How does Orthosiphon work?
Orthosiphon (cat’s whiskers) has primarily a diuretic effect. In addition, antimicrobial properties are described, that is, an effect against microorganisms such as bacteria. Medically, the use of Orthosiphon is recognized as a traditional herbal medicine:
- as a flushing therapy for bacterial and inflammatory complaints of the draining urinary tract
- @ for the treatment of kidney gravel (small kidney stones)
How is Orthosiphon used?
You can take Orthosiphon as a tea, either preparing the tea yourself from the loose medicinal drug or using instant teas. In addition, the dry extract of the medicinal plant is used for the production of finished preparations such as tablets or capsules.
The combination with other medicinal plants, which are also recommended for urinary tract inflammation and kidney gravel, is very useful. These include, for example, horehound, birch, goldenrod and nettle.
For the use and dosage of the finished preparations such as capsules, please refer to the respective package insert and your doctor or pharmacist.
What side effects can Orthosiphon cause?
There are no known side effects for Orthosiphon so far.
What you should keep in mind when using Orthosiphon
During flushing therapy, make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Drink at least two liters per day.
Also see a doctor if the acute symptoms persist for more than a week or keep recurring.
Anyone who has edema (water retention) due to impaired cardiac or renal activity should refrain from flushing therapy with Orthosiphon leaves (or other medicinal plants).
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, as well as children and adolescents under 18 years of age should not use Orthosiphon, or only after consulting a physician.
How to obtain Orthosiphon products
What is Orthosiphon?
Cat’s-beard (Orthosiphon aristatus) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to tropical Asia and is cultivated in various regions (Java, Sumatra).
Particularly striking about the flowers are the long stamens and the long pistil of the ovary, which protrude from the corolla like whiskers of a cat – hence the German name “Katzenbart”. The stem of Orthosiphon is square, as is typical of this plant family. The leaves are coarsely toothed at the edge, pointed and sit opposite each other in pairs on the stem.
