Jiaogulan

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)
Also known as: Southern Ginseng, Immortality Herb

Jiaogulan is a vining perennial herb native to southern China and Southeast Asia, revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a powerful adaptogen and longevity tonic. Known as the "Herb of Immortality," it contains a remarkable array of saponins (gypenosides) similar to those found in Panax ginseng. Its sweet, slightly bitter leaves are brewed into tea to support energy, cardiovascular health, and stress resilience. Fast-growing and shade-tolerant, Jiaogulan is ideal for medicinal herb gardens, permaculture trellises, or as a ground cover in food forests.

Key Characteristics

• Potent Adaptogen - Leaves Used for Tea and Tincture
  Jiaogulan supports the body's ability to adapt to stress, improve energy levels, and balance immune and endocrine function. It's used in TCM to tonify the lungs, support the heart, and increase stamina. The dried or fresh leaves are steeped into a deep green herbal tea often drunk daily for overall health and vitality.

• Cardiovascular and Longevity Support
  Studies and traditional use suggest Jiaogulan helps regulate blood pressure, improve circulation, lower cholesterol, and protect against oxidative stress. It has earned the nickname "Southern Ginseng" due to its reputation for promoting longevity, particularly in rural Chinese populations with high daily use.

• Fast-Growing, Shade-Tolerant Vine
  Jiaogulan grows vigorously as a scrambling or climbing vine, producing delicate tendrils and attractive five-lobed leaves. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, making it well-suited to the understory or herbaceous layer of permaculture systems. In colder zones, it dies back to the ground but often returns from roots or self-sown seed, in warmer zones the vine can be considered semi-invasive. We suggest growing this medicinal in pots or planters.

• Beautiful and Functional Garden Integration
  This vining herb is excellent for trellises, garden fences, food forest edges, or grown as a lush groundcover under fruit trees. Its fast growth and adaptability make it a great companion plant for creating living mulch and biodiversity in medicinal plantings.

Product Details

• Native range: Southern China, Southeast Asia

• Plant life cycle: Perennial (dies back in frost; regrows in spring)

• Sun requirements: Part shade to full sun

• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained (tolerates poor soils)

• Mature height: 2-4 feet vine (can sprawl or climb higher with support)

• Bloom time: June to August (flowers are tiny and inconspicuous)

• Bloom color: Pale green to white

• USDA Hardiness zones: 7-10 (can be grown as annual in colder zones or overwintered indoors)

Jiaogulan is a powerful longevity herb and stunning garden companion. Its adaptogenic benefits, lush foliage, and ease of cultivation make it a top choice for home herbalists and permaculture gardeners alike.