Using Jiaogulan for Exercise, Body Building, and Weight Management
Naturally, body builders and athletes would place greater endurance and energy on top of their ‘list’ and would be enticed to any form of medications, whether natural or not, that would provide these prized commodities. It is quite obvious from the enormous number of products that promise to help increase a person’s muscle mass, that even serious weight trainers are also interested in such effect. Almost everybody, men and women, would want to have a more toned, sexy body. Having said this, using herbal remedies for sports and fitness health are effective and safe when used properly.
Using Jiaogulan as a Sports Herb
In countries like Japan, Korea, China and Russia, herbs and sports are not only very popular, but also greatly advocated by the government. Herbal remedies have been traditionally used and valued by many athletes since early times. Usually, these herbs were used in their natural state – either cooked, chewed or used topically. In Japan and China, wrestlers, warriors and athletes took various teas or decoctions to enhance strength and endurance, and some of these herbs are still being widely used for the same purposes.
While still relatively new, jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is becoming a popular sports herb, used by many athletes, body builders and people who want to manage their weight. Native to the mountains of South China, jiaogulan is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. Also known as gynostemma, it is sometimes referred as the ‘southern ginseng’ that provides optimal immunity and protection against overtraining.
Jiaogulan exhibits potent antioxidant properties that are believed to support immune system function by enhancing activity of white blood cells as well as aiding proper liver function and strong digestive system. By supporting a healthy immune system, jiaogulan can fight overtraining and support overall health. Always remember that a healthy immune system is crucial in keeping the body running efficiently no matter what your fitness goal.
Why Adaptogens are Perfect for Training and Exercise
Jiaogulan is strengthening and rejuvenating to the immune system, as it works as tonic to the over stressed muscles and nerves while protecting and nourishing it. A very promising adaptogen, it helps the mind and body cope up to stress that are inevitable, while supporting and calming the body.
Jiaogulan stimulates the adrenal glands to produce ‘stress fighting hormones’ such as dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. By taking this herb, athletes can gain a lot from jiaogulan supplementation due to the plant’s ability to heighten the body’s defense against the ravages of stress and overtraining. As a diet herb, jiaogulan helps the body by speeding up metabolism. It also regulates blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. Regulating blood sugar and cholesterol are important factors in achieving healthy metabolic function, whether you want to gain or lose weight.
When taking jiaogulan as a sports herb, take it along side your nutritional supplements or your protein shake for a rejuvenating, tonifying effect. It is also perfect as part of your pre-training drink or during morning with your morning smoothie, for strength boosting. You can also eat it fresh as a vegetable. Jiaogulan leaf powder can be found in many health shops and online herbal stores.