JAVA TEA (Orthosiphon stamineus)

JAVA TEA - VERY USEFUL HERB FOR KIDNEY STONES

Orthosiphon stamineus (0. aristata) Lamiaceae/Labiatae

This attractive shrub from Southeast Asia can grow to a height if almost 1m. It has irregular, indented leaves, which grow in pairs opposite one another. A distinctive feature if the plant is the white or lilac flowers with wispy stamens that extend 2cm beyond the petals. They are known as cats' whiskers.

PARTS USED

• Leaves and flowers
• The leaves and the flowers are harvested at the beginning of the flowering period, then dried and broken into fragments.
• The plant is used to make infusions, powder capsules and extracts.
• Indonesia is the principal exporter of Java tea.

CONSTITUENTS

The most significant compounds in Java tea are polyphenols and, in particular, flavonoids, among which is sinensetin. Very small quantities of essential oil have been detected and Java tea also contains a large amount of potassium.

MEDICINAL USES

Java tea is believed to be beneficial in the treatment of gout, rheumatism, and renal and urinary infections. Human experiments in 1998 showed that Java tea has a mild diuretic effect and can increase the excretion of urea and uric acid. A Thai study in 2001, involving patients suffering from kidney stones, found that a daily dose of Java tea infusionwas as effective as conventional drugs and it avoided some of the side effects. An increase in excretion of calcium and uric acid in the urine was observed.

Another study showed that certain terpenic compounds extracted from the leaves of Java tea inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells.Java tea's diuretic and bilestimulating effects mean that it is often used to complement slimming diets. Another traditional use is in the treatment of diabetes

CAUTIONS

No adverse side effects have been recorded when the plant is used in therapeutic doses.

It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

For internal use

TO TREAT bile disorders, kidney stones and gallstones INFUSION Put 5g into 1 litre of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups a day, the last one several hours before going to bed. CAPSULES (150mg dried aqueous extract or 325mg powder) Take 2 capsules with a large glass of water three times a day at mealtimes.

CULTIVATION : Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded location.

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