Gynostemma pentaphyllum
Jekkapedia
Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Sweet Tea Vine, Jiaogulan
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Gynostemma
This herb is dioecious, the male and female pale yellow flowers appear on separate plants. Small palmate, glossy, serrated green leaves. Culinary; the leaves have a sweet cucumber flavour, used in puddings and to make teas.
Characteristics:
Sweet Tea Vine can be seen at the herb farm in Jekka’s Herbetum and is available to buy as herb plants.
Details
Growing
Medicinal
Also known as jiaogulan or ‘southern ginseng’, the leaf of this plant has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to make a tonic tea. Some studies have found evidence to support claims that it may improve high cholesterol levels and lower raised fasting blood glucose.
Caution: Avoid use in pregnancy and breast feeding. Should not be used in diabetes without professional supervision. Not to be taken by those on anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications.
Please note: The information provided here is for educational interest only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat significant health problems. Any serious or long-term health concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
See our blog for more information about the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Available as
Click on an icon to navigate to the page:
