Jiaogulan is hailed as the "herb of immortality and longevity" - when should it be harvested, and what are its benefits and effects?
Jiaogulan, also known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum, paradise grass, gospel grass, super ginseng, Gongluoguodi, root-everywhere, seven-leaf gall, five-leaf ginseng and seven-leaf ginseng, is hailed as the “herb of immortality and longevity”. So when is the jiaogulan harvest season? What are its benefits and effects?
Distribution areas of jiaogulan
In China, jiaogulan is mainly distributed in Pingli in Shaanxi, Kangxian in Gansu, Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, Guangxi and other provinces, and is known as “southern ginseng”. Jiaogulan grown in the south has a relatively high medicinal content.
Jiaogulan harvest season
In spring (mid-May), the jiaogulan harvested is the most tender. The more tender the jiaogulan, the better its taste and appearance, but the cost of this is very high.
Autumn is the maturity period of jiaogulan. At this time it is the most luxuriant and the yield is the highest, but after autumn the temperature is a little lower, so the quality may be slightly older and tougher than in spring. Get up early every morning and finish harvesting before the midday sun.
Benefits and effects of jiaogulan
1. It can improve immunity
Jiaogulan tea is similar to ginseng, and both have good health benefits, but it is even a little better than ginseng. Jiaogulan tea can improve the human body's immunity, because jiaogulan can enhance the macrophage ability against certain viral cells. In this way, the number of white blood cells increases, and the phagocytic power against cells is also strengthened, which easily increases the production of immune proteins in the serum.
2. It can lower blood sugar
Jiaogulan can well protect some endocrine organs in the human body, such as the adrenal glands and thymus, thereby preventing these organs from shrinking with age and maintaining the body's normal endocrine function. In this way, it can lower blood sugar and improve metabolic function, making it a very good health product for people with diabetes.
3. It can regulate women's endocrine system
Jiaogulan tea has a good regulating effect on menstrual pain and irregular menstruation in women. It is also very effective in treating menopausal syndrome in women, and is beneficial for constipation, insomnia and spots caused by endocrine issues.
4. Other effects
Jiaogulan tea can also lower blood lipids, prevent arteriosclerosis, lower blood pressure, treat headaches, calm the nerves and improve fitness.
How to drink it
Take 3-5 grams of jiaogulan tea, brew it with boiling water, preferably with 500 ml of water, cover and steep for about 3 minutes.
But also note that jiaogulan is suitable for specific groups of people:
1. For sub-healthy people with fatigue, insomnia and forgetfulness, it can nourish essence and calm the mind;
2. For people who drink alcohol for a long time, it can also protect and support the liver;
3. For people with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary heart disease, it plays an auxiliary therapeutic role.
However, it should be noted that jiaogulan is somewhat cold in nature, so for people with a weak and cold constitution, sensitivity to cold, and poor spleen and stomach function, it is not suitable for long-term use.