The labiate Orthosiphon, also known as cat’s beard, is a herbaceous or semi-shrubby plant genus native mainly to some tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australia. Secondary constituents such as triterpenes, flavonoids and saponins are known to have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea prepared from the leaves is also known as Indian kidney tea and is recommended for inflammation and infection of the urinary tract, as well as for the treatment of small, sand-like kidney stones (kidney grits).
Occurrence and cultivation of orthosiphon
The labiate Orthosiphon, also known as cat’s beard, is a herbaceous or semi-shrubby plant genus native mainly to some tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australia. Orthosiphon establishes a perennial, herbaceous to semi-shrubby plant genus with a growth height of up to 80 centimeters. Orthosiphon, with about 45 known species, belongs to the labiates family. The long, curved stamens that protrude laterally from the flowers have earned it the common name cat’s beard in Germany. The terminal flowers, arranged in panicles or spikes, and the leaves give off a characteristic, faintly aromatic fragrance due to the essential oils they contain. The main distribution areas of Orthosiphon are tropical regions of Asia and Africa and northeastern Australia. With a few exceptions, the occurrence of most species is restricted to specific regions in each case. For example, the range of species such as Orthosiphon adenocaulis, biflorus, and a few others is restricted to Madagascar, while Orthosiphon aristatus is found throughout tropical Asia, northern Australia, and even subtropical regions of Asia. Orthosiphon is mainly cultivated in Australia, in Indonesia, and in countries such as Vietnam and Georgia. The reason for cultivating the plant is because of its health-related secondary ingredients, which are recommended for treating bacterial inflammation of the urinary tract and flushing out kidney gravel, sand-like kidney stones, among other things.
Effect and application
The mode of action of Orthosiphon is not based on the action of a particular individual component, but – as with most other medicinal plants – on the overall effect of the various ingredients in combination. Orthosiphon has a lot to offer in terms of its ingredients. In addition to various flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives and essential oils containing terpenes, tri- and diterpenes as well as sesquiterpenes, the high content of potassium salts is of particular relevance. Potassium has a special importance in the regulation of fluid balance and has effects on the function of muscles and nerves, as well as on the heart rhythm. Potassium deficiency can be the trigger of such diverse symptoms as fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, headaches, dizziness and even cardiac arrhythmias. Orthosiphon also has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. For example, the flavonoids sinensetin and eupatorin contained inhibit inflammatory enzymes, resulting in an anti-inflammatory effect. Synthetic diuretics carry the risk of impairing the electrolyte balance by flushing out electrolytes – especially potassium. This danger does not exist with Orthosiphon, since the corresponding minerals are reabsorbed or, in the case of potassium, are replenished in sufficient quantities. The ingredients relevant to health are contained mainly in the leaves of the plant, so the simplest application is to prepare a tea from the leaves of cat’s beard. In some Eastern cultures, the effect of the tea has been known for centuries and is used for the treatment of kidney and bladder ailments. In German, tea made from orthosiphon leaves is also known as Indian kidney tea or Java tea. For acute complaints, an average daily dose of six to twelve grams is recommended. This corresponds to about three to six cups of tea with two to three teaspoons of the dried and crushed leaves per cup. Boiling water is poured over the dried leaves and the tea should steep for five to twenty minutes. In order for the tea to retain heat, it can be covered or steeped in a thermos.The total amount of three to six cups should be drunk throughout the day. Orthosiphon is also offered as a tincture and in the form of drops, tablets, capsules and as globules. Combination preparations are also offered, in which Orthosiphon is combined with birch leaves and goldenrod herb or other herbal agents.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The special importance of Orthosiphon for health also lies in the fact that no undesirable side effects have been reported so far. However, pregnant women and children should avoid Orthosiphon due to lack of available studies and experience. The same applies to people with edema based on impaired kidney or heart function. Also, persons whose symptoms worsen during treatment or who show blood in the urine should have this clarified by a doctor. Because of the “flushing effect”, sufficient fluid intake should be ensured in other suitable ways during the tea cure or the intake of Orthosiphon. Orthosiphon has proven to be particularly suitable for the treatment of bacterial inflammations of the kidneys, bladder and ureters as well as the mucous membranes within the entire urogenital tract. In addition to the specific treatment of infections of the urinary tract, “flushing the body” with tea made from Orthosiphon leaves also provides a general health component in flushing out and removing any harmful substances and toxins from the body. For people with an increased risk of forming a kidney stone or several small kidney stones (kidney gravel), Orthosiphon is a good way of prevention. The best protection against the formation of a new urinary stone is provided by regular tea consumption, which should be combined with ample fluid intake, reduced protein intake and sufficient exercise. However, in the case of acute symptoms, preventive measures cannot replace a visit to the doctor.
