Gynostemma

Picture of Gynostemma Plant

Gynostemma Plant

Gynostemma Benefits

Gynostema or “Jiaogulan” is an adaptogenic herb. An adatpogen is a substance that brings you whole body back into balance.

It also increases strength and stamina and protects the body and mind against stress, either mental or physical.

It is especially helpful for the immune, digestive, nervous, reproductive and cardiovascular systems. It is a very potent health tonic.

Saponins are what gives this powerful herb it’s ability as an adaptogen. It has the largest amount of saponins of any natural plant. There are over 80 of them contained in Gynostema. This is over four time the amount found in ginseng The saponins in Gynostemma are called “gypenosides”.

These are similar to the ginsenosides in ginseng. Some of these saponins actually convert to ginsenosides when ingested.

When you take Gynostemma, you get the benefits of saponins and ginsenosides. Gynostemma is also much cheaper than ginseng, making it a very popular health supplement.

Gynostemma is very popular all over the world for it’s ability to control weight. If you are too skinny, it can help you gain weight. If you are too heavy, it can help you lose weight. This is the balancing action of this adaptogen. It brings the body back to it’s normal weight.

It can also help maintain normal blood sugar levels and remove harmful blood fat. This causes your metabolic system to function better. It’s also able to maintain healthy bowel function by it’s cleansing action on the intestines and stomach. It eliminates toxins from the body too.

Gynostemma helps the immune system with it’s powerful antioxidant content. It increases white blood cells and assists the liver. It relieves stress and relaxes the nervous system. If you’re depressed, it’ll lift you up. If you’re too excited, it’s calm you down. It is often used by people suffering from depression, stress and anxiety.

This herb is believed to have anti-cancer activity in the body. More scientific study is necessary to confirm this though.

In China, Gynostemma is used to reduce fatigue, treat bronchitis, improve sexual function and to strengthen the body in general. It is considered a very powerful tonic for wellbeing.

Gynostemma is also capable of lowering serum cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and at the same time increasing good cholesterol (HDL). It can lower high blood pressure and improve the function of the cardiovascular health by increasing coronary blood flow and decreasing vascular resistance. It has the ability of releasing nitric oxide which relaxes the blood vessels.

As far as anti-aging goes, Gynostemma’s ability to increase the antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD) is believed to be what gives this herb it’s longevity enhancing properties. SOD is very helpful in preventing oxidation damage from harmful free radicals. This could allow a person to remain healthy, long into old age.

This herb is very popular with athletes and bodybuilders because of it’s strength and endurance enhancing properties. It can actually help build lean muscle and reduce fatigue.

Gynostemma also contains many important mineral, trace minerals, amino acids and vitamins that are helpful to the body in general. It really is a powerful herb.

If You Are Over 30

If you are over 30, you'll want to take some GF20 with this. Then you'll be able to run circles around people your own age. What is GF20?

 

Gynostemma Uses

  • Increase strength and endurance
  • Build lean muscle
  • Reduce fatigue
  • As a powerful adaptogen
  • Treat bronchitis and breathing problems
  • As a powerful antioxidant
  • Reduce stress
  • Treat depression and anxiety
  • Maintain optimal weight
  • Maintain normal blood sugar levels
  • Remove toxins from the body
  • Assist liver functioning
  • Anti-cancer
  • Improve sexual function
  • As a general tonic for overall health and wellbeing
  • Decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides
  • Increase good cholesterol (HDL)
  • Lower high blood pressure
  • Increase coronary blood flow
  • Decrease vascular resistance
  • As a nitric oxide releaser
  • As a healthy source of natural vitamins and minerals
  • Prevent senility
  • For it’s anti-aging benefits
  • Maintain healthy brain function
  • Enhance immune system
  • Treat Diabetes



Scientific Name

Gynostemma Pentaphyllum

Common Names

Jiaogulan, southern ginseng, miracle herb, longevity herb, miracle tea, Jiao Gu Lan

Where It Grows

Gynostemma is native to Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam

Which Part Of The Plant Is Used

Leaves

Picture of Gynostemma Leaf

Gynostemma Leaf

How It Works

Gynostemma contains saponins, vitamins and minerals. The saponins are what give the plant it’s healing properties.

How It’s Used

It is most popularly used as tea, but can also be obtained in capsules.

Precautions and Side Effects:

Gynostemma should not be taken with any medicine or herbs that affect blood clotting or immune system suppression. Do not take when pregnant or nursing without first talking to your doctor.

Description and History Of Gynostemma

Gynostemma is a climbing perennial vine which belongs to the cucumber family of plants but lacks the characteristic fruit. It has serrated leaves, growing in groups of five. It does well in warm climates.

This herb was often used by the common people of China. Ginseng was used by the emperor and the rich. Gynostemma has all of the healing properties of ginseng but it was easier to find and much cheaper if purchased.

Editor’s Comments

I use Gynostemma as I would ginseng. Increased strength and stamina and better tolerance to stress.

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References


Overcome Infertility –How to Treat Infertility With Gynostemma Pentaphyllum
Gynostemma tea boosts heart health

 

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