Botanical Overview
Orthosiphon stamineus belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is commonly known as Cat’s whiskers, Java tea, or Misai kucing. The plant is native to Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The primary part used medicinally is the leaf.
Energetics
This herb is considered cooling and moistening in nature, with bitter and sweet tastes. It generally has a relaxing tonicity and is thought to primarily influence the body’s fluids.
Primary Actions
- Diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Uricosuric
Indications
Western
- Edema
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Gout
- Hypertension
Syndromes
- Renal insufficiency
- Urinary inflammation
- Fluid retention
- Hyperuricemia
TCM
- Edema
- Urinary difficulty
- Damp-heat in lower jiao
Syndromes
- Damp-heat obstruction
- Urinary tract dampness
Ayurveda
- Urinary disorders
- Kidney-related issues
- Inflammatory conditions
Syndromes
- Mutrashmari (urinary tract stones)
- Shotha (inflammation)
- Mutraghata (urinary obstruction)
Unani
- Edema
- Renal disorders
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Warm diseases of the kidney
- Retention of urine
Constituents & Mechanisms
The key phytochemicals include flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, sinensetin, orthosiphol, essential oils, and various phenolic compounds that contribute to its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2–4 g dried leaf 2–3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 40% ethanol 2–5 mL 2–3 times daily
- Capsules: 300–500 mg powdered leaf extract 2–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
The herb is generally safe when used traditionally, but lacks sufficient data for use during pregnancy and lactation; thus, it is contraindicated. It may potentiate diuretic and antihypertensive medications and should be used cautiously in these contexts. No major toxicities have been reported.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers have been identified for Orthosiphon stamineus.
Selected References
- Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. (cat’s whiskers): A review (Azam A. et al., 2013)
- Medicinal Plants of the World (Duke JA, 2002)
- Orthosiphon stamineus attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation in human endothelial cells (Lokman EF et al., 2011)
- Plants For A Future: Orthosiphon stamineus Benth.
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 3 (World Health Organization, 2007)