This plant, which has the Latin name Orthosiphon aristatus, does have a shape similar to a cat's whiskers, so it is nicknamed cat whiskers or cat whiskers.
“The leaves of the cat's whiskers are often used as herbal teas to help maintain health and treat certain conditions. Such as helping to overcome anyang-anyangan, diabetes, rheumatism, and others.”
Have you ever heard of or seen a cat's whisker plant? This plant, which has the Latin name Orthosiphon aristatus, does have a shape similar to a cat's whiskers, so it is nicknamed cat whiskers or cat whiskers.
Apart from being an ornamental plant, cat whiskers can also be used as herbal teas to help treat certain health conditions. One of its most well-known benefits is that it helps with anxiety.
However, not only that, there are many other benefits of cat whiskers leaves. Let's find out here!
Cat's whiskers or also known as the Java plant is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Labiatae or Lamiaceae family. This plant is found in many Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. Thanks to its health potential, cat whiskers are now well known abroad.
In Europe, people use a decoction of the leaves of Orthosiphon stamineus (another Latin name for cat's whiskers), to make Javanese tea which is consumed to promote general health and wellness.
According to a scientific study, this beautiful flowering plant has many compounds that can have a good impact on health. Cat whiskers are rich in flavonoids which have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Apart from that, the rosmarinic acid present in this herb also contributes to its many health benefits. Here are the benefits of cat whiskers leaves for health:
1. Overcoming Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
One of the main benefits of cat whiskers and has been proven by a number of medical studies is to overcome urinary tract infections (UTIs). So, if you experience anyang-anyangan that could be a sign of a UTI, try drinking boiled water or cat whiskers leaf tea.
Thanks to its diuretic effect, cat whiskers can increase the frequency of urination. Frequent urination can indirectly help eliminate bacteria in the bladder. It also helps prevent bacteria from attaching to cells in the walls of the urinary tract, which can lead to infection.
In addition, cat whiskers also have natural antibacterials that can help protect the urinary tract from bacterial attack.
2. Treating Kidney Disorders
Cat's whiskers are also known as the kidney plant. This may be because of its benefits for treating kidney disorders. On the island of Java, herbal teas made from cat whiskers are believed to effectively remove kidney stones up to 5 centimeters in size. The benefits of cat whiskers have also been verified in several clinical studies.
Cat's whiskers have the active ingredient orthosiphonin and potassium salt which has the effect of keeping uric acid and uric acid salts in a soluble form, thus preventing them from settling and forming kidney stones. Coupled with its diuretic properties, this herbal plant is able to prevent and treat kidney stones.
3. . Natural Rheumatic Medicine
If you have rheumatic problems, cat whiskers can also be a natural remedy to overcome them. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, this herbal plant is able to reduce inflammation in the joints. In addition, cat whiskers also have enzymes, such as flavonoids and natural acids, which can reduce pain due to rheumatism.
To treat rheumatic pain, drink a cup of tea made from 15-20 cat leaves, 1-2 cups a day.
4. Treating Swollen Gums
Swollen gums can occur for many reasons and the pain can be very annoying. Well, cat whiskers have antibacterial properties that can fight bacterial infections that often cause swollen gums.
To reduce pain and relieve swelling of the gums, cat whiskers leaves can be used by chewing or grinding and affixed to cavities.
5. Controls Blood Sugar
The benefits of cat whiskers are also very good for people with diabetes, because the ursolic acid content in it can reduce blood sugar. Several scientific studies have shown that these herbal plants can effectively regulate blood sugar levels in the body, so they can help people with diabetes manage their disease. But remember, talk to your doctor before switching completely to this herbal drink.
Those are some of the health benefits of cat whiskers leaves. Well, in addition to consuming them directly, some herbal plants also already exist in the form of supplements. You can try checking herbal medicines and vitamins to help overcome health problems for your family.
Source: HALODOC.COM