Scientific Name: Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. Synonyms: O. grandiflorus Bold.

Common Names: Java tea, Kidney Tea Plant, Cat’s Whiskers

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Other Names: Bangrak Pa (Prachuap Khiri Khan), Payab Mek (Bangkok), I Tu Dong (Phetchabun)

Botanical Characteristics: Orthosiphon aristatus is a small perennial herb that grows between 0.3 to 0.8 meters tall. The stems are quadrangular, and the leaves are simple, arranged oppositely, with a diamond shape and serrated edges. The leaf blades are dark green. The plant produces inflorescences at the ends of branches, featuring white to light purple or blue flowers. The flowers have long stamens extending beyond the petals. The fruit is a dry, non-splitting capsule.

Parts Used: Roots, entire plant, leaves, and medium-sized stems that are not too young or too old.

Medicinal Properties:

• Roots: Diuretic.
• Whole Plant: Treats kidney disorders, diuretic, cures gravel (urinary tract stones), alleviates back and lower back pain, treats nephritis, and rhinitis.
• Leaves: Treats kidney disorders, relieves joint pain, back pain, and arthritis, lowers blood pressure, manages diabetes, and reduces uric acid excretion from the kidneys.

Usage and Dosage:

Diuretic:

1. Use medium-sized stems and leaves of Java tea, not too old or young. Clean and dry them in the shade. Use 4 grams or 4 pinches, brew with 750 cc of boiling water (same as brewing tea). Drink as a regular beverage throughout the day for 1-6 months.
2. Use a handful of fresh stems and leaves daily (90-120 grams fresh, 40-50 grams dried), boil with water and consume one cup (75 cc) three times a day before meals.

Precautions: Individuals with heart or kidney conditions should avoid consumption due to high potassium content. Impaired kidneys cannot expel potassium efficiently, posing severe health risks.

Scientific Analysis: Java tea is high in potassium (0.7-0.8%) and contains a bitter glycoside known as orthosiphonin. It also has essential oils (0.2-0.6%), saponins, alkaloids, organic acids, and fatty oils. Studies have shown its efficacy as a diuretic. The decoction from leaves is used to treat various kidney-related ailments, including bladder disorders and nephritis.

Chemical Constituents:

• Whole Plant: Hederagenin, Beta-Sitosterol, Ursolic acid
• Leaves: Glycolic acid, Potassium Salt Orthosiphonoside, Tannin, Flavone Organic acid, and essential oils