant with compositional and functional properties similar to, but in some cases stronger than, conventional ginseng. Southern ginseng vitamins and teas are sold and used as health supplements because of the plant's immunity-boosting, anti-aging and endurance enhancing effects. As with any alternative remedy, consult your health-care provider before using jiaogulan vitamins.
Origin
Though most commonly sourced from southcentral China, jiaogulan grows wild throughout Asia and has been used for centuries as a native, traditional herbal remedy and energizing agent. While the herb was used to make medicinal tea for many years, it was not until the 1970s that Japanese scientists discovered the antioxidant and adaptogenic qualities responsible for jiaogulan's effectiveness as a longevity-enhancing, preventative care supplement.
Composition
Jiaogulan's health benefits are the result of saponins, which are compounds that increase the supply of blood to internal organs and thereby improve cardiovascular function, according to Jiaogulan.org. Compared to ginseng, which contains about 28 saponins, jiaogulan contains at least 87 varieties of these compounds. Like ginseng, jiaogulan is a prime example of an adaptogen, which is a normalizing herb that is effective regardless of the illness or condition against which it is working.
Benefits
According to Herb.com, in addition to its cardiovascular benefits, jiaoguln is also effective in combating stress, enhancing endurance and athletic performance, and regulating sleep patterns. The herb can help decrease bad (LDL) cholesterol and raise good (HDL) cholesterol, boost metabolism, both energize and calm the brain and increase the body's immune defense capabilities, according to Herb.com. Jiaogulan's high antioxidant and saponin levels might prevent and combat carcinogens and cancer growth, and traditional Chinese medical practitioners believe that it even cures asthma and hepatitis, in addition to acting as an overall anti-aging tonic, according to Natureproducts.net.
Forms
Jiaogulan or southern ginseng can be taken as a supplement, tea or alcoholic infusion. Described by purveyors as "long life tea," jiaogulan tea is caffeine-free. All forms of the herb are available for purchase online and in some health food stores. However, many supplements are not FDA approved. Always consult a doctor before using jiaogulan or any other herbal remedy.
Warning
Jiaogulan has the potential to surpass ginseng as a treatment for aliments ranging from colds to cancer, but because the herb's properties and effects are still under research, it is important to consider your health condition and conventional medications before taking supplements or concentrated teas. Jiaogulan is not a definitive treatment or cure for any of the conditions listed above.
Member Comments