Cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus), also known as Java tea and balbas pusa, has been used as a remedy for several health issues. Present in the herb are antioxidant compounds like rosmarinic acid, beta-sitosterol, ursolic acid, glycolic acid, methylripariochromene A, bioflavonoids, and oleanolic acid. Rosmarinic acid is a general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound (1).
Cat’s whiskers is reported to have dynamic pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties (2).
It is traditionally used to treat gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory health conditions. Results of a study showed that it possesses anti-arthritic properties that could be beneficial for the prevention of arthritis and other chronic inflammatory disorders (3).
The leaves of the plant have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acute and chronic arthritis. It has enzymes that help relieve us from gout while its flavonoids and natural acids help lessen pain thus providing much-needed relief from arthritis pain (4).
Having tea made from the leaves of the plant can help us enjoy this benefit. For this, we need to finely chop around four to five leaves and add them to a cup of boiling water. After that, turn off the heat and cover the pot so that the leaves brew in hot water for five to ten minutes. Finally, strain the tea and enjoy this health-benefiting beverage.
The leaves of this plant can also be used as a poultice in order to get relief from pain caused by dental caries (cavities). It may also be pounded and employed as a poultice to relieve swelling.
What Are The Other Benefits Of Cat Whiskers?
Regulation Of Blood Sugar
Cat’s whiskers may help regulate blood sugar and help control diabetes. It can help keep our blood sugar levels stable and balanced, thereby preventing insulin resistance or imbalance. High levels of blood sugar have been linked to cardiovascular diseases, nerve problems, and kidney diseases (5).
Diuretic Action
May help increase the flow of urine. The herb’s sinensetin and the tetramethoxy-flavones help increase the flow of urine by relaxing the muscles of the walls of the internal vessels. The diuretic action of this herb can also be attributed to Methylripariochromene A (6).
Can Be A Powerful Cold Remedy
Due to the herb’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it may help in reducing the symptoms of minor throat and mouth infection, ease cough and cold and reduce symptoms of hyperthermia (7).
Sources:
- https://www.herbanext.com/philippine-medicinal-herbs/cats-whiskers
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2014/396016/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5122152/
- https://www.google.com/amp/s/helth.co/cat-whiskers-plant-health-benefits/amp/
- https://www.andromenopause.com/the-holistic-benefits-of-cats-whiskers/
- https://holisticzine.com/health-benefits-of-cats-whiskers-plant
- https://www.nature-ceuticals.com.au/pages/10-benefits-of-cat-whiskers-herb
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