Studies indicate that Jiaogulan has a regulating, adaptogenic influence on our central nervous system. It is calming when you are overexcited and stimulating when you are depressed. It is an immune modulating, antioxidant, anti-aging agent, anti-inflammatory; it improves digestion, strengthens the mind, improves sexual functions, eases pain, calms nerves, reduces blood fat and adjusts blood sugar.
Antioxidants are fighters against toxins, poor dietary habits, chemicals, and other sources of free radicals. Free radical damage, also known as oxidative stress, is a major contributor to many health concerns. Jiaogulan has been shown to improve health by promoting the body’s own production of its most important antioxidant enzymes.
Functionally, jiaogulan and other adaptogens recharge the adrenal glands, which are the body’s mechanism for responding to stress and emotional changes. The adrenals, which cover the upper surface of each kidney, synthesize and store dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These compounds are responsible for the changes that occur during the fight-orflight reaction. This means that every time we get stressed out by work, kids, school, traffic, relationships, finances, or politics, our adrenal system gets overrun and then depleted.
Does Jiaogulan Contain Caffeine?
Jiaogulan gives the body an extra energy boost without the use of caffeine. It’s naturally stimulating! As Jiaogulan caffeine free, the tea has also been found to help sufferers of insomnia. Those who regularly drink it testify to a general feeling of well-being and a strengthening of different systems of the body. Jiaogulan tea also can help lower blood pressure in some individuals.
Ingredients Contained in Jiaogulan
Many herbalists consider jiaogulan to be the most potent herbal adaptogen. This term refers to special plants that can increase the body’s resistance to everyday stress, trauma, anxiety, and fatigue. Adaptogens accomplish this by a unique two-way balancing action on neuro-endocrine and immune function. Chemical analysis has shown that adaptogens work because of active principles called saponins. Ginseng, for example, is renowned as an adaptogen because of its complement of 28 saponins, but jiaogulan contains more than 100 different saponins, an astounding number that experts proclaim to be the broadest and most powerful range found in nature. Jiaogulan’s saponins include the major ones found in ginseng, plus unique forms called gypenosides that are found in jiaogulan alone. Different gypenosides are found in different parts of the plant, so it is thought to be most beneficial to use the entire plant.
Ginseng Substitute?
Jiaogulan contains saponins, which are natural detergents, experts say. Saponins can bind with bile acids, helping reduce cholesterol. They also may help lower the risk of colon cancer. While the saponins in jiaogulan are chemically very similar to those in ginseng, jiaogulan contains more of them — more than double, by some estimates.
Are there Any Side Effects to Taking Jiaogulan?
Slight nausea and increased bowel movements have been reported with extreme dosage. As with any herb, start your usage gradually and increase intake over time. In studies, jiaogulan shows effects on the circulatory and immune systems. Consult your health care provider if you are on medications with effect on these systems. Until further human studies, jiaogulan is not recommended during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or for small children.
Conclusion
Jiaogulan has been used as a daily tonic in China for hundreds of years, but is now gaining popularity worldwide because of new scientific research supporting the wide range of health and longevity benefits. Many expect jiaogulan to outshine any other plant that has been discovered and studied. To date, there are more than 300 research papers and studies that have been performed and written to attest to jiaogulan’s many benefits. Also, it has undergone over 40 independent scientific trials showing that it can benefit nearly every major organ in the body.
