Orthosiphon stamineus

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Orthosiphon stamineus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Orthosiphon Species: O. stamineus
Binomial name
Orthosiphon stamineus

Orthosiphon stamineus (Malay: kumis kucing) is a traditional herb that is widely grown in tropical areas. The two general species, Orthosiphon stamineus “purple" and Orthosiphon stamineus “white” are traditionally used to treat diabetes, kidney and urinary disorders, high blood pressure and bone or muscular pain.

Cat whisker, also known as Java tea, has been introduced in the western since early 20th century. Though it is popular as a medicinal herb, it is also tasty as a drink. The preparation of Java tea is similar to that for other teas. It is soaked in hot boiling water for about three minutes, before adding honey or milk. It can be easily prepared as garden tea from the dried leaves. There are quite a number of commercial products derived from cat whisker.

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