Folk names
Cat’s Beard
Plant description
Native to tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. Persistent, herbaceous semi-shrubs. Opposite arranged leaves, lancet-like, long and pointed, very similar to peppermint leaves.
The pale violet flowers grow spike-like together at the end of the stem. Leaves and flowers have an aromatic scent. Cultivated in Asia.
Medicinally used plant parts
The leaves
Ingredients
Glycoside, saponin, essential oil, potassium salts, tanning agents.
Healing effect and efficacy
The drug has a mild diuretic and antispasmodic effect. It is used in mild forms of cystitis, in the beginning of kidney shrinking and in chronic kidney inflammation. The active ingredients improve the elimination of uric acid via the kidneys. Very suitable for flushing therapy in cases of beginning and mild cystitis. In case of water retention due to reduced heart and kidney activity, this measure should be omitted.
Preparation
Tea from orthosiphon leaves. To prepare a daily amount, pour 1 l of boiling water over a handful of cut tea. The tea is strained only after it has completely cooled down. One drinks 3 cups spread over the day.
Combination with other medicinal plants
Indian bubble and kidney tea is an ideal complement to bearberry leaves. These are considered as one of the best vegetable active substances for the disinfection of the blister and the discharging urinary tract. The diuretic and easily cramp-relieving effect of the Orthosiphonblätter is here an ideal addition.
A tea mixture can be made from 25 g each of bearberry leaves and orthosiphon leaves. 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1⁄4 l water coldly pour over and after 10 hours strain off. Heat to drinking temperature and drink 3 cups spread over the day.
Side effects
Side effects are not to be feared with normal dosage. Do not use flushing therapy if water accumulates in the body.