Basic Introduction to Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Tea
Gynostemma tea is made from the tender leaves of Gynostemma, processed through a combination of modern Chinese herbal processing techniques and traditional tea roasting methods. The tea brews a green infusion with a slight fragrance and a slightly bitter taste that leaves a sweet aftertaste. It has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, and delay aging. Pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies have proven that Gynostemma has adaptogenic properties and can significantly inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. Additionally, it has been found to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, control blood sugar, induce calmness, aid sleep, relieve stress, heal ulcers, alleviate fatigue, extend cell life, stimulate appetite, enhance immunity, improve bowel movements, suppress coughing, treat hemorrhoids, aid weight loss, manage deficiency conditions, prevent gallstone formation, counteract the side effects of corticosteroids, and combat aging. Apart from sharing many benefits with ginseng, Gynostemma also offers several unique advantages without the adverse effects associated with excessive consumption of ginseng or any other toxic side effects.
Nutritional Value
In addition to containing sterols, sugars, and pigments, Gynostemma also contains over 50 saponins, including tetracyclic triterpenoids. Four of these, Gypenosides III, IV, VII, and XII, are identical to Ginsenosides Rb1, Rb3, Rd, and F2 respectively, with Rd being eight times more abundant than in ginseng. Gynostemma is a selenium-rich plant that does not contain sex hormones. Its acid hydrolysis products share the same physicochemical properties as those of ginsenoside protopanaxadiol, which is rare in plants outside the Araliaceae family. This has earned Gynostemma the nickname “Second Ginseng” and, due to its prevalence in southern regions, it is also known as “Southern Ginseng.” It promotes balanced fat metabolism, thereby helping to lower cholesterol levels and reverse fatty liver disease, while also effectively aiding in weight loss, bowel movements, detoxification, and sleep improvement.
Product Characteristics
The raw materials for Gynostemma tea come from its native habitat in Hunan Province, China. The leaves are handpicked by local tea farmers during early spring, ensuring they are wild seven-leaved Gynostemma shoots. The tea is processed using a combination of modern Chinese herbal processing techniques and traditional tea roasting methods. It boasts the characteristics of “form, color, aroma, and taste,” with a rich content of active compounds, making it highly valuable both medicinally and for health maintenance. Gynostemma, also known as “five-leaf uncinatum,” is a plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family. There are over 13 species identified worldwide, with 11 found in China. Wild Gynostemma is similar in appearance to Uncaria rhynchophylla (a grape family plant). Fresh Gynostemma is a perennial herbaceous vine, with stems up to 1-3 meters long, and cross-sections that are pentagonal or polygonal. Stems have tendrils growing from the leaf axils, dark green compound leaves, typically five to seven lobed with short petioles. The leaves are crinkled and easily breakable, with serrated edges. The inflorescence is a panicle, 8-20 cm long, with small spherical flowers, 5-6 cm in diameter, turning black when mature. The tea has a slight fragrance and a slightly bitter taste.
Production Method
Gynostemma tea is made from the stems and leaves of Gynostemma, with buds and young leaves offering the best efficacy. The raw materials are handpicked and processed using a combination of traditional tea-making techniques and Chinese herbal medicine preparation methods. This results in a whole leaf tea that brews a green infusion with a fragrant aroma and a slightly bitter yet sweet taste. If the raw material is “wild Gynostemma,” the entire plant, including roots, stems, and leaves, is used. After cleaning and drying, it is cut into pieces to make tea bags.
Authenticity Verification of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Tea from Dayaoshan
Wild Gynostemma: As the name suggests, this refers to Gynostemma grown in a natural environment without human intervention, nourished by mountain springs and rainwater, and fed by the nutrients of various wild leaf litter and humus. In today's world where people increasingly seek natural products, wild Gynostemma is particularly precious.
Tasting and Consumption Methods
Use 3-5 grams of Gynostemma tea, steep in boiling water, ideally using 500 ml of water, cover and let steep for about 3 minutes. For general health maintenance: 3-6 grams per day; for therapeutic purposes: 9 grams or more per day.