If you have followed Hyperion for a while then you likely know that Reishi is often referred to traditionally as “the mushroom of immortality.” But did you know there is also an “herb of immortality?” This herb is gynostemma, also called five-leaf ginseng, poor man's ginseng, miracle grass, and southern ginseng.
Gynostemma is a sweet tasting herb most often enjoyed as a tea. It has a long history of medicinal use, dating back as far as 1578, where it was recommended in herbalist Li Shizhen's book Compendium of Materia Medica.
The allusions to ginseng in gynostemma’s alternative names listed above are no accident. Ginseng and Gynostemma are two herbs with the highest concentration of adaptogenic compounds known as saponins. Gynostemma actually contains 82-88 unique saponins, and researchers in the 1970s discovered that some of these saponins are identical to those found in ginseng.
What does this mean? Gynostemma is essentially one of the most underrated and economical tonic adaptogens, on par with supreme herbs such as Ginseng. In fact, I recently wrote a whole blog on why gynostemma is the supreme economical adaptogen. But in this blog I want to talk about 3 unique health benefits that gynostemma can offer you, and why you should incorporate this delicious tea into your daily routine.
Reason #1: Fight Anxiety and Stress | Support Brain Health
Because of the fast pace of modern life, as well as our increased exposure to technology, screens, and stimulation, many people find it difficult to relax and cultivate a calm mind and body. Gynostemma is an excellent tonic herb for relaxing the body, reducing stress, and calming the nervous system.
Modern studies are just now catching up to the traditional wisdom around Gynostemma’s stress-fighting benefits. A placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on 72 healthy people showed that gynostemma leaf extract lowered anxiety from chronic psychological stress. So next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, trying brewing up a cup of gynostemma tea!
Reason #2: Boost Your Cardiovascular Health
Gynostemma has been shown time and time again to improve cardiovascular health, mainly through its ability to help the body resist absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides. In a study conducted on 48 people, regularly consuming gynostemma tea was associated with lower cholesterol levels. Compounds in gynostemma can also boost circulation, and thus help maintain healthy blood flow and prevent excessive arterial narrowing.
The efficiency and benefits of cardiac activity and aerobic exercise itself is also heightened with regular intake of gynostemma. One study found that gynostemma improved energy levels in cells and may aid in recovery from exercise. This makes gynostemma a great choice for athletes or those looking to get the most from their cardiovascular conditioning.
Reason #3: Reduce Inflammation | Boost Overall Health and Energy
Studies have shown that gynostemma has “radical scavenging, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties.” One way gynostemma achieves these properties is through correcting the deleterious effects of Nuclear Factor Kappa B. Nuclear Factor Kappa B is a protein complex that, when incorrectly regulated, is at the root of all inflammation in all vertebrates, and associated with cell death in animals. By attenuating negative NFKB pathways, gynostemma not only reduces inflammation, but encourages health throughout the whole body.
Gynostemma also helps relieve inflammation by boosting nitric oxide and activating AMPK, as demonstrated in cell studies. AMPK is a key enzyme responsible for cellular energy. Boosting AMPK levels likely results in increased energy levels (something many people report from regularly taking gynostemma) as AMPK activates glucose and fatty acid uptake and oxidation when cellular energy is low.
How to Find High Quality Gynostemma
Hyperion Herbs gynostemma tea is organically grown in the high mountains of Thailand. It tastes delicious and can be enjoyed several times a day for its many health and longevity benefits. Gynostemma tastes even more amazing paired with our rose or chrysanthemum buds. Pick up some high quality gynostemma here!