Product guide
Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Twisted whole leaves with a light green character, gentle sweetness and a clean herbal finish.
Botanical story · current research
Jiaogulan is a climbing vine in the gourd family, even though it is often called southern ginseng. Its leaves contain gypenosides, saponins structurally related to some compounds found in true ginseng, which explains the comparison without making the plants botanically the same. Brewed whole, the leaf gives a light green, gently sweet and clean herbal cup rather than the heavy flavour associated with many roots and barks.
Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Thailand
The vine grows in the humid mountain regions of southern China and northern Thailand. Mountain communities have long prepared the leaves as an everyday infusion, giving rise to evocative names such as the herb of immortality; that name belongs to cultural history, not a literal promise. In practice, jiaogulan is appreciated as a quiet daily tea that can be served warm or chilled with cucumber or citrus.
Whole-leaf herbal infusion
Green Botanica presents jiaogulan as dried whole leaves, allowing their shape, aroma and gradual infusion to remain visible. The leaves can be steeped two or three times, with later cups often becoming softer and sweeter. Powdered extracts also appear in research and supplements, but those concentrated preparations should not be confused with a simple whole-leaf tea.
Latest useful research
We prioritise the newest credible source we can find and state clearly whether it is human, animal, laboratory or review evidence.
A synthesis of eight clinical studies involving 584 participants; study quality and preparations still matter.
Open the research ↗A study of an extract, cell or animal model is not the same as eating or drinking the plant. It can still be valuable evidence when described accurately.
From plant to kitchen
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How to prepare
Use 1–2 teaspoons per 250 ml of water.
Steep at about 85–90°C for 5–7 minutes.
The same leaves may be infused again to explore a softer second cup.
Ways to use it
What to notice
Jiaogulan can develop more bitterness if brewed very hot or for too long. A slightly cooler, measured infusion keeps its gentle sweetness more visible.
Further watching & reading
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