Stems and leaves are used in the making of the tea. It is impossible to separate the stems from the leaves in harvesting. So, to produce only the leaves is very difficult if not impossible.
In the making of the tea the whole plant is used, that is the stems and leaves. Every part of the plant has different nutrients and medicinal values, which makes it more potent and effective when taken as a whole. Finished product is 100% Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum).