The healthiest tea on earth sounds like a pretty bold statement. That's exactly what my reaction was when I was first introduced to Spring Dragon Tea by Dragon Herbs. I set some water to boil and plunged in a tea bag with a healthy side of skepticism. My first taste of this light, semi-sweet, gynostemma based tea was heavenly and I immediately fell in love. After conducting my normal hour or so of research after trying any new herbal tonic, I quickly saw the legitimacy of Dragon herbs self acclaimed boast as, "the healthiest tea on earth." Not only is Gynostemma an overall elite in adaptogenic, anti-aging herbs, but the particular harvesting methods used by Dragon Herbs ensures the highest quality yield of gynostemma available. They start with a pristine location in Central China with it's own mountain spring water supply. This remote location is so unscathed by humans that you can't even drive a car up to where the gynostemma is harvested! This makes it completely virgin land with absolutely no pollution. The magical tonic herb is then grown organically and harvested by hand, preserving its amazing adaptogenic qualities.
Gynostemma is considered an adaptogen because it provides "double direction systemic regulation." Basically, it can have an invigorating effect, but is not a stimulant or it can have a calming effect, but is not a sedative. It's almost as if the herb itself has an intelligence within the body to regulate your system in the way that it is most needed. This sounds almost far fetched and unrealistic, but in my own experience when I drink Spring Dragon Tea in the morning it gives me a boost of energy to take on the day, and when I drink it at night I drift off to a restful and undisturbed night of sleep before I am able to brew my second cup. It has been noted that gynostemma is also an excellent tonic for weight management. It has been shown to decrease excess body fat and modulate caloric intake where needed, while at the same time helping athletes, body builders, and excessively slim people gain and maintain healthy weight and lean muscle mass. It also has a high antioxidant content and supports the immune system as well as digestion.
Still not convinced that Spring Dragon is the healthiest tea on earth? Well those are just the health benefits of the primary herb in Spring Dragon Tea, it is comprised of five other tonic/adaptogenic herbs that work together in a synergistic way to promote systemic regulation and overall health and vitality. Here's what's inside beyond gynostemma leaves:
Schizandra Fruit – Called the "quintessence of Chinese herbs," Schizandra is a delicious, exotic tonic fruit that is traditionally used to tone all the systems of the body, nourish and moisturize the skin, and sharpen the mind. It exhibits antioxidant activity.
Goji Berries – Known in Asia as a premier "longevity and anti-aging herb," this delicious tonic fruit is a true super food, exhibiting antioxidant activity. It is famous for enhancing strength, vision and beauty. Goji features immune system supportig polysaccharides.
Astragalus Root – One of the most important herbs in all of herbalism, Astragalus is highly regarded for its effects in helping to support a healthy immune system. It is also a potent energy tonic and blood tonic.
Eleuthero Root –Also known as "Siberian Ginseng," Eleuthero is famous for its ability to enhance physical and mental endurance, to help us handle stress more efficiently and as a gentle mood elevator. Eleuthero, like ginseng and Gynostemma, is rich in saponins. It is a superb adaptogenic herb.
Luo Han Guo Fruit– This delicious, exotic fruit has been used for centuries in Chinese traditional medicine as a lung tonic. It contains mogroside, a potent glucoside that helps to support a healthy immune system.
So there you have it, an amazing blend of comprehensively studied and researched Chinese herbs that have been used to promote health and longevity for thousands of years, blended together to make the healthiest tea on earth. Perhaps the most important factor though is the taste, because it ensures that you will want to drink it. After all Ron Teeguarden's "First Rule of Tonic Herbalism," is summed up in a single word; "Compliance. If you don't take the herbs, they won't work."