What is it
Commonly known as Java tea or cat’s whisker, the ortosifon (scientific name Ortosiphon stamineus or aristatus) is a small perennial tree with serrated leaves and white-violet flowers.
It is particularly widespread in Indonesia, but is also found throughout Southeast Asia, Pakistan and India. Its leaves and tops, harvested before flowering, are used.
Activity
Orthosiphon is a plant rich in phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. Its extract contains glucoside, orthosyphonin, saponin, sapophonin, essential oil, fatty oil, organic acids, limonene, menthol, borneol, thymol, a diuretic principle, an alkaloid and potassium.
It has a diuretic and purifying activity, favoring the elimination of excess fluids through renal activity.
It increases the volume of urine and the elimination of chlorine, uric acid and nitrogenous metabolic waste. It also doubles the excretion of sodium and potassium and decreases water retention in the tissues.
Orthosiphon also has a mild anti-infective effect on the urinary tract.
Why is it used
It is useful when you want a diuretic and purifying action and if you want to promote the elimination of uric acid.
The orthosiphon, therefore, is indicated for those suffering from water retention, even in the premenstrual phase and in case of cellulite. It is also a good adjuvant in diets.
How to use it
According to the pharmacopoeia French the nebulized dry extract is used and titrated in total phenolic compounds at least 5%.
The dose is 600-900 mg per day, divided into two or three administrations, preferably between meals and not in the evening hours.
Effects
Given the diuretic effect it can force you to get up at night to urinate. For this reason it is better not to take it in the evening hours.
Precautions
It should be administered with caution in elderly people suffering from renal failure who are already being treated with other drugs. It should not be taken at the same time as preparations based on officinal sage.
Interactions
It can act as an antagonist of the active ingredients contained in officinal sage, adrenaline, pituitary and hepatic extracts and bile salts. Enhances the action of diuretics.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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