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)