Misai Kuching (Orthosiphon stamineus)
This medical herb has been used for many centuries in South East Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. It is appreciated for treating ailments of the bladder and kidney. Misai Kuching began to interest researchers as early as the beginning of the 20th century when this plant was introduced to Europe where it became a popular herbal tea called Java Tea.
In Malaysia, it is also appreciated for its elegant unique flower and it is commonly seen growing in many home gardens.
Plant Description:
Misai Kuching is a herbaceous shrub, with a unique flower that looks like cat's whiskers, hence the name.
Plant Parts Used: Leaves
Uses in Traditional Medicine:
The plant is believed to have anti-allergic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. It is used as a remedy for arteriosclerosis (capillary and circulatory disorders), kidney stones and nephritis. It is also used for treating gout, diabetes and rheumatism. In Malaysia, the leaves are used as a diuretic and for treating catarrh of the bladder. A concoction prepared from the plant is used to eliminate stones in the bladder.
Pharmacology:
Orthosiphon stamineus is reported to possess anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activities. It also exhibits considerable anti-bacterial activity (minimal inhibitory concentration = 7.8-23.4mg/ml). Alcoholic and water extracts of Misai Kuching are shown to have significant diuretic activity in rats. (rats, not cats.....hmmmm)
Clinical Trials:
Clinical studies show that the diuretic effects of Misai Kuching have no influence on 12 and 24 hours urine output or the sodium excretion.
Towards Commercial Production:
Currently, Misai Kuching is categorized as one of the most potential herbs to be commercialized in Malaysia. This is mainly due to its easiness to cultivate and its validated health benefits especially in treating ailments associated with kidney and the urinary system.
Clinical studies show that the diuretic effects of Misai Kuching have no influence on 12 and 24 hours urine output or the sodium excretion.
Towards Commercial Production:
Currently, Misai Kuching is categorized as one of the most potential herbs to be commercialized in Malaysia. This is mainly due to its easiness to cultivate and its validated health benefits especially in treating ailments associated with kidney and the urinary system.
Nicole's 2-cent: We found this pot of whiskers at my aunt's garden. I was tempted to steal it....but no...Mama said we can buy a pot at the farmers' market. Anyway what would I do with extra whiskers, eh?. purrrrr *giggles*
17 comments:
So Many information..Thanks my friend
I think I passed on to my human, I go for nap now : )
Kumis kucing ! :D hahaha this grows in the wild here, I should try to drink Kumis Kucing tea "The plant is believed to have anti-allergic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. " yea... might help with my recurring allergies
woww! nice info thanx ;)
Mr Puddy,
You're a boy...hmmm...figures. purrr *giggles*
Aunty Meoww,
Nicole pun nak juga jadi tabib. purrrr *giggles*
Tante Sandy,
Why not? But try to plant at home though as people may have sprayed pesticides on the wild ones. purrrr *giggles*
It is a very good herb and I must try to get my hands on it.
Thanks for sharing!
Salam
Aunty Paula,
We saw them at Pasar Tani too. purrrr *giggles*
Mama nak pokok misai kucing buat apa? Kerat aje misai kucing-kucing dia...
Amboi Aunty Pi! Sampai hati ye? purrr *giggles*
Will we get whiskers when we eat this plant?
MKG dear,
You may even grow a tail. A bushy one. purrrr *giggles*
We have a plant in our garden, too. But yours look so much healthier, and more important, prettier!
Aunty Pat,
I wish it's ours but it's not. purrrr *giggles*
hmmm.... i wonder what Java Tea tastes like.
there are so many interesting things in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. thanks for sharing. :)
Fae's human,
Next time spend more time here. purrrr *giggles*
Great info, Kitties! We drink the tea for kidney and urinary health. We can find potted live plants at the Hari Organik bazaar. Come with me next time, okay?
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