Cat’s whiskers are native to tropical Asia, especially Malaysia, and Australia. The plant is cultivated in Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Georgia – the drug material also comes from these countries.
In herbal medicine, the dried leaves of cat’s beard (Orthosiphonis folium) are used.
Orthosiphon: characteristics
Orthosiphon or cat’s beard is a perennial plant that grows up to 80 cm high. It has opposite, distinctly toothed and hairy leaves that sit on short purple stems.
The flowers are white or light purple. Particularly striking are the filamentous stamens protruding very far in the center of the flowers, to which the plant also owes the name “cat’s whiskers“.
Features of orthosiphon leaves
Orthosiphon leaves are about 2-7 cm long, acuminate and short stalked. The margin is distinctly coarsely toothed and leaf veins can be seen. On top, the leaves are rich green, while the green on the underside is slightly lighter and more grayish. The petioles are square and brownish-purple in color.
Orthosiphon leaves give off a very faint aromatic odor. The taste of the leaves is slightly salty, somewhat bitter and astringent.
