Jiaogulan

In the misty mountain villages of southern China, there is a climbing vine that locals have turned to for centuries. Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum), sometimes called the "herb of immortality," grows wild across the hillsides and has been brewed as a daily tea for generations. It belongs to the cucumber family, yet carries a gentle, slightly sweet flavour that is entirely its own. Rich in saponins called gypenosides, jiaogulan has earned a place in traditional Chinese herbalism as one of the most revered adaptogenic plants. Our jiaogulan loose leaf tea is organically grown and carefully dried to preserve its delicate character.

Jiaogulan is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it supports the body's ability to find its own balance. In traditional use across southern China and Southeast Asia, it has been taken to support energy, calm the mind, and encourage overall resilience. It contains over 80 different gypenosides, a group of saponins that are structurally similar to those found in Panax ginseng, though jiaogulan offers them in far greater variety. For those who prefer capsules to brewing, our jiaogulan capsules offer the same whole leaf goodness in a convenient form.

Brewing jiaogulan is simple and forgiving. Use one teaspoon of loose leaf per cup, pour over water that has just come off the boil (around 85 to 90 degrees is ideal), and steep for three to five minutes. The leaves can be rebrewed two or three times, and many find the second infusion the sweetest. Some people enjoy it as a morning ritual; others sip it throughout the afternoon. There is no single right way. The leaves will tell you when they are spent.

Our jiaogulan is sourced from organic farms in the highlands where this vine has grown for centuries. The leaves are harvested at peak maturity and gently dried to retain their full profile of gypenosides and antioxidants. Every batch is tested for purity. Whether you are exploring adaptogenic herbs for the first time or returning to an old favourite, jiaogulan is a gentle, grounding place to begin. Browse our full tonic herbs collection to discover more.