Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum): The Immortality Herb — What It Is, How to Grow It, and How to Use It

A vigorous climbing vine native to southern China, Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) has been brewed as a daily tea in certain mountain regions for centuries — earning the nickname "immortality herb" from the long-lived communities who drank it most.

If you've landed here, you're probably curious about what Jiaogulan actually is, what people use it for, or whether you can grow your own. While it’s famously dubbed the "immortality herb" for its adaptogenic vitality, modern herbalists and wellness seekers are increasingly turning to Jiaogulan for one specific reason: its remarkable support for healthy blood sugar balance and metabolic health.

What Is Jiaogulan?

Jiaogulan is a leafy, tendriled vine in the cucumber family. It contains a class of compounds called gypenosides — structurally similar to the ginsenosides found in ginseng — which have made it a subject of ongoing herbal research. The leaves have a mildly sweet, slightly bitter flavor and are most commonly enjoyed as a brewed tea.

In traditional herbalism, Jiaogulan is considered an adaptogen: an herb people reach for when they want everyday support for energy, stress resilience, and general vitality. It's caffeine-free, making it a popular choice for those replacing afternoon coffee or winding down in the evening.

Read More: Cravings, Brain Static, and Dialing in Blood Sugar Balance with Yellow Dahlia Tincture

How People Enjoy Jiaogulan

• As a daily tea: Steep a small handful of fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 3–5 minutes. The flavor is subtle and pleasant — earthy-sweet with a light bitterness.
• As a dried herb: Dried leaves can be used in loose-leaf blends or kept in an airtight jar for convenient daily brewing.
• In food: Fresh leaves can be added to salads or stir-fries for a mild flavor and an herbal boost.

As with any herb, consult your healthcare provider before adding Jiaogulan to your routine, especially if you take medications or are pregnant or nursing.

Shop by Interest

Curious about other herbs and herbal teas we grow and source? Browse these collections:

• Yellow Dahlia Tincture: backed by incredible emerging research on metabolic support for type 2 diabetes
• Teas — Herbal teas crafted for everyday ritual, from calming blends to invigorating brews.
• The Herbalist's Favorites — A hand-picked selection of the herbs and preparations we reach for most.

Some Facts about Jiaogulan

• USDA Growing Zone: 8–11
• Soil pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic)
• Sunlight: Partial shade
• Tolerant of Light Frost: Yes, but can be damaged by hard frost
• Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained soil
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
• Mature height: 6–8 feet
• Propagation: Cuttings

Growing Jiaogulan

1. Choose the right location: Jiaogulan prefers a warm, humid environment. Direct sunlight can damage leaves and hinder growth, so plant it where it receives partial shade. 
   
   We are in USDA Zone 9 and grow our Jiaogulan where it gets ample afternoon shade during hot summers, protected from occasional winter freezes by a nearby fence. In our zone it dies back in winter and returns robustly each spring. We also grow potted Jiaogulan in our greenhouse where it's harvestable year-round.
   
   Jiaogulan does well indoors too — it prefers bright windows and frequent misting. In winter, we place indoor pots on seedling heat mats and supplement with grow lights to keep plants lush.
   
   
2. Soil preparation: Use rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Mix in compost or organic fertilizer to improve quality and provide nutrients.
   
   
3. Propagation: Jiaogulan is notoriously difficult to start from seed — we recommend cuttings. Cut vines root easily in water; transplant into soil once roots form.
   
   
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week depending on conditions.
   
   
5. Fertilization: Outdoors, compost or well-aged manure is usually all the fertilizer needed. Spread a layer around the plant to keep roots cool and moist, and protect against slugs and snails with diatomaceous earth. For potted or indoor plants, fertilize monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer.

Caring for Jiaogulan

1. Pruning: Jiaogulan can become invasive if left unpruned. Trim regularly to keep it in shape and prevent excessive spreading.
   
   
2. Training: Provide a trellis or other support — the vines attach by curly tendrils. Jiaogulan makes a stunning hanging plant with lush, draping growth.
   
   
3. Pests and diseases: Relatively pest-resistant, but watch for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to address infestations. Protect from slugs and snails with diatomaceous earth.
   
   
4. Harvesting: Harvest leaves once the plant reaches maturity. Pick in the morning when leaves are dry, and store in a cool, dry place.
   
   
5. Winter care: Jiaogulan survives mild winters as a perennial. In colder climates, bring containers indoors or cover plants with a frost blanket.

Jiaogulan — Traditional Uses 

Jiaogulan has been used in eastern traditions for generations, and modern researchers have been interested in its gypenoside content. People commonly reach for it in support of:

• Blood sugar balance & metabolic support: a major area of herbal and scientific inquiry, where its unique gypenosides shine in helping maintain healthy glucose metabolism. Learn about our small-batch Yellow Dahlia Tincture, backed by incredible emerging research on metabolic support for type 2 diabetes.
  
  
• Everyday energy and stress resilience (adaptogenic use)
  
  
• Cardiovascular wellness: traditionally associated with supporting healthy circulation and cholesterol levels
  
  
• Antioxidant activity and liver support

These are traditional and emerging uses only. Jiaogulan is not a substitute for medical care. Always talk to your healthcare provider before adding any new herb or supplement to your routine, particularly if you take medications.

Ready for More?

If this herb has sparked your curiosity, explore our full range of thoughtfully sourced herbal teas and herbalist favorites — crafted for people who take their wellness rituals seriously.

Explore our Liver Support Bundle, combining our Liver Tea, Yellow Dahlia Tincture, and Yarrow Tincture for comprehensive metabolic and system support.

Browse Teas →

With love from LeeHouse,

~Leslie & Darren