Herb of Immortality: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

The herb of immortality is called by botanical name Gynostemma pentaphyllum and is also known as Jiaogulan. It is an Asian medicinal plant that belongs to the gourd family. In Asia, the herb of immortality has been used for several centuries for its healing properties.

Occurrence and cultivation of the herb of immortality.

The herb of immortality is an Asian medicinal plant that belongs to the gourd family. The herb of immortality is a mostly annual plant species that can reach growth heights of three to nine meters. Root tubers are formed as the plant’s organs of survival. In addition, starting from the roots, widely branched tendrils develop, on which five-fingered leaves grow. Therefore, the herb of immortality is also called five-leaf ginseng. The flowers of the plant are small and yellow-green in color. They are bisexual and form black to greenish berry fruits. These can reach diameters of up to eight millimeters, but are not relevant from a medical point of view. The herb of immortality is originally from Asia, especially China, Japan, Thailand, India and Korea. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate and can thrive at altitudes of up to 3000 meters.

Effect and application

The herb of immortality has been valued in Asia for several centuries as a versatile medicinal plant. Responsible for the healing effect of the plant are its valuable ingredients, such as the substance ginsenoside, high-quality saponins and various gypenosides and gynosaponins. In addition, the herb of immortality contains numerous minerals, vitamins and proteins. To take advantage of the healing properties of the plant, it is usually eaten as a leafy vegetable or drunk as a tea. For the preparation of a tea, the leaves of the herb are often pressed into ball form. One ball is sufficient for two cups of tea. The dried balls are poured over boiling hot water and left to steep for about ten minutes. The tea is then strained and can be drunk in small sips after cooling briefly. Basically, the tea can be prepared from both fresh and dried leaves of the herb of immortality. The tea is similar in taste to green tea and also has a sweet and subtly grassy aroma. Three cups of the tea should be taken per day. To refine the taste of the tea, a small piece of ginger can be added to the hot brew. The slightly spicy aroma harmonizes with that of the herb of immortality. If you want to sweeten your tea slightly, it is best to use natural honey of organic origin. In addition, the herb of immortality can also be used in the kitchen. Here, the consumption of the fresh leaves of the plant is recommended. Especially the young and particularly tender shoots are tasty and provide energy. They can be eaten raw or used in salads and dips. In addition, the herb of immortality can be cooked, for example, to mixed vegetables. It then resembles spinach in consistency and taste. Another option for taking the herb of immortality are ready-made preparations. For example, capsules or powder of the plant are available. Basically, it is recommended to take a break after six weeks of continuous intake of the herb of immortality, so that no habituation effect sets in.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

The herb of immortality has been used in Chinese medicine for a long time. It is believed that the herb contributes significantly to the old age of the population in the southern provinces of China. People in these regions often reach an age of more than 100 years. Here the medicinal plant is used for detoxification and regulation of metabolism. The herb of immortality is also used for strengthening and therapy of hepatitis and blood poisoning and is very similar to the effect of ginseng. The glycosides contained in the plant have strong similarities to those of the ginseng root. But the content of glycosides in the herb of immortality is even significantly higher than in ginseng. Due to the balancing effect of the plant, the herb of immortality can be used for both high and low blood pressure. The effect can be calming or stimulating, depending on the initial state.In addition, the herb of immortality is also used in the context of cancer, although scientific research results are still pending. Basically, the use of the herb of immortality is discussed as an adjunct to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In principle, the herb of immortality can be used for the prevention of tumor diseases. Also with regard to illnesses of the cardiovascular system, in particular with heart attack and stroke, the herb of the immortality is said to have a preventive effect. Responsible for this are primarily the blood circulation-promoting properties of the plant. Also, already damaged blood vessels are stimulated to regenerate. In addition, brain performance can be increased and elevated blood lipid levels lowered. This is because the medicinal plant reduces the presumably harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood. Also, the herb of immortality can be used for weakness of the liver, arteriosclerosis and bronchitis, as well as stress and insomnia. Likewise, the plant is said to have a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal complaints, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. The herb of immortality can also provide relief from forgetfulness and general nervousness.