Java Tea
Java Tea (Mao Xu Cao)
Botanical Name: Orthosiphon aristatus (AKA O. stamineus)
Java tea has been found to protect the renal and gastrointestinal organs and passage ways. It is also said to help reduce the effects of allergies and asthma. It is most famous for its anti-inflammatory and urinary health benefits, helping to prevent kidney stones. Java tea is also good at relieving stress and fatigue and has strong antioxidant properties that help protect against free-radical damage and the signs of aging. A daily cup of java tea is said to lower cholesterol, increase brain activity and memory as well as increasing overall brain functionality.
Below is an overview of Java Tea, combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of Java Tea.
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Western
Western Name: Java Tea
Also Known As: Arjak, Cats Whiskers, Java
Organs/Systems: Liver, Bladder, Kidney
Key Western Actions & Medicinal Uses: Diuretic, Antispasmodic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-micorbial, Anti-diabetic.

Eastern
Pin Yin: Mao Xu Cao
Also Known As: Misai Kuching, Kidney Tea
Meridians: Kidney, Liver
Key TCM Actions & Medicinal Uses: Tonifies Kidney and Liver Qi/Stabilizes and Binds/Resolves Damp: kidney stones, bladder infections, joint pain, gout, balance blood glucose, improve circulation, increase energy and fitness, weight loss. Calms Liver Qi: headaches, dizziness, epilepsy, tetanus, infantile convulsions. Clears Wind Damp: headaches, numbness, hemiplegia, nephritis.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaves, Stem Tips, Flowers, Roots and Seeds
Flavors/Temps: Bitter
Caution: Considered safe. But be aware: prolonged use can increase the loss of potassium and minerals.
History/Folklore: Java Tea is a very popular herbal tea in Southeast Asia. It is listed in French, Indonesian, Duth and Swiss pharmacopoeias as a remedy for kidney ailments. It has been used in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Javanese Islands for centuries.
The plant, Orthosiphon aristatus, also called cats whiskers is a beautiful, and hardy, ornamental garden plant. It is a distant relative to the basil family and is noted for its aromatic leaves. When it is used medicinally it is called java tea.
Typically the leaves and stem tips are used, but the roots and seeds can also be used medicinally though they are poisonous so need to be properly prepared. The plant is best when freshly picked, though dried leaves and flowers are also used.
In China and Asia, the leaves can be chewed and stuffed into teeth with cavities to relieve pain and swelling. Java tea is generally considered to be an excellent kidney tonic and is widely used to treat a wide variety of kidney related issues.
Blending java tea with oregano, is a remedy for mild asthma and whooping cough.
The leaves when brewed will smell similar to mint or basil and if brewed with the flowers will smell similar to camellia blossoms.
Key Constituents:
Terpenes, Flavonoids, Caffeic acid, Essential oils, the Polyphenol, Sinensetin, Sisterol, Ursolic acid, and large amounts of Potassium.

Irrigation Therapy
Using Java Tea medicinally is sometimes referred to as irrigation therapy as it is used with lots of fluids to increase urination.

Recipe for Kidney Health
Boiling 5 to 6 java tea leaves in one cup of water, once a day, is good for the kidneys.

Treat Diabetes Symptoms
Extract java tea juice by crushing a few leaves and take a half teaspoon of the juice three times a day to help treat the symptoms of diabetes.
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