Do you or someone you know suffer from respiratory issues, asthma, low immune function, diabetes, stress, obesity, or cancer? Well I have an herb for you. Let us introduce you to Jiaogulan - a Chinese herb. This herb is also known as Southern ginseng and has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Read on to learn about just some of the wonderful health benefits of Jiaogulan.

This week’s Nutrients by the Alphabet: Jiaogulan

That’s right, in this new series – Nutrients by the Alphabet – you will learn all about important nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants), their health benefits, and easy and delicious ways to get more of the good stuff with a fun recipe to try each week (courtesy of my awesome student-intern from Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School – Shelby Persechino)!

So, what are the health benefits of Jiaogulan?

Jiaogulan helps fight respiratory issues, such as the common cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea). The herb is often used as an expectorant and decongestant since it helps clear away mucus from the airways, lungs, bronchia and trachea. Jiaogulan can help fight asthma (by reducing inflammation in the airway) and can help reduce stress (by influencing activity in certain brain cells involved in regulating mood). This powerful herb also has anti-obesity effects by increasing insulin sensitivity in the body and by improving metabolism and nutrient absorption. Jiaogulan can help with diabetes by regulating blood sugar which alters activity in certain liver enzymes. But use caution when taking Jiaogulan because it may actually lower insulin levels. Jiaogulan can help prevent and heal cancers by enhancing the body’s own defenses by protecting and boosting the immune system, by minimizing DNA mutations that lead to tumors, and by its chemical components that have direct anti-cancer action (like saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides). These are just some of the health benefits of Jiaogulan, but what amazing benefits from just an herb!!

So, how much Jiaogulan do you need and where can you find it?

You should have a daily dose of 60 to 180 mg of Jiaogulan. Even though Jiaogulan has awesome health benefits you need to be cautious of its side effects. It can increase nausea, cause an increase in bowel movements, and may inhibit blood-clotting. You can find Jiaogulan in natural-food stores and stores that specialize in herbal products. Again, take caution when using herbal supplements and be sure that you are getting a high quality product. Also, check with your physician to see if this herb is right for you.

Looking for a way to increase your intake of Jiaogulan? Here is an easy way to prepare and brew Jiaogulan tea from “Jiaogulan”.